Big Homie Posts

New city/county office another step in the gun violence reduction effort

Sometimes, collaboration is a synonym for efficiency and effectiveness.

For Terranze Sharp, the first critical moment arrived at age 15. He grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was a member of the Gangster Disciples. One day, he found himself facing a choice: What should he do about this grown man who appeared ready to hurt, or even kill, his friend and fellow gang member?

At the Youth Villages Employee Conference in October, Youth Villages employees from across the country had the opportunity to learn about Memphis Allies’ community violence intervention work. Managing Director of Operations Carl Davis and others shared how Memphis Allies is reaching those most at risk for gun violence. Included in presentations was the recently adopted Memphis Allies Code: Impact, Truth, Grind and Unity.

Founder Tim Jones ‘knows how to reach the streets’. The first time Carl Davis saw him, Tim Jones was on stage at a Holy Hip-Hop event in North Memphis.
“Giving his testimony, being relatable to the crowd,” said Davis, who is Memphis Allies Operations Director. “He was rapping, telling a real story, just without the cursing. He was giving the glory to God.”