Are you scared of saying the wrong thing to a loved one after they have suffered a death in the family?

That was one of many things Oresa Napper-Williams and I discussed during our latest conversation on The InCredible Messenger.

We often lean on clichés like "I know how you feel," but unless you’ve walked that specific path, you don’t. We’ve lost the "ministry of presence"—the simple act of showing up with a meal instead of asking a grieving person to make more decisions.

But this isn’t just a talk about grief; it’s a masterclass on the "Second Wound"—the trauma inflicted by the very systems meant to help us.

The Blueprint for Systemic Change:Oresa didn’t just survive the murder of her son, Andrel; she founded Not Another Child to redesign how systems move. We break down:

• The Myth of "Contributory Conduct": How denying victim compensation based on a child’s "lifestyle" dehumanizes families and halts community healing.

• Beyond the "Hand-Off": Why agencies must move past immediate crisis management toward long-term, integrated trauma care.

• The Receipts: How Oresa worked with Common Justice to strip harmful language from legislation and scale a local tournament into a national model serving 50+ survivors.

Key Moments & Conversation Timeline

• [00:00:00] The Ministry of Presence: Oresa reflects on traditional ways of supporting grieving families and why "saying nothing" is often better than saying the wrong thing.

  
  

• [00:01:10] Competitive Grief: A look at why we shouldn't try to make our grief "greater" than others to seem relatable.

  
  

• [00:05:36] The Birth of "Not Another Child": Oresa shares the story of her son Andrel and how a local basketball tournament evolved into a national nonprofit.

  
  

• [00:10:42] Making Their Names Great: How the program uses photos of lost loved ones to turn the urge for retaliation into a legacy of remembrance.

  
  

• [00:18:25] The Survivor Ecosystem: Moving beyond "silos" and understanding that a nonprofit is a business fueled by passion, but governed by strategy.

  
  

• [00:20:24] Victim vs. Survivor: Oresa discusses the terminology of "victim services" and why she identifies as a survivor who stands toe-to-toe with professionals.

  
  

• [00:34:00] Giving Grace for the Lash Out: Recognizing the trauma of murder and why we must give survivors space to act in ways we might not expect.

  
  

• [00:39:12] Challenging "Contributory Conduct": The fight to change laws that deny families financial support based on the perceived actions of the deceased.

  
  

• [00:43:48] The Second Wound: Oresa recounts the traumatic experiences with hospital staff and detectives immediately following her son's death.

  
  

• [00:54:38] Self-Care & Vitamin Drips: How Oresa maintains her energy through mindfulness, family time, and unconventional wellness.

  
  

• [01:03:00] Advice for New Leaders: Why you should incorporate this work into your life, rather than letting the work overtake your life.

  
  

Connect with Oresa Napper-Williams

"Today’s victim is tomorrow’s perpetrator." In this raw breakdown of the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) model, Sasha reveals the three direct messages that can pull someone back from the brink of a shooting or a prison sentence.

What’s Inside:

• The Law Enforcement Ultimatum: How direct communication from police serves as a final warning before "natural consequences" kick in.

  The 24-Hour Lifeline: Why "safety planning" and relocation are more effective than simple social services.

• The Moral Voice: Why the "pastors, preachers, and teachers" are the only ones who can tell a young person the truth about the pain they’re causing.

• Policing in the Post-George Floyd Era: Sasha discusses the "jarring" reality of working with law enforcement in Minneapolis and the desperate need for procedural justice.

  
  

  3. Chapter Markers:

  • 00:00 – The First Warning: Direct Police Messaging

  • 01:05 – Relocation vs. Behavior Replacement

  • 01:40 – The 24-Hour Emergency Safety Line

  • 02:15 – The Moral Voice: Pastors, Coaches, and Grandma’s Church

  • 03:20 – "I'm Not Calling Neighborhood Watch": The Reality of Authority

  • 03:45 – Lessons from Minneapolis and the George Floyd Era

  • 04:05 – Procedural Justice: Making Law Enforcement Equitable

Newark's Violence Prevention strategy has driven homicides to their lowest levels in 60 years, and Deputy Mayor Lakeesha Eure is the architect behind the 70% drop.

In this episode, we break down the radical "$11 Million Shift" where Newark reallocated 5% of its police budget to trauma recovery, credible messengers, and a unique "Sunday Brunch" mediation strategy with gang leadership.

Whether you are a city leader or a community advocate, this is the definitive blueprint for holding power without losing the trust of the streets.

Key Moments

• [09:01] The $11M Decision: Reallocating 5% of the police budget.

  [17:39] Sunday Brunch with Bloods and Crips: Mediating active "beefs" .

• [28:46] The Academy Shift: Why social workers graduate alongside police officers .

