A Conversation on Peace in the World We Live!

After the events of 2020 culminating in the events of January 6 2021, the deteriorating peacefulness in the United States remains top of mind for the world.  Over the past 10 years, hate crimes, extremism and terrorism in the U.S. have all increased and political stability has eroded. Civil unrest continues after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and increasing divisions across social, ethnic and political lines are being further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This deterioration in peacefulness correlates with a decade-long decline in Positive Peace for the U.S., where Positive Peace means the attitudes, institutions and structures that create and sustain peace. Among other signs of worsening peacefulness, the quality of information that citizens, the media and authorities are consuming has deteriorated significantly, and there has been a radicalization of views on economic management, personal freedoms, immigration and foreign relations. This had led to a widening gap between political groups, more group grievances, and higher levels of exclusion. 

This discussion will explore practical approaches to building Positive Peace in the United States at the community-level, particularly in mid-sized and small cities. As a deep dive into how to bring about peace in American communities, issues like community resilience, civic engagement and transparent communication between elected leaders and community members will be explored.

Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start. Start 2022 with positivity and love!   - Perry

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Celebrating 10+ Years Working With Sheriff Lott & RCSD!

A Partnership Born of Trust: Perry Bradley and Sheriff Leon Lott

At a time when public trust in and belief in the legitimacy of law enforcement is the U.S.  is at a 27-year low[1], a remarkable partnership has flourished between the Sheriff of Richland County SC and a man whose own family member was shot and killed by a state trooper.  Out of that tragedy was born an organization founded by that man, Perry Bradley and Building Better Communities, and the sustained involvement of the law enforcement officer, Sheriff Leon Lott, who personally helped Perry understand why the shooting occurred so that Perry could heal. 

Today, more than 10 years later, the innovative partnership between these two individuals brought together over a tragic death is transforming the lives of thousands of Richland County community members each year.  Through the work of Perry Bradley and the Building Better Communities organization and the dedicated involvement of Sheriff Leon Lott, they are together bridging the gap between African-American communities, low-income communities, poverty-stricken communities, and local law enforcement.  This sustained collaboration has transformed public safety, built public trust and increased confidence in the police.  This has occurred as a result of the creative, transformative, unwavering community engagement programs which occur throughout each year in collaboration with local law enforcement, in particular the Richland County Sheriff’s Department led by Sheriff Lott.  

The mission of Building Better Communities is to bridge the gap between local law enforcement and the community by providing the necessary tools required for community members to be successful.  Led by Perry Bradley, this organization both solves community problems and brings about positive, observable public safety outcomes.  Rooted in community policing, the events which occur throughout the year proactively address public the conditions which can result in public safety issues such as violence and crime.  Of particular focus is the fight against gun violence.   To address this public safety issue, Building Better Communities takes a multifaceted approach.  Currently underway is A Joyous Christmas, which provides the entire community—not just the children—with the resources to help them better their lives throughout the year by providing them with what they need.  And when a family needs the money to buy gifts for their children, money is provided so they can pick them out and give them as gifts from them, making the parents heroes in their children’s eyes.   Teaming up with the Sheriff’s Department, gifts are arranged for both parents and children such as  like toys, school supplies, clothing and gift cards.  And when the gifts need to be collected, the Sheriff’s Department partners with BBC and they both go out into the communities. cord making him eligible to continue his life anddream of entering the military.

Building Better Communities Hosts The First Gun Violence Prevention Summit

The Iron Man Project was created out of an understanding about the issues facing both boys and men of color and their surrounding ecosystem as it relates to Gun Violence, Building Better Communities vision is to EMPOWER our boys and young men of color by helping to eliminate gaps in their opportunities and outcomes.

Statistic shows that boys and young men of color, regardless of socio-economic background, are disproportionately at risk throughout the journey from their youngest years to college and career. For instance, large disparities remain in reading proficiency, with 86 percent of Black boys and 82 percent of Hispanic boys reading below proficiency levels by the fourth grade – compared to 58 percent of White boys reading below proficiency levels. Additionally, the disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic young men who are unemployed or involved in the criminal justice system alone is a perilous drag on state budgets, and undermines family and community stability. These young men are more than six times as likely to be victims of murder than their White peers and account for almost half of the country’s murder victims each year.

As members of various communities, we cannot ignore the ways in which youth of color, in particular Richland County, SC, are at a disadvantage because of systemic inequities and racial biases. Systemic disadvantages show up early for boys and men of color especially when there are zero tolerance policies in schools and hypervigilant and unbending policing practices that impact our youth unequally. These issues can interrupt or completely stall opportunity for our young people. It is important to note that girls and young women of color also face disadvantages that need to be addressed. For now, BBC’s Iron Man Project focuses on young men.

BBC feels that through strong relationships with mentors, the impact of the challenges our young men face can be minimalized and their strengths and the strengths of their communities, families, and cultures can be drawn on to empower their potential for success. Like schools and other youth-serving institutions, mentoring programs find success through delivering culturally relevant services, developing the strengths of those they serve, and building on the assets of the local community. Identifying, respecting, and building upon the strengths of mentees, as well as their communities and social networks, can go a long way toward supporting mentoring relationships.

Gun Violence is at an all-time high and it needs to be addressed. The idea of the Iron man Project was derived from a bible verse. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17. BBC’s approach on fighting Gun Violence in our communities is to take a strong stance against the things destroy hope and happiness in our communities. It starts with changing the mindset of the youth. Its time the strong men of color in our communities reach out and mentor these at-risk boys and young men before its too late. - Perry Bradley Jr.

    Today the world celebrates the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King. I celebrate his legacy everyday of my life. Building Better Communities is the direct result of how Dr. King influenced my life. He was a visionary, a freedom fighter, a profound orator and fearless leader. These are only a few words that describe the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but has made me the man that I am today.  Listening to Dr Martin Luther King’s speech for first time, was my first time experiencing the feeling of inspiration and purpose! I am reminded to always dream incredible dreams and to always use my voice and influence to stand for something. Seeing one man who was determined to educate his people, save their souls and form a connection with all races and creeds…that  was inspiring to me! He was dedicated to his dream of securing equality for his people and people in general even though the price was being verbally abused, physically assaulted and eventually assassinated! His legacy of love and hope for all is embedded in my soul! Forever I will illuminate his message! He is also a reminder that as long I put the effort with integrity, passion, purpose and genuine love, I can achieve my dream. That is why the very first BBC Community Resource Center has a mural of Dr. King at the front door. Every time I step into my office, it reminds me of the work that must be done in our communities. I hope that every man, woman, child that enters our doors is inspired by his image to accomplish great things. Today I want to encourage all of you to do a day of community service. Today I would love for you to become a member of our organization. 2021 is the year BBC will become the epidemy of what a grassroots community nonprofit organization should be. Our focus for this year is “EMPOWRMENT”. We will empower our communities through our commitment to service. BBC will be hosting various online seminars on life skills training, parenthood, financial literacy, gun violence, community service projects, voting, how to hold elected officials accountable, etc. In the words of Dr. King “What are you doing for others?”  Enjoy serving others today and let us know what you are doing. Send photos or write ups to events@bbconline.org. We will choose some of the best ones and send you a BBC Community Empowerment Prize Packet. Enjoy!

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   MICKELSEN DALTON, LLC is a relatively new law firm based out of Charleston, SC. They specialize in helping crime victims and their families. They represent clients from all over the country who have been shot and killed at bars, restaurants, motels, apartment complexes, etc. For more information, contact BBC at 803-908-7775.

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Building Better Communities Meet With National Recording Artist "Nelly"

BBC & RCSD Traffic Stop Safety Session III 2019