Unresolved trauma carries consequences. It is why the phrase “hurt people hurt people” resonates. Emotional wounds are easily passed from one person to another, like a toxic baton.
Kinah Burks, founder of Leading in Life Enterprise (LLE), a Memphis Allies partner, understands this truth.
Breakthrough Conference 2026: Reducing gun violence takes everyone Law enforcement and gun violence intervention programs naturally have different perspectives. But Memphis Allies and the Memphis Police Department, while respecting the clear boundaries each must observe, have formed a solid working relationship.
Louis walked into Memphis Allies for the first time in early 2025. He wasn’t there by choice, but rather a court order.
New city/county office another step in the gun violence reduction effort
Sometimes, collaboration is a synonym for efficiency and effectiveness.
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.