• [38:08] The 7 Lanes of Work: Organizing trauma recovery and high-risk intervention.

• [51:22] "Show and Prove": Using data to outmaneuver bureaucratic skepticism.

TAKE ACTION: THE NEWARK BLUEPRINT

1. Replicate the Model: Don't reinvent the wheel. Access the exact frameworks used by the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) and the Brick City Peace Collective to see how Newark coordinates its "7 Lanes of Work."

• Explore the Newark Peace Collective Hub

• Access Trauma Recovery Resources

2. Support the Frontline: The Newark Community Street Team (NCST) and the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition (NAVC) are the "Credible Messengers" you heard about in this episode. Support the boots on the ground:

• Partner with Newark Community Street Team

• Join the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition Movement

3. Join the National Movement:Newark isn't an island. Connect with the national infrastructure that Lakeesha Eure credits for scaling this work:

• The HAVI: Hospital-Based Intervention

• Cities United: Supporting Mayors & Leaders

• CVI Leadership Academy: Professionalizing the Field

The Incredible Messenger Podcast | Guest: Jaime "Jalil" MeekinsFrom Pain to Policy: A Blueprint for Community-Driven Public Safety

This episode provides a masterclass in transforming Community Violence Intervention (CVI) into a city-wide ecosystem. Host Jonathan McMillan and Jaime "Jalil" Meekins leverage lived experience to drive policy and co-produce safety with law enforcement, contributing to Philadelphia’s trend toward a 40-year low in homicides.

• The Credible Messenger Asset: Credibility is the currency needed to bridge trust gaps. McMillan, marking 25 years post-prison, and Meekins, a former fugitive turned Council appointee, prove that returning citizens are essential for policy leadership.

• Multi-Sector Ecosystems: Sustainable safety requires an integrated model. Philadelphia’s "PIE" (Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement) framework positions enforcement as the final tool, prioritizing community-led prevention.

• Collaborative Law Enforcement: Moving from adversarial to collaborative postures is vital. Initiatives like a 3-on-3 basketball tournament between officers and "guys off the corner" foster mutual respect and cultural competency.

• Economic Revitalization as Prevention: Addressing blight is a direct investment in safety. Examples include the Germantown Mosque "buying back the block" to repurpose high-violence properties and Nicetown CDC’s $100M investment in parks and sports complexes.

• The Necessity of Healing: Staff must engage in their own healing to be effective. Meekins emphasizes that "the work is triggering" and requires trauma-informed support systems to ensure long-term program sustainability.

  
  

A gunshot survivor and father who lost his 14-year-old son to violence, Meekins blends personal loss with strategic leadership:

• P3 (Push and Progress, Philly): Workforce development for high-risk young men.

• FAST (Families Achieving Success Together): Co-founder and Public Safety Lead.

• Policy Roles: Appointed to the Philadelphia City Council Special Committee on Gun Violence.

• Training: Graduate of the University of Chicago’s CVI Leadership Academy.

Public Safety Fireside Chat (Feb 15): A "chat and chew" connecting policy with practice. Featured panelists include Greg Jackson (former White House Deputy Director), state and city officials, and academic researchers.

Community Violence Intervention (CVI), Credible Messengers, Public Health Approach, Urban Revitalization, Trauma-Informed Leadership, and Cross-Sector Partnerships.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

The Black and Brown Collective for Community Solutions to Gun Violence: thebbcollective.org

The HAVI (Health Alliance for Violence Intervention): thehavi.org

REDI Chicago: crimelab.uchicago.edu/projects/readi

Cure Violence Global: cvg.org

Safe Streets Baltimore: monse.baltimorecity.gov/safe-streets

Connect with Dr. Shani Buggs: LinkedIn Profile | Email: [email protected]

Timestamps

[00:22] Season 3 Kickoff: Professional transitions and returning to the mission.

[01:03] Introduction to Dr. Shani Buggs: Why she refused to "pick a lane" in her career.

[02:12] The Aurora Shooting: A life-changing moment that led Shani to Baltimore.

[04:40] Dealing with Imposter Syndrome: Navigating credentialed spaces as a practitioner.

[07:32] The Career Shift: Leaving corporate Atlanta for public health and violence prevention.

[10:14] Baltimore vs. Aurora: Witnessing the contrast in how the world views different tragedies.

[13:50] Elevating the Narrative: Moving beyond gun control rhetoric to find real solutions.

[16:55] Holding the Story: The responsibility of translating community pain into policy.

[19:15] Partnership and Resilience: Drawing strength from her partner, D’Angelo Mack.

[25:11] The Rise of CVI: How Community Violence Intervention became a codified field.

[27:53] The $5 Billion Meeting: Inside the advocacy that secured historic federal funding.

