When people see me wearing my new three-piece gold grill from Melz Grillz, I already know what they’re thinking:
“What are you trying to prove?”
“Is this a midlife crisis now that you’re 49?”
The answer is simple:
I’m not trying to prove anything.
I’m choosing to express everything.
Grills Are Expression—Not a Phase
Gold teeth have long been a form of self-expression, but for Black people, they’ve often been misunderstood and mislabeled as “ghetto.” That label ignores a rich and global history. From ancient African and Filipino cultures to hip-hop’s rise in the ’80s and ‘90s, gold teeth have symbolized power, resilience, wealth, and pride. They’re not just cosmetic—they’re cultural.
A grill is jewelry. It’s no different than a chain, earrings, or a bracelet. And for me, this new piece isn’t just decoration. It’s declaration.
My Grill Tells a Story
It’s three pieces:
• Ace of Diamonds
• King of Diamonds
• Solid Gold Bar
That’s not just a flashy combo—it’s intentional.
• April is my birth month. My birthstone? Diamond.
• I coach baseball on the diamond, helping athletes build a blueprint for success.
• I strive to be the Ace—the best of the best—not for personal glory, but to serve others well.
• The King represents legacy. Not power over people, but power for people.
For over 25 years, I’ve coached more than 50,000 hours and developed over 45 Major Leaguers. My wife and I co-founded the L.E.A.D. Center For Youth, a sports-based youth development organization with a mission to use the sports of baseball and tennis to teach Black youth how to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty, and racism. Since 2007, we’ve invested over $25 million into Atlanta’s Black youth and served more than 5,800 boys.
So yes—I feel like the Ace. I feel like the King.
But not for me. For my people. For our future.
Where I’m From Matters
My roots run deep in Butts County, Georgia, where my father and grandmother were born before coming to Atlanta. That’s where grills were common—not just as fashion, but as family. I have relatives with permanent gold teeth. I grew up with homeboys who wear them too. And while I now walk in rooms many of them are excluded from, I bring them with me—always.
Wearing my grill is about visibility.
It’s about presence.
It’s about honoring gifts that the world has tried to ignore.
You’ll See Me Wearing It…
• In the church pew
• At the baseball field
• In the hitting tunnel
• On stage during presentations
• In rooms with politicians
• In moments that matter
Because I don’t wear it to fit in.
I wear it so others can be let in.
Top 10 Reasons I Wear My Gold Grill
1. To express, not impress.
2. To bring my people with me wherever I go.
3. To challenge stereotypes about Black identity.
4. To honor my family and roots in Butts County.
5. To match my legacy with my look.
6. To show that excellence comes in all forms.
7. To reflect the brilliance of Black creativity.
8. To lead boldly through authenticity.
9. To disrupt comfort zones with truth and presence.
10. To remind people: gold teeth don’t make me less—they highlight who I’ve always been.
So no—it’s not a crisis. It’s clarity.
This isn’t rebellion. It’s reverence.
It’s not about flash. It’s about faithfulness to my calling.
I’m C.J. Stewart. I’ve got gold in my mouth—because I’ve got purpose in my soul. And I wear this grill as a reminder: I am the Ace, I am the King, and I’m here to serve.
