News Summary
In Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood, the One Hood Initiative, founded by Jacobie Williams, aims to combat violence through community empowerment and mentorship. Amid a record homicide rate, the initiative focuses on conflict resolution and skills training to provide long-term solutions to violence. With support from local government, the program includes workshops on financial literacy and career development, seeking to transform community resilience and safety.
Birmingham: One Hood Initiative Aims to Address Violence in the Community
Jacobie Williams, a 36-year-old native of Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood, is taking significant steps to combat violence in his community through the One Hood Initiative. Growing up in an environment marked by poverty and violence, Williams experienced firsthand the challenges faced by many residents of Birmingham.
After a decade-long period of drug dealing following his collegiate basketball career in California, Williams redirected his life towards community service, expressing deep motivations to help others avoid the path he took. In 2020, he founded the nonprofit Everybody WENS, which focuses on empowering youth and families through educational initiatives.
Violence Statistics and Initiative Implementation
The urgency of the initiative is underscored by the alarming homicide rate in Birmingham, which reached 152 in 2024—the highest in nearly a century. In response, the city allocated $700,000 to implement One Hood, a program that deploys “credible messengers” who have been impacted by the justice system to serve as mediators and mentors.
Similar to successful models in other cities, such as Newark, NJ, which experienced a 23% decline in homicides from 2022 to 2024, One Hood in Birmingham strives to reduce violence through conflict resolution, trauma recovery, and life skills development.
Community Engagement and Training Initiatives
Williams has emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating that programs like One Hood can be transformative for individuals who face daily adversities. Since the program’s launch, workshops on financial literacy and career development have been held, aiming to equip residents with practical skills to help them thrive.
The Birmingham Mayor’s office, led by Mayor Randall Woodfin, has been supportive of these initiatives, working alongside the Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham Crime Commission to develop strategies targeted toward reducing violence. Policy approaches focus not only on immediate intervention but also on addressing the root causes of crime and providing long-term resources.
Future Objectives and Community Insights
Sharod Caraway-Brown, a board member of One Hood, highlighted the goal of raising awareness and training community members to play an active role in violence prevention efforts. Through comprehensive training facilitated by violence prevention experts, community members have begun gaining crucial certifications aimed at equipping them to handle conflict in non-violent ways.
As Birmingham continues to grapple with the complexities of violence, the community remains hopeful that initiatives like One Hood will lead to a safer environment. Williams’s story serves as an inspiration, reflecting a commitment to change within the community and the potential for longstanding impact.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham: 23-Year-Old Woman Dies Following Shooting Incident
Birmingham Drug Bust Results in Nine Arrests and Major Seizures
Jacobie Williams Partners with One Hood to Combat Violence in Birmingham
Birmingham to Host Second Chance Hiring Fair
Hoover Divided Over Target Boycott Following DEI Initiative Changes
Holt Foundation Empowers Birmingham Youth with Trade Skills
Birmingham Launches Advanced Train Alert System
Charles Barkley Pledges $2 Million for Birmingham and Leeds
Birmingham, Alabama: Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash Results in Three Fatalities
McNair Sisters Launch Civil Rights Lunch and Learn Series
Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: One Hood Initiative Aims to Address Violence in the Community
- New York Times: Gun Violence Prevention in Birmingham
- ABC3340: Birmingham Advances Crime Commission Recommendations
- AL.com: Birmingham Hospital Program Offers Hope Amid Homicide Crisis
- WBRC: Birmingham Gearing Up to Expand Hospital Intervention Program
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Gun Violence Reduction Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