[37:21] The First 30 Days: Why the best leadership begins with "getting proximate" and listening.

[41:50] An All-Hands Approach: Breaking government silos to coordinate public safety.

[45:10] Investing in Hope: The link between financial pressure, the lottery, and recklessness.

[47:37] The Endangered Species Narrative: How hopelessness robs young Black men of their future.

[51:30] Leadership is Like Milk: Preparing the next generation through the Black and Brown Collective.

[56:22] A Message to the Field: Why every story—and every life—has equal value.

If you’re leading violence prevention work, community intervention, or serving Black men and boys — this conversation with Shawn Dove is a leadership masterclass built from lived experience.

Shawn Dove isn’t just a thought leader. He’s someone who has walked through recovery, grief, identity, failure, and success with purpose intact. He’s the founder of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement and the author of I Too, Am America: On Loving and Leading Black Men and Boys. In this episode, he breaks open the leadership burdens most don’t talk about: the tension between public success and private struggle, the cost of wearing armor, and the invisible labor of staying whole while leading.

What you’ll get out of this episode:

• Why your inner life matters more than your inbox. Shawn lays out why you must work harder on yourself than your job — not as soft talk, but as a survival strategy for sustaining the work.

• Three pillars every leader should build: a mentor, a coach, and a therapist (or true therapeutic community) — and how these relationships keep you steady in crisis and success.

• A leadership spectrum you actually need: the difference between showmanship and substance — from “Django” energy to “Butler” strategy — and why emotional intelligence is your competitive advantage.

• How funding systems pressure competition. Shawn calls out how philanthropy often creates scarcity and why leaders need to own their value and demand collaboration instead of competing for crumbs.

• A reframing of achievement for young Black men and boys. This goes beyond credentials and programs — toward love, belonging, economic viability, purpose, and narrative power.

This isn’t about inspiration. It’s about practical leadership architecture for the people carrying this work on the frontlines. If you’re a nonprofit executive, government leader, CVI director, or funder serious about systemic change, you’ll walk away with a clearer map for leading without losing yourself.

Listen now — and share this with one person whose leadership you want to strengthen.

How to Replace a Gang’s Ecosystem with Hope – Featuring Robert David

What happens when you try to pull someone out of gang life without giving them something equally valuable to hold onto? It doesn’t work. In this episode, Jonathan McMillan sits down with Robert David, a community violence prevention expert and consultant, to unpack how gangs function as ecosystems – providing structure, identity, and belonging. Robert shares his insights on why effective intervention isn’t just about removing youth from a harmful environment but about creating new, supportive ecosystems that address the same needs.

Robert also discusses his journey from probation officer to community advocate and how he uses jobs, community connections, and behavioral science to shift young people from survival mode to success mode. He breaks down the role of credible messengers, the power of cultural connections, and why duplicating a gang’s structure with positive alternatives is essential for real change.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Robert David
02:21 – Robert’s Personal Journey and Motivation
07:08 – The Role of Community in Violence Prevention
10:19 – Recruiting Youth to Change the Narrative
12:16 – Understanding Gang Culture and Community Engagement
17:41 – Creating Ecosystems for Change
21:06 – From Probation Officer to Community Advocate
25:09 – Integrating Behavioral Science in Community Work
27:05 – The Multifaceted Role of Robert David
32:31 – Personal and Professional Evolution in the Field
36:04 – The Importance of Roles and Principles in Community Work
38:08 – Understanding Motivations: Money, Ego, and Turf
40:44 – Entering the Field: Advice for Newcomers
42:57 – The Importance of Respect in Community Work
45:11 – Beyond Mentorship: Being a Conduit for Resources
51:11 – Building Community Ecosystems: Starting at the Grassroots
01:01:08 – System-Level Solutions: Connecting Resources Effectively
01:08:30 – The Heart of the Work: Passion and Authenticity

Takeaways:

Gangs function as ecosystems, providing essential needs like belonging, identity, and protection.

Removing youth from a gang without replacing those core elements leaves them vulnerable.

Real intervention requires creating new systems that meet those needs through positive, structured support.

Community-based strategies that include credible messengers can help bridge the gap between survival and opportunity.

Programs that duplicate the structure of gangs with positive alternatives can effectively shift young people out of criminal life.

Connect with Robert David:
Website: https://www.robertdavidconsulting.com/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-david-sr-ms-6ab58b45/
Books: https://amazon.com/author/robertdavidlifecoach

About the Guest(s):

Preston Adams is the founder and director of a youth-serving organization dedicated to gun violence prevention, youth violence prevention, and suicide prevention. With extensive experience in working with at-risk young people, Preston has been at the forefront of innovative community safety strategies. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and collaborative efforts across sectors. Prior to establishing his own organization, Preston gained robust experience within the juvenile justice system and other outreach programs, which has given him rich insights and practical expertise in violence prevention and youth outreach.

