In an effort to combat rising youth violence and crime in the county, Council Member Calvin Hawkins, III has teamed up with community leaders to launch a new strategy that will help young people choose a path of peace and positivity. 

The plan was developed with Dominic Henry, CEO of Young Mindz Inc. and a former gang leader featured in the Vice documentary ‘The Prison Experiment,’ and Eddie Mathis, who was once known as the Godfather of the D.C. Drug Trade. Post prison, both men have dedicated their lives to violence prevention and supporting at-risk youth. 

The four-prong approach focuses on a mentorship program with young adults who have avoided the criminal justice system and returning citizens who have turned their lives around.

“We need all hands-on deck to make our county a safer place to live,” said Council Member Hawkins. “As part of this program, we have a team of people in place from across the community who are committed to helping our young people thrive.”

WHAT: Press conference on preventing youth violence 

WHO: Council Member Calvin Hawkins, Dominic Henry, Eddie Mathis, and other stakeholders in the program

WHEN: 11 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024

WHERE: Tech Lounge at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, 1301 McCormick Dr. Largo, MD 20774