Deveaon "Sahir" Bady grew up in the Walnut Park area and later moved to Laclede Town where he became gang affiliated and exposed to the drug game. As a result, he spent 13 years in prison for homicide and drug trafficking. Since his release in 2003, he has actively worked in social services and work force development to try and repair a community that he had an active role in destroying.
Charles was raised in the Walnut Park neighborhood and grew up in an era that was prone to gun violence. He adopted these negative behaviors due to environmental risk factors, which led him to prison several times in his life. It was prison that introduced him to Christianity and he accepted the Lord as his personal savior. He wanted to become a better person and change became his life's mission, this is accomplished by him serving others.
Adam C. Butler, aka Stadic, started violence intervention work because he wanted to see change in our community. He grew up as one of the main parts of the problem and this was a chance for him to give back from what he feel like he’s taken from. He believes God blessed him to be here for a reason and he’s all in to create change.
Tavon is originally from Baltimore, Maryland. He relocated to St.Louis for the birth of his son and has been here since. He feels like violence intervention work called him and is excited to bring it to the South Side. He is also a licensed realtor in Missouri and is able to experience St. Louis through a diverse lens.
Monte' was born in North St. Louis + later moved to North County but traveled back + forth between the areas. Being part of both the city + county allowed Monte' to see a level of violence + hatred that needed to be combatted. He also lost a 15 year old son, making violence intervention work personal to him. Monte' is a also a second hand Minister for the State of Missouri for the Moorish Science Temple of America + uplifting fallen humanity is his passion.
Amir grew up on the St. Louis City West Side and considers himself at one point, part of the problem. He later realized that he could use his influence to intervene. He is now an activist that fight for justice wherever there is injustice. He is also the owner of The Real STL News, is a carpenter, and builds and races motorcycles.
Derrick, aka Dee, grew up in Walnut Park and is drawn to violence intervention work because he wants better for our children and elders. He knows that he can make things better and is willing to offer his help in any way to make our city safer. He considers himself an understanding, respectful gentleman who loves to help others.
Lamont “Bang” Roberts El , was born and raised on the city’s Northside known as 49 Bad, WPA, or Walnut Park Area in St. Louis. He used to be a menace to his own society, and upon returning to his hood he recognized the void in his community. He knew some severe issues needed to be addressed to help save our youth and community. He is now proud to say he’s a father, and black business owner in that same community and has overcome many trial and tribulations. His passions include music, art, and remodeling various projects. He is eager to help create the change that’s needed for our future.
Corey “Noon” Carter grew up in the Mark Twain, Walnut Park area. He was drawn to violence intervention work because he wants to give back to the city because he believes it is becoming overrun with violence and he wants to help. He is a people person, a team player and his favorite part of St. Louis is the Northside.
Reginald “CAT” Beasley grew up in East St. Louis/Washington Park. He does violence intervention work because he believes there is a need for peace amongst our elders, women and children. But, most of all, he wants to establish empathy amongst the brothers in our community so that there will be respect for other people’s lives. He is eager to provide solution-based information to the youth, men and women in our communities.
Mark grew up in the Walnut Park and is drawn to violence intervention work because he feels he can help young men learn that harming or killing someone doesn’t make you a man. His favorite part about the city is North St. Louis.
Tyra, a.k.a. Norky, grew up on the Westside of St. Louis. She was drawn to violence intervention work because she believes peace is everything and all of our children deserve to grow old and live life without the fear of violence.
Markus “Tank” was born and raised in the Dutchtown neighborhood and it is his favorite part of the city. He has been the victim of violence in the past and has since made a change in his life to serve his neighborhood. He is also the founder of Marquette Community Day.
Wes was born in the Cochran Projects in Downtown St. Louis. For a long time in his life he was part of the damage and violence in his community. He has lost valuable people in his life to gun violence. He is here to do his part to fix the community he has damaged and help make his city safe again.
