In a powerful discussion of Equity in focusKevin E. Hooks sits down Patrick Younga man whose life embodies resilience and transformation. From serving a 13-year prison sentence to leading initiatives for gun violence prevention and economic empowerment, Young has become a prominent voice for change. This interview looks at his mission to uplift his community, the obstacles he has faced, and the impactful work he leads through Social Peace and SHARP Men.

A journey marked by resistance

Patrick Young’s story is one of survival, resilience and the relentless pursuit of progress. Born and raised in New Orleans, Young’s life was changed forever when he lost his brother to violence, setting him on a troubled path. He served almost 14 years in prison, facing a daunting 65-year sentence, which was later reduced. Instead of letting incarceration define him, Young emerged determined to make a difference.

Launched in 2012, he was named New Orleans’ first director of gun violence prevention and created SHARP Men, an organization that provides professional attire to those re-entering society. “My life has been a hurricane since birth,” reflects Young, comparing his experiences to the iconic storms of New Orleans, “but I learned how to get through the water.” His journey is a testament to the strength it takes to overcome adversity and bring others along.

A legacy of community empowerment

Hooks and Young delves into Young’s dedication to community, discussing how his work with Social Peace and SHARP Men has created pathways for others facing economic and social barriers. Driven by his personal experiences, Young explains that his focus is not on recognition, but on making a real impact. Its work in workforce development and reentry initiatives aims to reduce the high rate of unemployment among the formerly incarcerated, bridging gaps and providing critical financial literacy resources.

For Young, heritage means “tangible things that you can see, feel and experience every day.” From helping more than 800 people secure employment in New Orleans to guiding youth away from cycles of poverty and violence, his efforts are profoundly reshaping the community.

Overcoming barriers through policy and education

In his role as a thought leader, Young addresses systemic issues affecting communities of color. Reflecting on life post-incarceration, he discusses obstacles in accessing financial resources, housing and employment. He believes economic literacy is key to breaking these cycles and calls for structured support, similar to programs for military veterans, to help those transitioning back into society. “If we can look at a model that’s effective, we can adapt that model and teach people how to transition with economic development as part of their learning,” says Young, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy in supporting one’s independence.

His recent book explores these themes with the goal of providing a roadmap for financial and personal growth specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by formerly incarcerated individuals.

Peace Guard Initiative

Young’s latest venture, Peace Guardextends its community work into digital spaces. Recognizing the threats posed by online environments to young people, Young’s initiative aims to create a safe digital playground through intervention and prevention, modeled after the lifeguards who watch over children at physical playgrounds. Hooks praises this approach as innovative, highlighting the impact of digital influence on real-life violence.

By establishing the Peace Guard, Young hopes to promote safe online spaces free from the risks of cyberbullying and the harmful influences that can spill over into offline violence. “We’re building a metaverse platform where parents and mentors act as ‘keepers of the peace,'” Young explains, adding that the goal is to protect the mental and emotional well-being of young people in digital spaces.

Patrick Young’s journey from incarceration to community leader is a narrative of redemption and purpose. His efforts to uplift his community through economic empowerment, systemic reforms and innovative solutions show a deep commitment to social progress. Through initiatives like SHARP Men and Peace Guard, he makes a lasting impact on his community, reminding us all of the power of resilience, hope, and the drive to leave a legacy built on tangible change.

AI helped summarize this episode of Equity in Focus.