Daughters of Zion’s Shelby Safe: Stop The Violence Event Overcame the Heat — Sgt. T. Sprouse and Shelby County Sheriff’s Team and Other Vendors Inspire Youth
By: Shelby County Observer Community Affairs Staff on June 21, 2025
MEMPHIS, TN—Despite a dangerous heat advisory, with temperatures feeling like 104 degrees, several dozen community members showed up in person for the Shelby Safe: Stop the Violence event—demonstrating their unwavering commitment to youth safety and community healing. In total, 183 individuals took the Shelby Safe Pledge, a powerful affirmation to reject violence and embrace peaceful conflict resolution. These pledges were secured both through extensive outreach leading up to the event and during the event itself, reflecting the broad reach and deep impact of the Shelby Safe movement across Memphis and Shelby County. The turnout and participation—under extreme conditions—speak volumes about the urgency of the message and the community’s readiness for change. Amidst rigorous statewide competition, Daughters of Zion was proudly selected as one of only 20 organizations in Tennessee to receive a coveted grant from the Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Health Disparities Elimination—through its highly competitive Health Program, which provided the funding that made this event possible.
Left, Patrolman J. Washington, Sgt. T. Sprouse, Natyia Harris, and Patrolwoman M. Fox
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department made a significant impact on-site, led by Sergeant T. Sprouse from the Community Relations Division, who demonstrated a resilient and firm commitment to positive youth engagement.
- Patrolman J. Washington energized the event by playing basketball with youth participants. His approachable demeanor and teamwork on the court inspired several young attendees to express an interest in pursuing careers in law enforcement.
Patrolman Washington pulls up for a jump shot over young defender youth defender Darris Clay
- Patrolwoman M. Fox also connected meaningfully with young women and families, taking photos and sharing words of encouragement. Her presence showed girls that they, too, have a place in leadership and public service roles.
STEM Career Exposure: Drones and Dreams
Mr. Cedrick Divine, a drone flight instructor, led a hands-on educational session where youth explored the world of drone technology. His presentation emphasized the value of education and illuminated pathways into the aerospace and technology sectors—fields many youth had never considered before.
Community Vendors: Empowering Families Holistically
A diverse group of vendors provided resources ranging from employment and education to mental health and gun safety:
- Rochelle Bowen, Technology Plus Resource Development – Offered training in basic computer skills and software usage.
- Valerie Mitchell, Real Nurses LLC – Provided employment support and senior sitting services to help family members re-enter the workforce.
- Olivia Kennedy, Uniquely Everything – Shared eBooks and resources focused on self-love and financial literacy.
- Richard Robinson, Save Our Students from Accidental Discharges & Shootings – Used mascots and music to creatively teach youth about firearm safety.
- Alex Walker, Cocaine Alcohol Awareness Program – Delivered mental health and addiction recovery information focused on drug and alcohol prevention.
With over 300 kids shot in Memphis in 2023 and dozens of kids in 2025 shot at parks, walking from school, and other public places, Kimberly Adams, one of the event coordinators, reflected on the meaning of the day as she pointed to a touching photo of a young child peacefully eating fruit. “This event was so important,” she shared, “simply because we created a safe space where a picture like this could be taken.”
“I think all youth would benefit from an event like this so we can stop the violence in the streets.”
— Lauren, age 15
One of the most powerful moments of the event came when Richard Robinson and his creative partner transformed into vibrant, life-sized mascots to deliver their signature five-minute performance, “Don’t Touch a Gun.” Through a dynamic mix of animation, music, and theatrical engagement, their custom-costumed presentation embedded the anti-gun violence message deep into the hearts and minds of the youth.
Community Activists Diamond Johnson Sends a Double Message
Children and adults alike were captivated, absorbing the life-saving lesson in a way that was memorable, interactive, and emotionally resonant. Local artist and vocalist Fred Dotson followed this moment with a stirring set of live entertainment on the keyboard, creating a reflective atmosphere that helped seal the message of peace and safety. Shelby Safe Program Director CheKesha Jones summed up the day best: “This was more than an event—it was a declaration that our children’s lives are not negotiable.”
Face painting at the Shelby Safe Stop the Violence Event
Sgt. T. Sprouse’s Team Engages the Youth
Lasting Impact
While the day ended, the movement did not. The Shelby Safe campaign continues to reverberate throughout Memphis and Shelby County, leveraging radio, social media, news coverage, and word-of-mouth to reach hundreds of thousands with a simple but powerful Daughters of Zion Shelby Safe motto:
“Every child deserves a future louder than gunshots and brighter than fear.”
To learn more about Daughters of Zion and its wide range of community outreach programs, please call 901-570-3230.
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