GU / GUT

In the Fall of 2010, the Grand Unified Theory Movement was officially born; however, the conceptualization and initial idea was developed as early as 2007. This concept of a Grand Unified Theory Movement (Grand Unified, #GU) was originally created by Hip Hop artist Greydon Square and his Manager at the time, eXplain.

The idea was to form a collective of creative artists and interactive designers that could work together to build a support structure for the advancement of each respected person and their creativity. This support network was to be used in place of a label-like entity to facilitate the sharing of resources and to provide each member a unique opportunity to build relationships and refine their craft. Grand Unified is not a label, nor a for-profit enterprise; both vital to insure the benevolent support and development of each artist/designer and their respected solo-careers. Grand Unified is a community; dedicated to inspiring with the use of creativity.

Together, Greydon and eXplain developed the first official manifesto to be used when reaching out to potential “First Class/Founding” members. This “draft” of artists and designers continued to be facilitated in an audition format and eventually led to the inaugural First Class of Official #GU Members. Select founding members then formed a democratic review council to solidify the support framework and mission of Grand Unified by providing an authentic peer-review system of decision making. This support structure was vital in the early stages of #GU’s development as the expansion of our organization progressed.

As the “First Class” experienced growing pains and even mild disagreements, one thing became clear: Other people enjoyed what we were doing. Led by the Grand Unified Community, our Fan Page grew to become a popular destination for users to enjoy skeptic humor with just a touch of hip-hop and scientific insight. Accompanied by an entertaining and engaging YouTube Channel, with new humorous content involving science, hip-hop, skepticism, and even a little rational education, Grand Unified was able to cement a position as an information hub for rationally-minded artistic individuals.

Within the first six months, the organization had grown to attract some very talented artists, designers, and activists, all whom shared the passion to empower with art and information. By the spring of 2012, the officially first Grand Unified after party was held in Washington D.C. in celebration of the Reason Rally event, in which thousands of skeptic and like-minded individuals joined together to bring awareness to the free-thought movement.

This gathering was a perfect example of how truly empowered individuals become when they are engaged in a common goal and have the community to support their collective interests. When we are involved in something that is much larger than the individual person, and when we individually can observe the personal benefits of this, that my friends is when we are most engaged and that is when we are at our best.