HISTORY
The Cristal Foundation was founded on a vision to support advocacy, education, and wellness within communities. The initial concept for the foundation was introduced by Micheal Cristal during the Thanksgiving holiday on November 20, 2021. During this time, Micheal presented his vision to establish a nonprofit foundation dedicated to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. The Cristal Foundation proudly dedicates grants to breast cancer awareness initiatives in recognition of Marcia Cristal and to organizations that promote Down syndrome awareness in honor of Jaylen Cristal.
Micheal's inspiration is deeply rooted in the strong values and determination instilled in him by his mother, Clevia Cristal, during his upbringing in Grenada, Mississippi. Her example of perseverance, compassion, and commitment to helping others became the cornerstone of the foundation's guiding principles. To further expand its capacity to serve the community, The Cristal Foundation established a Fidelity Donor-Advised Fund on December 11, 2021, creating opportunities to both receive and distribute charitable donations.
These accomplishments strengthened The Cristal Foundation's ability to advance its mission and support meaningful community initiatives. Moving forward with this vision, The Cristal Foundation was officially accepted for incorporation on February 8, 2024, and later achieved tax-exempt status on May 21, 2024. These milestones marked significant steps in establishing the organization as a structured and recognized nonprofit entity.
The first Cristal Foundation grant was made to Phi Beta Sigma's PBS Impact Foundation, Inc. in support of Conclave Houston, 2023. The PBS Impact Foundation, Inc. was started during our Founder's tenure as the 35th International President in 2021.
Meet Our Founder.
President, Kroger Delta Division·Memphis, TN
Micheal serves as President of the Delta Division of the Kroger Corporation in Memphis, TN, where he's responsible for leading a team of 13,000 employees within 93 stores across metro Memphis, Little Rock AR, Jackson MS, and surrounding cities throughout the Mid-South. Prior to becoming Division President, Micheal held several merchandising and operations leadership positions, including Vice President of Operations within the Fry's Division in Phoenix, AZ; Vice President of Merchandising within the QFC Division in Seattle, WA; Director of Operations within the Atlanta Division; and Corporate Drug/GM Regional Sales Planning Coordinator within Corporate Headquarters in Cincinnati. His career with Kroger has spanned over 40 years and he is known and respected for his knowledge of retail systems and his ability to develop strong merchandising and operations teams that consistently outperform the competition — a recognized leader, mentor, trainer, and inspirational voice at both the corporate and store level.
As a teenager, Micheal's journey began as a bagger at a local grocery store in his hometown of Grenada, Mississippi, where he worked to finance his education at Mississippi State University — a proud Alumnus and recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018.
Micheal has served on the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, Arizona Food and Marketing Alliance, Arkansas Grocers & Retail Merchants Association, Northwest Grocery Association, and as a member of the American Marketing Association. He has also served on the Board of the Liberty Bowl Festival Association, Class of 2007 Leadership Memphis, Chairman of the Board of the Memphis Affiliate of The National Urban League, Board Member of the Boys Club of Memphis, Board Member of the PBS Impact Foundation, Inc., Board Member of the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce, Chairman Circle Member of the Greater Chamber of Commerce, Board of Governors of New Memphis, Chairman of the American Heart Association's 2025 Heart Walk, and the United Way Allocation Committee. Micheal was recognized as a Memphis Business Journal Power 100 Business Leader and received the Key to the City of both Grenada, MS and Memphis, TN.
Micheal was elected the 35th International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. during Conclave Detroit under the theme "A Brotherhood of Conscious Men Actively Serving Our Communities." President Cristal served from July 20, 2017 until August 9, 2021 — through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest following the death of George Floyd. His election was the culmination of a continual commitment to the fraternity's principles of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service. Micheal is the first International President to have been initiated at a predominantly white institution, Mississippi State University.
Honoring accountability and dedication are values instilled in Micheal from a very young age. Key accomplishments during his Presidency include: delivering record membership; putting financial systems in place to secure long-term financial solvency; leading the General Board to vote to revitalize the International headquarters into a new five-story state-of-the-art corporate office inclusive of affordable housing; mentoring over 4,200 boys and young men of color through the Sigma Beta Club; delivering over 900,000 service hours focused on social unrest, COVID-19 education, and voter registration, education, and mobilization; starting the PBS Impact Foundation, Inc.; starting SigmaPAC1914 (a political SuperPAC); producing the first Global Founders' Day Celebration, which included a live interview with Bro. Astronaut Dr. Victor Glover at the International Space Station; and holding the first Virtual Conclave — Conclave Myrtle Beach: One Conclave, Two Experiences. Micheal was inducted into the Distinguished Service Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, the highest honor a Brother can receive within the Fraternity.
Micheal and his wife, Marcia, have three children: Lauren, Brandon, and Jaylen.
michael.cristal@cristalfoundation.org
Amplifying Voices,
Expanding Knowledge,
Cultivating Resilience.
Our Board of Directors is a passionate and accomplished team of trusted leaders dedicated to ensuring every gift, every partnership, and every act of generosity creates meaningful and lasting impact. Through visionary leadership and faithful stewardship, they help transform the generosity of our supporters into opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen families, and uplift communities.
President, Kroger Delta Division
Memphis, TN
State Secretary, Georgia PTA
Dacula, GA
Retail Account Manager, Frito-Lay
Lawrenceville, GA
Senior Branch Manager, Enterprise Rentals
Austin, TX
Retired Project Manager Director, Nokia
Chicago, IL
Branch Chief, US Federal Government
Baltimore, MD
Chemist, Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C.
Legislative/Community Affairs, Baltimore Comptroller Office
Baltimore, MD
THE CRISTAL FOUNDATION BELIEFS
Empowering our community to thrive, we champion equity, higher education, and wellness, unlocking a brighter future for all.
Our foundation is dedicated to unlocking the potential for positive change by championing equal access to opportunities, inspiring a love of lifelong learning, and nurturing the well-being of individuals, families, and communities to foster resilience and vibrant health.
Amplifying Voices, Expanding Knowledge and Cultivating Resilience
Annual Report
Our inaugural annual report — outlining grants made, students supported, and the measurable impact of every dollar entrusted to the Foundation — is in production.