Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tekesia Shields. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tekesia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
How Mother’s Against Gang Violence , It started as an idea from a stressed mother who wanted to develop resources and opportunities for families who felt guilty and ashamed of there children actions. The process began as a support group hosted to educate families what it looks like when you notice your child is interested in gang activities. These session use to be held out of the Dunbar Recreation Center. Once the Teen Talk session begin to grow I was able to obtain a larger location at the West End Branch Library (where as of today we still host in person Family Groups there every Monday from 6pm – 7:30). While doing the sessions I applied for the organization Secretary Of State ( which validated ownership of the name of my organization.. Then I applied for the organization 501c-3 which assisted with grant writing, relationship building with other organizations (This was the beginning of a greater purpose/vision that God gifted me. As I begin doing community events and speaking, I received and email from the U.S. Attorney, Project Safe Neighborhood Intern asking to meet about collaboration. ( Which I can say has been a success in helping develop Mother’s Against Gang Violence and introduce collaboration with other community partners). These partners Mother’s Against Gang Violence included are now called “Credible Messenger”. Follow on you tube P.S.N (Project Safe Neighborhoods), or Credible Messenger (one vision productions). I had to figure out my purpose, vision and the demographics of people who life I wanted to impact. I also started developing marketing material, a educational curriculum that the community believed would help there family or community. Then I recruited board members and a team of families who had the same similar life experiences and we begin working in the same correctional facilities that house our grown adults now ( who are our sons).
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
THE MOTIVATION BEHIND MAG VIOLENCE
Tekesia Shields is a mother of four wonderful sons and an awesome grandmother. Ms. Shields worked over 12 years as a case manager, educating mothers on the importance of prenatal and infant mortality prevention. Over the years, Ms. Shields has encouraged not only her own sons, but several families whom lives she’s touched on a daily basis.
Tekesia Shields decided to start an organization called Mothers Against Gang Violence (MAG Violence), due to her trails of raising her own sons. Ms. Shields received services and education that she felt a need to share with the community which may save lives of many youth of today.
After receiving honors from Atlanta Public Schools and Center for Black Women’s Wellness, Fulton County District Attorney Office. Tekesia Shields decided to walk in her destiny and plant seeds that will nourish the community. What I am most proud of today? Returning to school (Atlanta Technical College) which I will be obtaining my degree in Criminal Justice
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The journey from my story is that I turned my Pain into Purpose, my Depression into Peace and my Highschool Diploma into a Criminal Justice Degree as I will be graduating the summer of 2022 from College.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A point in my life when I had to pivot? December 2016 when I gave up and made a lot of changes in my life. I sold my home of 13 years for safety and moved into an apartment. I worked two jobs in the field how I would like Mother’s Against Gang Violence to look like and learned how to set the foundation of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.magviolence.com
- Instagram: magviolence
- Facebook: Mother’s Against Gang Violence
- Youtube: Southeast Credible Messenger