Unlocking Inspiration: Sauce So Good — A Candid Changemaker’s Peek into Keyon Watkins’ Inspiring Endeavors

Join us this spring as we share inspiring stories of community changemakers. Highlighting the impactful journey of Keyon Watkins and others making a difference.

Spring Changemakers Kick-off

As we kick off the vibrant spring season, I’m excited to share stories of the extraordinary individuals who are shaping our community and inspiring change. But before diving into those inspiring tales, I want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on my good friend, Keyon Watkins—a young man whose journey and impact continue to resonate deeply with me.

Heartland St. Louis Black Chambers

I had the pleasure of meeting Keyon years ago at a Heartland St. Louis Black Chambers event, and from that moment, I knew he was someone special. Though I no longer hold an office within the organization, I remain a proud member of this incredible community hub in the city.

So, whether you’re sipping your favorite Java or unwinding with a little something stronger, settle in and get comfortable. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to my boy Keyon—visionary founder of Blak Men Read, creator of Sauce So Good, and so much more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this inspiring story of passion, purpose, and progress.

Sauce So Good

Keyon’s Sauce So Good inventory is ever so expanding. Images by Keyon

First off, I want to say congratulations on all of your endeavors, including your successful Sauce So Good stand at the fabled Soulard Market. Before we parlay into your remarkable journey of excellence. Tell me more about your sauce and aloof your products? Sauce So Good is a company.

 I formed in late 2021 after year of being in the family bbq business I decided to venture off and start selling products of my own creation. I have a mild and spicy bbq sauce. A dry rub and an all purpose seasoning. 

2. As a single dad, how do you juggle the time between being a doting father to being a top notch entrepreneur ? 

It’s hard something I still struggle with to this day. I learned to put everything on my calendar and lean a lot on my mom. I also have my son accompany me when I’m in schools and community. 

3. What are your top sellers at your stand in Soulard, and how long have you been blending the sauce? 

My mild sauce and All purpose seasoning are my top sellers and since 2021

4. Now let’s get to your interview with St. Louis Public Radio, how do you prepare for podcast interviews? 

I really don’t prepare I just speak from the heart I believe that the rawness and authenticity it what connects people and what makes me stand out. 

Black Men Read

6. What do you think an ordinary man gets out of attending your reading and seminar sessions? Or should I ask what they expect to accomplish during the meet ups?

For Black Men Read’s Black Men T.A.L.K. events, I think the average man walks away with something a lot deeper than just conversation. He gains community, perspective, accountability, and a safe space to be honest without judgment.

Many men, especially Black men, move through life carrying pressure, trauma, responsibilities, and emotions they rarely get the opportunity to unpack. Black Men T.A.L.K. creates an environment where men can be heard, challenged, supported, and reminded that they are not alone.

The goal isn’t for everyone to come in having all the answers. It’s about growth. Some men come to heal. Some come to listen. Some come looking for brotherhood, mentorship, clarity, or simply a place where they can breathe and be themselves authentically.

8. What do you tell a parent whose child is struggling to read and has a hard time paying attention in school? 

Keyon with the students at Biome School in St. Louis, MO/Courtesy of Keyon

Every child learns differently, develops differently, and responds to different environments and teaching styles.

At the same time, I also believe we have to be honest as a community. Teachers, schools, tutors, and programs like Black Men Read can provide support, structure, and intervention—but we can only do so much in the limited time we have with a child. The real transformation has to continue at home.

Reading improvement is not something that happens only during school hours or tutoring sessions. It takes consistency. It takes hearing language, seeing books, practicing sounds, being read to, limiting distractions, and creating routines around learning. Even 15–20 minutes a day of intentional reading, conversation, and engagement at home can make a major difference over time.

Attention issues can also sometimes be connected to larger things—lack of sleep, overstimulation from screens, inconsistent routines, emotional stress, hunger, trauma, or simply not feeling confident academically. That’s why it takes all of us working together: parents, schools, mentors, tutors, and the community.

MLS Recognition

Keyon speaking to reporter as he accepts his recognition on a chilly day downtown/Image by Keyon

9. Oh before I forget, you were featured at the MLS St. Louis City SC game, I was there and missed your presentation by minutes. Mainly, because it was cold, and I left the press box to go get some coffee. Tell me about that experience and the glowing appearance you left with over 22,000 fans staring directly at you on the field?

It was truly an honor for both myself and Black Men Read to be recognized in front of over 22,000 fans, especially during the opening game. Moments like that remind you that the work is being seen and that people are paying attention to what’s happening in the community.

I’ll be honest—I was a little nervous walking out there. Hearing myself over the broadcast the echo and seeing that many people looking directly at me definitely threw me off for a second. It’s a different kind of pressure when you’re representing not just yourself, but an entire mission and organization.

But overall, it was a great experience and something I’ll always appreciate. More than anything, I hope it gave Black Men Read meaningful exposure and helped more people become aware of the work we’re doing around literacy, mentorship, and community impact.

I also look at it as one of the first of many moments like that as we continue to grow. At the end of the day, the work speaks for itself. Recognition is appreciated, but what matters most are the results—the children being impacted, the confidence being built, and the real change happening in the community every day.

DONATE to Black Men Read

In conclusion, Congratulations to The Narrative Matters: 5 years of Greatness!

Thank you sir, I look forward to many more endeavors that come your way. Peace and we are out! In closing, Congratulations to The Narrative Matters: 5 years of Greatness!

#SpringInspiration #CommunityChangemakers #KeyonWatkins #YouthImpact #PositiveChange #InspiringStories #Spring2026 #CommunityLeadership #PersonalGrowth #MakingADifference