I Noticed the Work: Black Communities Build Charities Combatting Gun Violence and How You can Help
Iconic Cares | Our new series elevating rising voices, community leaders and their stories for the end of 2024
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I Noticed the Work: Black Communities Build Charities Combatting Gun Violence and How You can Help
In 2010, my youngest brother was shot during an attempted robbery in Baltimore, Maryland and the American Red Cross helped me get more leave days from the Army to be there as he was in the hospital. He is now the owner and operate of HighGrounds Coffee and Tea, a shop to come eat and drink. He is a father and family man.
Gun violence disproportionately impacts Black American communities, but numerous local charities are dedicated to addressing this issue through targeted programs and interventions. Many times, we hear how the community does not care about this issue and doesn’t do good work to advocate for the violence to stop. That cannot be further for the truth.
As Iconic cares about marriages and families, we want to point to organizations this remaining 2024, that are doing work in many arenas like gun violence.
Here are some notable organizations and books by Black authors that highlight their work and the broader context of gun violence in these communities:
1. GoodKids MadCity
This Chicago-based nonprofit, started by Black teens, focuses on addressing gun violence in the South and West sides of Chicago. They create safe spaces and advocate for policy changes to protect their communities.
How to Support:
Volunteer: Assist with community events and outreach programs.
Donate: Financial contributions help fund their initiatives and support youth leadership.
Advocate: Participate in their campaigns and share their message1.
2. Save Our Streets (SOS)
Operating in the South Bronx, SOS employs local “violence interrupters” to mediate conflicts and connect at-risk youth to supportive services. Their work has significantly reduced gun violence in the area.
How to Support:
Volunteer: Help with community outreach and events.
Donate: Contributions support their violence interruption programs.
Engage: Attend their workshops and training sessions to learn more about their approach2.
3. Youth ALIVE!
Based in Oakland, California, Youth ALIVE! works to prevent violence and uplift young people in Black and other underserved communities. They offer counseling, mentorship, and leadership programs to help youth affected by violence.
How to Support:
Volunteer: Mentor youth or assist with their programs.
Donate: Financial support helps expand their services and reach more youth.
Advocate: Support their policy initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence3.
Recommended Books by Black Authors
1. “Peace in the Hood: Working with Gang Members to End the Violence” by Aquil Basheer and Christina Hoag
This book documents 40 years of lessons from Basheer’s work in violence intervention. It provides insight into the culture of gangs and the process of peacemaking, offering valuable perspectives on reducing violence in Black communities4.
2. “When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir” by Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele
3. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
While a work of fiction, this novel provides a powerful exploration of the impact of police violence and systemic racism on Black youth. It has been widely praised for its authentic portrayal of these issues and its ability to spark important conversations4.
How You Can Make a Difference
Supporting these organizations and educating yourself through these books can take many forms, from volunteering your time and skills to making financial contributions. Here are some general ways you can help:
Volunteer: Many organizations need volunteers for events, outreach, and administrative support.
Donate: Financial contributions, no matter the size, can significantly impact these organizations’ ability to operate and expand their programs.
Advocate: Use your voice to support policies and legislation that aim to reduce gun violence. Contact your local representatives and participate in advocacy campaigns.
Educate: Stay informed about gun violence issues and share your knowledge with others. Attend workshops, read up on the latest research, and engage in community discussions.
By supporting these local charities and learning from these insightful books, you can play a crucial role in the fight against gun violence and help create safer communities for everyone.
1: GoodKids MadCity 2: Save Our Streets 3: Youth ALIVE! 4: Books on Gun Violence Prevention
Iconic Cares: Iconic Partners with The Felecia Killings Foundation for a Heartwarming Holiday Prolife Campaign in ATL
The Iconic/CCM Hurricane Response & Scholarship Awards:
Holiday Prolife Campaign
The Holiday Prolife Campaign, spearheaded by The Felecia Killings Foundation by
Coach Felecia Killings is a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting families during the holiday season. This campaign focuses on providing resources, education, and support to families, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive. By partnering with this campaign, Iconic is excited to extend our reach and impact even more families.
This year, we are highlighting "First Care Women's Clinic," which has been in the area since 1985. They are a Christian Evangelical non-profit organization.
Suddenly, communities in Atlanta were hit by Helene’s devastating winds and rain causing flooding, power outages and more across this area of GA. Then an explosion happened at the Biolabs in Conyers. A lot has happened over the weekend. Currently, Georgia’s ban on abortion after 6 weeks have been lifted meaning up to 22-weeks now is the cut-off for abortion services. This is why our work at Iconic with the CCM is so important.
Since we were working to help moms already, we decided to add especial emphasis on finishing this campaign because moms in this area now need the additional support. We also want to help give away FREE scholarships to moms in the area to train as leaders in their respective careers.
We at Iconic are stepping up to contribute books and to push the campaign to our audience because we believe in activating to help families especially during national disaster recovery.
How You Can Get Involved
We invite you to join us in this meaningful campaign. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Donate: Click the link below to give directly
Subscribe: Upgrade to Iconic+ in order to support Iconic and this new mission.
Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your network to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
Parental Prevention
Preventing kids from joining gangs and getting caught up in gang violence requires a multifaceted approach that involves family, community, and educational support. Here are some effective strategies parents can use:
1. Build Strong Family Bonds
Spend Quality Time Together: Engage in activities that your child enjoys and make time for regular family meals and outings.
Communicate Openly: Encourage open and honest conversations about their day, friends, and feelings. Listen actively and without judgment.
Set Clear Expectations: Establish and enforce rules and consequences consistently. Make sure your child understands the importance of these boundaries.
2. Promote Positive Activities
Encourage Extracurricular Involvement: Support your child in joining sports teams, clubs, or other positive group activities that can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
Volunteer Together: Participate in community service projects as a family to instill a sense of responsibility and community involvement.
3. Educate About the Risks
Discuss the Dangers of Gangs: Talk to your child about the realities and consequences of gang involvement, including violence, legal issues, and limited future opportunities.
Provide Positive Role Models: Introduce your child to mentors and role models who can offer guidance and support.
4. Monitor and Supervise
Know Their Friends: Be aware of who your child is spending time with and get to know their friends and their parents.
Stay Involved in Their Education: Maintain regular communication with teachers and school staff to stay informed about your child’s academic performance and behavior.
5. Create a Safe Environment
Provide a Safe Space at Home: Ensure your home is a safe and supportive environment where your child feels valued and protected.
Address Community Safety: Work with local organizations and law enforcement to improve safety in your neighborhood.
6. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Counseling and Support Services: If your child is showing signs of distress or involvement in risky behaviors, seek help from counselors, social workers, or other professionals who specialize in youth and family services.
Resources for Parents
National Gang Center’s Parents’ Guide to Gangs: This guide provides comprehensive information on recognizing and preventing gang involvement1.
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP): Offers resources and programs focused on gang violence prevention2.
Community-Based Programs: Look for local programs that offer support and intervention services for at-risk youth.
By taking these proactive steps, parents can help steer their children away from gangs and towards positive, fulfilling futures. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! Iconic Coaching Team is here to help.
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