In early 2022, a tragic event unfolded: a member of the Boys & Girls Club (B&GC), Levy-Hughes Clubhouse community was fatally shot. The B&GC Senior Service leader promptly reached out to University of Central Florida Associate Professor Dr. L. Trenton S. Marsh, requesting support for the club's youth. Enlisting two of his doctoral students with clinical social work training, the trio provided empathic listening sessions for the young men, addressing their feelings, concerns, and priorities in the aftermath of the tragedy. During one of these sessions, a young man profoundly articulated that "hope is [still] here." This statement galvanized the group, inspiring the initiation of a Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) initiative aimed at memorializing their fallen club member. Ultimately, the youth decided to organize a march against youth gun violence. This event, commencing from their local club and proceeding to a prominent tourist destination, included the participation of the then-incoming Chief of Police, the City’s poet laureate, and other dignitaries. A public forum was held to articulate young people's concerns and share testimonials and narratives.

 

The H.O.P.E. Circle has consistently engaged with Black male youth to amplify their voices and foster youth-led solutions to critical issues such as youth gun violence, the prevention of suicidality among Black young men, how to become positive role models within their communities, and the destigmatization of mental health supports for all youth.