The Power of Positive Role Models in At-Risk Communities

In my journey from the shadowy corners of New Orleans' ghettos to the light of purposeful living, one element stands out as crucial in shaping my path: the influence of positive role models. When I reflect on my life’s story, chronicled in my memoir trilogy "Raised In Violence," I can pinpoint moments where the guidance or mere presence of role models steered me away from making potentially disastrous decisions. The power of positive role models in at-risk communities, such as the one I grew up in, cannot be overstated—they are beacons of hope and possibility in environments often clouded by despair and limitation.

Growing up, the figures I looked up to were often the ones who had succumbed to the streets; they were survivors, yes, but their survival came at a cost. It wasn’t until my incarceration that I encountered different kinds of role models—educators, fellow inmates turned mentors, and program facilitators—who embodied resilience in ways that didn’t compromise their integrity or the law. These individuals were pivotal in showing me that another life was possible, one that could transcend the boundaries set by my upbringing.

One such role model was Charles, an older inmate who became my mentor and jailhouse big brother. Half asleep with a white sheet covered over me, I heard someone call out my name low. I removed the sheet from over my head and locked eyes with Charles, a tall, light-skinned older man, standing at the bars of my cell. He quickly slid an object underneath the jailbar door with his foot, then walked off. I quickly got up from the bottom bunk to discover that the object was a small paperback copy of Malcolm X's autobiography he smuggled into the cell block. I picked the book up off the floor with delight and opened it. There was a small kite from Charles. I quickly read the note. In it, Charles stressed for me to be cool, read the book to occupy my time and educate my mental while I awaited disciplinary court Monday. Charles’ steadfast dedication and belief in the transformative power of education and self-discipline opened my eyes to new horizons. He was more than a mentor; he was a living example that caring and professionalism could profoundly impact someone’s life trajectory.

Through "The Raised In Violence Initiative," I strive to extend this same kind of positive influence to today’s youth. We focus on bringing real, relatable, and positive role models into the lives of young people. These role models come from various backgrounds—some have overcome similar adversities, while others are local leaders, educators, or professionals who share a commitment to uplifting the community.

The impact of these role models is palpable. They offer more than advice—they provide a tangible connection to the wider world and exemplify the rewards of making positive choices. Whether through formal mentoring programs, workshops, or casual interactions, the message is clear: there are fruitful paths that do not require surrender to the negative forces that seem omnipresent in tough neighborhoods.

Moreover, positive role models help to counteract the often negative portrayals of success that permeate at-risk communities. They redefine what it means to be successful by highlighting attributes like integrity, perseverance, and community service. This redefinition is crucial not only for individual growth but for the evolution of the community’s collective mindset.

In closing, I urge everyone within reach of this post—whether you are from a similar background as mine or from a completely different walk of life—to consider the role you can play in a young person’s life. You don’t need to have come from hardship to be a role model. You just need to care. Show up, participate, and invest in these young lives. The power of your influence can be the critical factor that keeps a child from faltering under the weight of their environment.

Reflecting on where I started and where I am now, I know that without the role models I encountered, my story could have been very different. Let’s ensure our young people have access to the kind of guidance that not only shows them the way out but leads them to broader, brighter avenues of their own making.