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of the Credible Messenger Podcast, host Jonathan McMillan revisits a compelling conversation with Preston Adams, a respected figure in youth violence prevention and intervention. This episode dives deep into the gritty realities and rewarding moments of being a youth outreach worker, exploring the intricacies of the daily work with at-risk young people. By sharing first-hand experiences, Jonathan and Preston offer a candid look into how intervention efforts unfold on the ground and provide valuable insights for those interested in the field.

Focusing on the dual aspects of direct service and organizational leadership, Preston discusses the challenges and strategies involved in running a successful community-based organization. Highlighting the necessity of strong collaboration and perseverance, Preston provides an in-depth analysis of navigating funding avenues, operational logistics, and team management while maintaining a steadfast focus on serving young individuals effectively. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge with strategies for building sustainable interventions and engaging communities in impactful ways, touching on key SEO topics such as "youth violence prevention strategies," "community safety measures," and "trauma-informed care."

Key Takeaways:

Flexibility in Outreach: Approaching young people in adverse situations requires constant adaptation and presence, with daily operations varying greatly to meet dynamic needs.

Collaboration is Key: Building strong relationships with system professionals enhances advocacy efforts for young people and empowers community safety work.

Business Acumen in Nonprofits: Building a nonprofit organization involves strategic financial planning and operational management akin to running any business.

Empowering Voices: Elevating young people’s voices in advocacy helps them navigate systems effectively, fostering self-confidence and resilience.

Sustainable Growth: Successful organizational leadership requires clearly defined roles and understanding when to delegate and bring in expertise to drive a mission forward.

Notable Quotes:

"A day in the life is really varied… It's highly varied." – Preston Adams

"It has to be collaboration and it takes a certain type of individual that can juggle schedules." – Preston Adams

"Running a nonprofit is just like any other business." – Jonathan McMillan

"You start here and then you get momentum and you start and you keep going and snowballs onto each other." – Preston Adams

"Don't go at it alone. That's the wisdom and advice I have for people wanting to start their own thing." – Preston Adams

Resources:

Fly Organization: Insight into Preston’s approach to youth outreach and community safety.

Second Chance Center: A mention of collaboration and advocacy.

Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle: A book that inspired Preston in his work.

QuickBooks: Highlighted as a tool for nonprofit financial management.

By synthesizing the essential threads of this episode, listeners are invited to delve into the full conversation to uncover more of Preston's insightful perspectives on effective violence prevention and organizational leadership. Continue tuning into the Credible Messenger Podcast for more content that shapes our approaches to community safety and transformation.

EPISODE TITLE:
Why Credibility Is Your Best Tool in Violence Intervention: A Conversation with Marcus McAllister

DESCRIPTION:
If you’re serious about understanding Community Violence Intervention (CVI), this episode is a must-listen.

Marcus McAllister doesn’t just teach CVI—he’s lived it. After nearly a decade of incarceration, Marcus transformed his life and is now a nationally recognized trainer and thought leader in violence intervention. In this candid conversation, he shares personal stories, career-defining insights, and hard-earned truths about what makes CVI work.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
– The real difference between prevention, intervention, and interruption
– Why empathy is a frontline skill, not a soft skill
– How credibility earns trust and creates lasting impact
– The importance of structured training and professional development for outreach teams
– Why many CVI programs fail—and how to avoid it

Whether you’re a CVI worker, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or just passionate about community transformation, this episode delivers practical wisdom and powerful perspective.

Guest: Marcus McAllister
Host: Jonathan McMillan

Resources Mentioned:

https://www.mcallisterconsult.com/

https://www.instagram.com/marcusmcall/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-mcallister-b2b75537/

What Cities Get Wrong About Violence — and How to Fix It
with Dr. Monique Williams, Executive Director at Cure Violence Global

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Monique Williams—one of the sharpest minds in public health and violence prevention—to talk about why so many cities keep getting this work wrong.

We get into the root causes of violence: structural, cultural, and direct. We talk about why public safety alone can’t fix what’s broken, and how public health strategies offer real solutions. Monique shares her journey from grassroots public health work to leading Cure Violence Global, and what it really means to invest in community-led change.

If you care about making your city safer—or you’re doing this work on the ground—this conversation is for you.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
2:30 – Monique’s journey
10:00 – Public health vs. public safety
14:20 – What cities get wrong
17:00 – Breaking down types of violence
30:00 – Rethinking leadership in public safety
36:00 – What real youth engagement looks like
43:00 – Final thoughts

Connect:
I’m Jonathan McMillan – LinkedIn
Guest: Dr. Monique Williams – Cure Violence Global (cvg.org)