MARLON SHACKELFORD
YOUTH SPECIALIST
National rites of passage trainer
In the fall of 2005, a community wide cry went out for someone to do something to help the youth that gathered in Downtown Dayton; especially during after school hours within the Third and Main bus hub area. Marlon Shackelford formulated an idea that was presented to the City of Dayton leaders; recruit and train young adults age 14-30 to perform outreach activities in community hot-spots that would refer "at-risk" youth to prevention and training programs.
Street Souljahz’s (adults) motto is “Victory Over the Streets”. Understanding that victory is only temporary if it is taken by force, we provide permanent solutions, which will teach participants to love themselves, accept themselves, and improve themselves. Increased violence was taking place impacting businesses and citizen
safety. These activities have given Dayton a negative reputation. This cry was heard by Marlon Shackelford and led to the birth of Street Souljahz. Approximately twenty-five (25) African American males began to meet under his guidance. BBI/BSI believes that children are our greatest resource. Therefore, we proclaim victory over drugs,
gangs, violence, illiteracy, poverty, child abuse, destruction of the black family, hopelessness, and anything else that threatens the livelihood of our community.
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Street Souljahz pledged to monitor the corners of Third & Main Street. The platform of the organization became – 1) urban youth involvement in positive programs during and after school and in the summer 2) community mobilization, and 3) mediation from a grassroots perspective. Today, Street Souljahz has extended their activities to area neighborhoods, proclaiming their one-on-one mentoring approach, walking and talking counseling sessions, and the importance of neighborhood activism to bring about violence reduction. In addition to these hands-on initiatives, the Street Souljahz have become highly sought after public speakers that can be called upon for presentations for at-risk audiences both youth and adults.