Faith, Brotherhood, and the Front Lines: How Black Men Are Interrupting Violence and Reclaiming Identity

What does it take to stop violence before it happens—and what role do faith, brotherhood, and accountability play in that work?   In this powerful episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice welcomes members of the Youth Violence & Conflict Resolution Center, a nationwide, Bible-based organization working directly in communities to prevent violence, mentor youth, and equip families with real-world life skills.   Brothers Michael, Abel, Maccabees, and Amos share how their work goes far beyond theory—meeting young people where they are, intervening in real-time street conflicts, and teaching practical strategies for de-escalation, communication, and conflict resolution. From handing out “Stop the Violence” flyers in high-risk neighborhoods to mentoring youth in financial literacy, trades, and life skills, this conversation reveals what grassroots prevention actually looks like.   The discussion also tackles difficult and necessary topics, including:   How faith and Scripture are used as tools for conflict resolution Teaching youth to de-escalate violence—both peer-to-peer and during police encounters Addressing identity, history, and what it means to be a Black man navigating systemic oppression Moving beyond “just say no” by giving youth something meaningful to say yes to Why brotherhood, accountability, and guidance are essential to healing our communities