Image above: Renardo Baker, founder of “I Shall Not Die But Live!”

Memphis Allies and partners: Engaging one block at a time

Memphis Allies’ mission to reduce gun violence is carried out daily by going into the city’s neighborhoods. Sometimes when there is trouble, and other times to simply meet people where they are: to share some food and a conversation, or a laugh and provide a bouncy house and a water slide for the neighborhood kids on a hot summer day.

That describes a recent community awareness event on a neighborhood street in Orange Mound. Renardo Baker, founder of “I Shall Not Die But Live!” and a Memphis Allies implementing partner, is putting on several such events in Orange Mound this year. Eric Watkins, founder and president of Red Door Urban Missions—also an implementing partner—is holding similar events in South Memphis and Whitehaven.

Breaking bread together can be a start, a more laid-back way to have a first conversation with someone at high risk for involvement in gun violence.

“It might take another six months to get someone into programming,” Baker said. “But this is an introduction, the building of a relationship.”

“They’re not paranoid, not on guard,” Baker said of the no-pressure atmosphere at community awareness events. “This is a chance to meet in a safe place.”

This could be especially helpful if Memphis Allies staff and partners later return to the area after a shooting, working to intervene before there can be retaliation. The goal is to eventually get high-risk people into SWITCH or SWITCH Youth services.

“We could be back out here doing a canvass after a shooting,” said Antonio Dowdy, a Memphis Allies outreach specialist. “You come and meet somebody in their area before, that’s respect.”

And respect is foundational to community credibility and, in turn, community impact.

“It’s about relentless engagement,” Baker said, wiping sweat from his brow and confessing that he was already on his second snow cone. “Being on the block where they are.”

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