S2.E28 Violence Interruption In the Black Community

The Amerikan Therapy team sits down with two noted activists in the DC community to discuss how we break the cycle of violence within the black community. This is a rich conversation that provides real insights into how we begin to heal from both systematic and generation trauma. Our team left this conversation with a greater understanding of how to individually and collectively heal as a community.
Meet The Guest:
Ronald Motten:
Ronald Motten is a successful author of “Drinking Muddy Water”, Urban Violence Prevention Specialist, a professional community organizer, and an advocate for the citizens of Washington, DC, and beyond. The purpose of his nonviolent advocacy is to advance the quality of life for his fellow citizens especially those who need the most love so that they can rise above their challenges and pursue happiness as productive citizens. Mr. Motten has helped several administrations create initiatives to reduce violence and homicides in the District of Columbia conducting 40 truces with rival gangs, sending 160 at-risk youth to college, and helping over 360 once unemployable people obtain employment. Mr. Motten is a fifth-generation Washingtonian and father of three boys and two girls. Ronald has deep roots in the community, which have proven to be the keys to his success as a professional community advocate.
Jimmie Jenkins:
JIMMIE JENKINS IS A MAN OF GOD WITH A INTENSE PASSION FOR IMPACTING AND UPLIFTING INDIVIDUALS OF URBAN COMMUNITIES WHILE HELPING THEM REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL AND ABILITY.

AT A VERY YOUNG AGE JIMMIE ENJOYED PLAYING ALL SPORTS HOWEVER, MANY LABELED HIM AT RISK! HE LATER GRADUATED FROM HYDE LEADERSHIP PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL IN 2008. DURING HIS TENURE AT HYDE PCS HE RECEIVED THE MR HYDE GOLDEN BOOT AWARD AND THE BLUE CHARTER SCHOOL AWARD WHICH RECOGNIZES STUDENTS WHO OVERCAME PREVIOUS ISSUES WITH FOLLOWING THE SCHOOLS MISSION AND GOALS TO CHALLENGE STUDENTS ACADEMICALLY AND PERSONALLY. UPON GRADUATION JIMMIE WAS ONE OF THE TOP ATHLETES IN THE WASHINGTON DC METROPOLITAN AREA. HOWEVER, DUE TO THE BIRTH OF HIS SON JAHREI, FURTHERING HIS EDUCATION HAD TO BE PUT ON HOLD IN ORDER TO PROVIDE FOR HIS SON.

JIMMIE WAS LATER HIRED AS HYDE'S FACILITIES MANAGER AND HEAD COACH OF THE GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM. THIS ALLOWED HIM TO REGAIN HIS LOVE FOR THE GAME OF BASKETBALL, BUILD HIS RESUME, AND PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS. IN 2010 HE WAS OFFERED AN ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP FROM CHESAPEAKE COLLEGE WHERE HE LATER OBTAINED AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT. HE WAS THEN ACCEPTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE TO PLAY DIVISION 1 BASKETBALL. UNFORTUNATELY, HIS TENURE WAS CUT SHORT DUE TO A DEVASTATING KNEE INJURY AND LACK OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

HE DIDN'T STOP THERE. IN 2013 JIMMIE BEGAN A SUMMER SPORTS CAMP, MENTORING PROGRAM AND A PAINT COMPANY. JIMMIE SERVES AS THE CEO OF MANPOWER DC THAT WAS ALSO FOUNDED IN 2013 WHICH EXISTS TO EMPOWER NEXT GENERATION LEADERS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN WASHINGTON DC, FOCUSING IN ON DISADVANTAGED NEIGHBORHOODS. WE ENVISION BRIDGING THE GAP THAT LEADS TO VITAL RESOURCES NURTURING PRODUCTIVE LEADERS FOR FUTURE SOCIETY. MANPOWER DC IS STRUCTURED WITH A MAIN COMPONENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTED BY OUR FAMILY OF COMPANIES THAT DEMONSTRATE EIGHT ADOPTED VALUES, “BROTHER’S KEEPER”, LEADERSHIP, TRUST, FAITH, COURAGE, CURIOSITY, HOPE AND INTELLIGENCE.

THIS MAN OF GOD STANDS ON THE SHOULDERS OF MANY MEN WHO WERE MENTORS THAT POURED INTO HIM AS A CHILD TRYING TO FOLLOW HIS DESTINY. HAVING MENTORS WHO HAVE PAVED THE WAY, JIMMIE IS CONSTANTLY MOTIVATED TO WORK WITH TROUBLED YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO ARE LABELED "AT RISK."

https://www.manpowerdc.com/about