Community Leaders Working to Change Perception of Baltimore’s Youth and Reduce Crime
Community Leaders Making a Difference in Baltimore: We Our Us Movement Works to Change Lives and Reduce Crime
In a city often plagued by crime and negative perceptions of its young people, community leaders Marvin McKenstry Jr. and Corey Barnes are working tirelessly to change the narrative. Through their organization, We Our Us, they are proving that there is hope for the youth of Baltimore.
McKenstry and Barnes believe that it is only a small number of young people who are truly dangerous and destructive, and that the majority are capable of positive change. They understand that many of these kids come from broken homes and have experienced unimaginable suffering, which can lead them down the wrong path.
“We are talking about people who have lived inside of a system or a context that has been negative almost as long as they’ve been alive,” said McKenstry. “But with the right support and guidance, we can help them turn their lives around.”
Both McKenstry and Barnes have personal experiences that drive their passion for this work. McKenstry, who once fell victim to the street life, had a transformative conversation with a community leader that changed the course of his life. Now, more than 20 years later, he is dedicated to helping others do the same.
We Our Us works to provide positive role models and perspectives for the youth of Baltimore, showing them that there is a better way forward. They are hosting an event on May 2 called “1,000 Men on Schedule,” where they will develop strategies and train on ways to save the youth in their community.
“It’s a slow process because we’re talking about human lives,” said Barnes. “But we are committed to making a difference, one life at a time.”
The event is free for anyone to attend and will feature speakers, vendors, and food. For more information, visit the We Our Us website at https://weourusmovement.org/about/. Join them in their mission to change lives and reduce crime in Baltimore.
