Inspired by a perceived need and similar programs building confidence and responsibility in young women, Brookhaven Police Chief Bobby Bell is leading an effort to put young men in control of their futures. 

“All over the U.S., and in Brookhaven, we are losing young men to violent crimes,” Bell said. “Over the years with some of the things I’ve seen, it’s not something I want them to see or experience.”

In an effort to capture young Brookhaven men in the early stages of their life, Bell has gathered like-minded men in the city to come together as mentors. He, along with coach Preston Walker, Keith Robinson, coach Patrick Hardy and BPD Commander David Johnson, met with the young men of Brookhaven High School earlier this month to discuss leadership skills and summer safety amongst other things.

“All this came about while we were sitting around at the table discussing what will our kids do this summer and will they be back to continue their education,” Bell said.

Bell speaks of the BHS class of 1999, where he saw male athletes as beacons of positive influence and models of a “brothers taking care of brothers” system. He said that they are looking for a group of high school guys who are willing to influence and mentor their younger peers to do the right thing, not only in high stress situations, but also in everyday life. This includes addressing things like violence, respect towards elders, how to treat women and how to achieve academic and social success.

Bell said the initial talk in early May was part one of a larger process.

“During the meeting there was a challenge put on the table for them to stop things from happening when they see them,” Bell said. “For 10 or 12 of them to try and change their class.”

The talk is the first of many monthly meetings focusing on a range of topics that affect young men. Bell said his group of community men was able to fit one meeting in before the summer started but hopes to pick back up after the summer with younger boys at Mamie Martin.

“We want to follow classes through,” Bell said. “We want them to take over taking care of each other.”

Plans for next year also include a scholarship program, which Bell said two men are already interested in donating funds toward.

“We don’t want it to just be us,” he said. “We want other men in the community to get involved.”

Bell said his motivation for such a program that teaches young men how to de-escalate possible life-threatening situations comes from a scene he has witnessed too often.

“I’ve seen a boy, I’ve talked to before, lying on the ground asking ‘please don’t let me die.’ There’s nothing I can do but lie and say you’re going to be alright,” Bell said. “I’ve been put in that situation too many times. I want to be able to go home and go to sleep at night knowing they know what it takes to be safe.”

The chief believes the best way to reach young men is through their peer-relationships.

“How are you going to get people already out there to come hear what you have to say, and I think peers can draw better than we [adults] can,” he said.

Bell said many times young people see violent things around them that contribute to violent actions and reactions later on in similar circumstances. He hopes by getting young men talking about what they can do to positively affect their surroundings, they change what younger people see.