Reducing Violence Through Mentorship, Faith & Purpose
Greetings,
It is truly an honor to write to you today about a subject that affects every neighborhood, every family, every school, and every generation—reducing teen violence through mentorship, leadership, faith, and community responsibility. We are living in a time when many of our youth are searching for direction, identity, and hope. Too many young people are growing up without guidance, encouragement, or someone consistently reminding them that their lives matter and that they have value and purpose. “Value Engagement Approach”: “Every person has an equal intrinsic value to live, survive, and thrive in this world, especially our youth.”
Violence is not just something we see on television or hear about on the news. It has shown up here in Franklin County, Columbus, Ohio, and cities across America. Violence shows up in broken homes, broken spirits, and broken dreams. It shows when young people feel forgotten, invisible, and unheard. But today, I came to share a message of hope. I believe mentorship can change lives. I believe love can heal communities. I believe faith can restore families. And I believe one positive role model can interrupt generations of pain.
The Bible reminds us in Psalm 91:11: “For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” That scripture reminds us that God’s protection always surrounds us. Our young people need to know they are not alone. They need to know they are covered, protected, and loved. Sometimes the greatest form of protection God provides is through US: caring mentors, fathers, mothers, coaches, teachers, pastors, and community leaders who choose to stand in the gap!
Every young person needs a “Reliable Other.”
Someone who is “Present,” who consistently shows up. Someone who listens. Someone who believes in them even when they struggle to believe in themselves. That is what true mentorship is all about.
I was inspired by the life and legacy of Dr. Robert Hayling, a man who served our nation during the Korean War. He earned a Bronze Star, practiced medicine with excellence, delivered over 8,000 babies, and still found time to mentor and lead others. He served as the first National President of 100 Black Men of America while carrying tremendous responsibilities. His life teaches us that leadership is not about titles—it is about Service.
He understood something powerful: Success means nothing if you do not reach back and help someone else rise.
For me, my father, Morris Hill Sr.; my brother, Morris Hill Jr.; my great-grandfather, James “Buster Howard”; Lieutenant Colonel Gil Jones; Lieutenant William Gerry Thompson; Colonel Rick Fambro; Lieutenant Colonel Peyton Watts; Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Teaford; Staff Lieutenant Cliff Spinner; Lieutenant Colonel Bill Costas; and my coach, Richard (Dick) Grau, taught me how to be a State Trooper.
That is why the “Sankofa principle” is so important. Sankofa teaches us that we must reach back and learn from the past to move forward wisely into the future. We cannot forget the sacrifices, struggles, and victories of those who paved the way for us.
My (our) ancestors survived hardship so I (we) could walk in purpose. Civil rights leaders marched so we could have opportunities. Faith leaders prayed so we could have strength. Mentors invested in others so communities could thrive. Now it is our turn.
Young people are watching us more than they are listening to us. They watch how we treat people. They watch how we handle adversity. They watch whether we choose peace or chaos! They watch whether we solve problems with wisdom or anger. That is why mentorship matters.
The Bible says in Proverbs 27:17: “Iron sharpens iron; so, a man/woman sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Healthy relationships sharpen us. Positive environments sharpen us. Strong mentors sharpen us.
When young people are surrounded by violence, negativity, hopelessness, and division, it dulls their vision for the future. But when they are surrounded by encouragement, accountability, education, discipline, and love, they begin to see possibilities instead of limitations.
Mentorship is “Violence” Prevention!
When we mentor a child, we reduce isolation. When we mentor a child, we reduce hopelessness. When we mentor a child, we reduce anger. When we mentor a child, we create pathways to leadership.
Sometimes all it takes is one conversation, one opportunity, one coach, one teacher, one community program, or one person willing to say, “I believe in you,” and to invest in them. Not just money, but TIME!
Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life book says LOVE is spelled in capital letters: T.I.M.E. We must create communities where young people feel seen, heard, respected, and valued. We must teach conflict resolution instead of retaliation, purpose instead of peer pressure, leadership instead of destruction, and faith instead of fear!
Many young people today are carrying emotional pain silently. Many are suffering from adverse childhood experiences, or “ACEs.” Some have witnessed violence. Some have lost loved ones. Some are struggling with depression, anxiety, rejection, and trauma. That is why we must lead with compassion.
We cannot only condemn their bad behavior—we must help heal broken hearts. We must acknowledge their successes every chance we get.
Novel thought: How about we create a “Positive Teen Takeover,” engage our youth in a positive manner, and have productive, inspiring, life-building conversations with them.
Healing begins when people know somebody genuinely cares. And when we show up fully present in the moment with love and sincerity, we create space for transformation.
As I often say: We must Listen, Love, Serve, and Lead! Be Present!
We must listen and really communicate by hearing Our Youth! We must genuinely show LOVE to our youth. Not sympathy, but empathy, so we can help them heal! We must SERVE our youth. Show them we care by helping them and providing knowledge, resources, and experiences to help them succeed. We must LEAD them! Show them the way!
Our way may not be the best way or the only way, but it gives our youth a pathway! Let’s watch them grow and evolve into their full capabilities!
“When we show up in the present moment with all our senses, we invite Our Youth to fill us with joy!”
Our youth need “Present mentors. Present fathers. Present mothers. Present leaders. Present communities.”
Not just speeches—but consistency. Not just promises—but Presence!
The Lord also reminds us in Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord our God will be with us wherever we go.” This message is important for our youth today.
Be strong when others doubt you. Be courageous when life gets difficult. Be disciplined when temptation comes. Be respectful when anger rises. Be leaders instead of followers.
Our communities do not need more division. We need builders. Bridge-makers. Peacemakers. Servant leaders.
Reducing violence starts in our homes. It continues in our schools. It grows in our churches. And it becomes powerful when entire communities work together. We must invest in mentorship programs, education, job opportunities, leadership development, mental health resources, and community engagement.
We must teach our youth that greatness is already inside of them. Not everyone will become a doctor, lawyer, entertainer, or professional athlete. But every young person can become a responsible, compassionate, disciplined, and impactful member of our community.
Every child deserves an opportunity to succeed. And every mentor has the power to change a life forever.
I challenge every adult reading this: Reach back and help somebody! Encourage somebody. Guide somebody. Protect somebody. Listen to somebody. Mentor somebody!
This statement reminds me of my mom, Martha Jean Hill, who would often say, “I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody about somebody, who can save anybody.” His name is Jesus!
Let’s help somebody, y’all. Because when we change one life, we help change a family. When we change families, we help change communities. And when communities change, violence begins to lose its power.
Young people are watching us every single day.
What they See is What they will Be.
#ListenLoveServeLead
#BePresent
#Amos5vs24
Let Justice and Fairness Flow like the mighty river! (One Direction)
Respectfully,
-Chief Marvin E. Hill, MBA, CDP
