From a Book to a Movement
At Redefining Normal, we're all about creating a safe and supportive space where youth, adults, and professionals can come together to learn and grow. By fostering an environment of vulnerability and intentionality, we believe that anything is possible. Draw on our experiences to break the cycles of trauma and adversity and create generational healing in your life.
About Us
Meet Justin and Alexis Black—a dynamic duo who have accomplished so much despite their challenging upbringing as former foster youth from Detroit and Flint, Michigan. They are not only bestselling authors and speakers, but also proud business owners who were recently recognized as Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneurs for 2021.
Their uplifting story has led them to publish an award-winning and bestselling book titled Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat the Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love. Their book has touched the lives of over 25,000 individuals and families, proving that anyone can overcome adversity and achieve success.
Through Redefining Normal, Justin and Alexis show others how they can use their own experiences to create a life worth living. They want to break the cycles that hold so many people back and encourage others to do the same. You’re invited to take part in this incredible journey of resilience and transformation.
The toxic cycle of trauma can span over five generations.
Its destructive grip can seep into families and communities, normalizing abuse and unhealthy behavior. But our futures are not set in stone—breaking this cycle is within your power and can change your trajectory!
We all have a "normal" that our families, communities, and experiences shape. But for those of us whose history is rooted in trauma, that normal can be distorted and limiting. Therefore, it's up to us to redefine what love, happiness, success, and healthy relationships mean and to use those new definitions to heal generational trauma. By doing this, we can turn trauma into triumph and create a life worth living. Follow us in our mission to redefine normal and improve lives, one person at a time.
In 2020, Redefining Normal emerged on the scene, following the groundbreaking success of Justin and Alexis Black's bestseller.
Step into a new normal with Redefining Normal! Driven by their bestselling book, "How Two Foster Kids Beat the Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love," Justin and Alexis Black are bringing the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and healing to universities, faith-based organizations, and child welfare systems across the country. They're not just speakers and authors; they're game changers! Create a life worth living for your organization through Justin and Alexis’ engaging speaking engagements, trainings, and book clubs.
A look at Our Timeline
2016
Met at Western Michigan University’s Seita Scholars Program for foster youth in higher education
2018
Engaged in Ecuador & studied abroad together
2019
Alexis graduated with dual-degrees and studied abroad 8 times, setting the record for her university
2020
Justin graduated from college and studied abroad five times
Published our first book Redefining Normal
Got married
Built our team and created our internship program
2021
Featured in Forbes Next 1000
Started two other companies: MI Black House and ROSE Media Group
Created ROSE Empowerment Group to support boys and men of color
Traveling for speaking engagements - We even helped raise over $1 million in scholarships for foster youth in higher education!
2022
Had a new team member join the team, Maeva Rose (our daughter)
Sold over 20,000 books
Won 12 book awards including an international award
2023
Published the first kid’s book in our series: I Love You More Than Cereal: Maeva and Dad Redefine Love
Rebrand, new website, traveling full-time - with a baby!
Fun Facts About Us!
Meet the Team
Jazmin Luchini
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT