We recently connected with Myesha Watkins and have shared our conversation below.

Myesha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Cleveland Peacemakers is a grassroots community violence intervention (CVI) organization organized to save lives. We engage with young people ages 14-24 who are the highest risk of shooting or being shot. Interventions include, court advocacy and support, hospital-based violence intervention programs, employment opportunities, and mental health services. Cleveland Peacemakers deploys street outreach workers, “credible messengers,” who help mediate conflicts to prevent shootings, provide immediate crisis response, and connect high-risk young people to community resources to promote long-term support and stabilization. These interventions work to prevent violence before it happens and de-escalate conflict before it potentially turns fatal. We build healthy and safe communities.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The number one cause of premature death for all kids and teens in our country is gun violence. That is a problem and we cannot lose hope when children are dying.

“As a dedicated mother and leader, my commitment is unwavering in the fight against senseless community gun violence. The fear of my children falling victim to such violence is a driving force, and it’s a reality that no community in our country is immune to. From our neighborhoods to the marginalized areas where Black and Brown communities reside, the threat persists.

I’m honored to lead Cleveland Peacemakers, an organization deploying street outreach workers, or ‘credible messengers,’ who mediate conflicts, prevent shootings, and provide immediate crisis response. Our focus is on connecting high-risk youth to resources for long-term support and stabilization, aiming to prevent violence and de-escalate conflicts before they turn fatal.

The vital work of Cleveland Peacemakers demands support, funding, and resources to continue saving lives and restoring communities. As Pastor Mike McBride rightly said, ‘hopeless is more deadly than a bullet.’ We strive to be bigger than the bullet, breaking down barriers and offering strategic solutions to communities and individuals who often see violence as their only option.

Despite the alarming headlines, success stories emerge from our interventions, showcasing that there is hope for those impacted by gun violence. Cleveland Peacemakers aims not just to address the symptoms but to eradicate the root causes, making our communities healthier and safer for everyone.”

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Frequently, I ponder upon my journey in the field of gun violence prevention, particularly the initial skepticism surrounding my qualifications based on my personal background. Some doubted whether my life experiences made me suitable for this role, assuming without consulting me first. My upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio parallels that of many others. While not directly involved in street life, I am familiar with it. Although I’ve never been shot, I had a terrifying experience with a semi-automatic gun to the back of my head during a home invasion, with my mother pleading for our lives. The risk factors affecting others also affected me. I was part of a group dedicated to helping me succeed academically, engage in positive activities, and secure employment, tirelessly providing resources to shield me from the community’s challenges. Initially, I felt the need to warn others not to underestimate me despite my friendly demeanor. Having a master’s degree in social work granted me credibility in this field. My skills in active listening, community-centered approaches, systemic understanding, advocacy, and family dynamics comprehension were both my qualifications and my disqualifications in the eyes of some. However, I refused to let this deter me, recognizing that “well-behaved women rarely make history.” I voiced my concerns and found solutions, refusing to be sidelined in a male-dominated space. Now, five years later, I stand confidently as a woman in gun violence prevention, secure in my place and dedicated to paving the way for others. I’ve realized that this journey is not personal; it’s about saving lives. Women belong here, and our contributions are essential. Thankfully, many men in this field recognize this. We are all credible, and together, we can make a difference.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

Guiding a grassroots community violence intervention organization demands substantial investments, sustainable funding, and resources, along with strategic partnerships to foster an ecosystem for success. It’s imperative to acknowledge that no single organization or individual can single-handedly address complex issues. A few ago, our operational budget relied heavily on support from a single philanthropic funder. Unfortunately, when their funding situation changed, our organization faced a financial setback, necessitating challenging internal decisions. This period brought moments of uncertainty, with concerns about meeting payroll and the prospect of closing our doors. Despite these challenges, my commitment as a leader to the life-saving mission of Cleveland Peacemakers prevailed. Leveraging my network, I sought support to diversify our funding streams and pursue grants. While the option to give up seemed tempting, the reliance of communities on Cleveland Peacemakers motivated us to persevere. I am pleased to share that not only have we never missed a payroll, but we also continue to deliver life-saving interventions, ensuring that individuals remain both alive and free.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.clevelandpeacemakers.org
• Instagram: @forclevepeace
• Facebook: Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance
• Linkedin: Myesha Watkins
• Twitter: @forclevepeace