What happened (and what’s being launched)
DeKalb County has put $250,000 on the table for a new youth violence prevention program called Education to Empowerment. It’s a 12-week, in-school curriculum for students in grades six through 12 that aims to teach leadership, emotional smarts, behavior control and peaceful ways to handle conflict. The county says the program was in the works for about a year — the timing of the announcement came just days after a deadly shooting in Stone Mountain, but officials say it wasn’t cooked up as a knee-jerk reaction.
The sad context
Just before the announcement, two boys — an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old — were shot and killed in Stone Mountain, and two women, ages 19 and 37, were injured. An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and faces serious charges while the investigation continues. DeKalb County Police Chief Greg Patrick reminded everyone that no disagreement justifies escalating to gun violence and the heartbreaking loss of children in the community.
What the program actually does
Think of the 12 weeks as a crash course in being less impulsive and more intentional. Students will practice conflict resolution, emotion regulation, leadership skills and decision-making strategies. Beyond classroom time, the county plans parent engagement, school assemblies, town halls and extra support for families and young people affected by violence. Human Services will use crime and youth data to decide which schools and neighborhoods need the program the most.
Community partners — yes, even a chessboard
The county isn’t going it alone. It’s teaming up with organizations already working with young people. One standout is Be Someone, founded by Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, who teaches conflict resolution using a chessboard. No, seriously: chess.
The chess lesson (short and useful)
Hudson’s pitch is delightfully simple: pause, think, then act. He tells kids to consider a move and imagine the consequences — exactly what chess trains you to do. His signature line boils down to six words: “Take time to think things through.” He warns against acting on the first impulse because, more often than not, that’s a trap.
Why Hudson’s story matters
Hudson’s message carries weight because of his past. He grew up in difficult circumstances, spent time in foster care and was involved in gangs before a teacher introduced him to chess and challenged him to start making his own decisions. He’s worked with tens of thousands of young people and says he can connect with kids because he’s been where they are.
Prevention is a team sport
Chief Patrick stresses that preventing violence can’t fall on police alone — it needs schools, government, families and community partners all pulling in the same direction. The big opportunity is the tiny moment between impulse and action; if someone can be reached in that slice of time, they might choose a different path.
Parting thought
Hudson said the recent killings only make him want to do more. The county’s new program won’t be a magic wand, but by teaching kids to pause, ponder and pivot, it’s a shot at saving at least a few futures. In plain terms: think before you move.
