Welcome Back, G-Tribe

Issue #119 – January 27, 2026

❄️ Welcome, G-Tribe

The snowstorm sweeping across the eastern part of the country reminded us of something powerful: how quickly plans can change, and how deeply we rely on each other when they do. Whether you're digging out, hunkering down, or helping a neighbor (big shoutout to my neighbor for helping me), thank you for showing up. Even the weather teaches us that leadership isn’t always about being in control. Sometimes it’s just about being present.

So wherever you are this week, bundled up or breaking through, know this: you're not alone, and growth doesn't take a snow day.

Let’s GO!

Growth Spotlight: Peace Is Power — Baltimore Shows Us a Better Way

This week, the headlines have been filled with grief, another tragic shooting in Minneapolis, more families forever changed, more young lives caught in the crossfire of a system that seems broken.

But here’s the part that often gets buried: violence isn’t the only story. In fact, just a few hours south in Baltimore, MD, a powerful example is unfolding, one that proves nonviolence isn’t just an ideal. It’s a strategy that works.

Baltimore is seeing historic drops in violent crime after investing in community-led violence prevention. Through programs like violence interrupters, youth outreach, and restorative neighborhood engagement, the city has achieved its lowest homicide rates in 50 years.

Let that sink in: Lowest in 50 years.

They didn’t get there by locking more people up. They got there by showing up. By mentoring. By listening. By choosing to build, not break.

If you're wondering what nonviolence looks like in action, it's communities empowered to solve their own problems. It looks like leaders who invest in people before they become a headline. It looks like prevention over punishment.

So this week, let’s not just mourn what happened in Minneapolis — let’s model what’s happening in Baltimore.

Because peace isn’t passive. Peace is powerful.

Michael’s Hot Take: Stop The Violence

Here’s my take, and I’m coming to you as real as I can:
Every time a shooting like the one in Minneapolis happens, it sends a ripple of trauma through our homes, schools, and cities. But beneath the heartbreak, there’s a hard question we must confront:
What are our kids learning from watching us?

They see how we resolve anger. They see how we express pain. And too often, what they see is violence, on screens, in schools, in our communities. We have to be honest: they’re not just watching. They’re absorbing.

Dr. King showed us that nonviolence wasn’t about being passive; it was about being purposeful. That’s the legacy we need to reclaim. Because right now, what we model matters more than what we say.

If we want to see different outcomes, we have to create different inputs. That means fathers, mentors, and men of influence stepping up, not just to preach peace, but to practice it.

Let’s teach them that it takes more strength to de-escalate than to dominate. Let’s show them that real leaders don’t just talk change — they live it.

Parent Insight of the Week

This week, ask your son:

“What do you think are better ways to solve problems than fighting?”
Open up the floor for ideas, even if they’re raw or surprising. Then gently guide the conversation toward respect, communication, and self-control. This isn’t just parenting, it’s leadership at home.

Try This With Your Mentee

Ask:
“Who do you look up to, and what makes them a leader?”
Use this moment to explore how leadership shows up in everyday decisions. Then ask:
“What’s one way you can lead like that this week?”

Watch & Learn

This video is short, practical, and designed to spark real conversations. Watch together and ask:

• What did you learn?

• When have you had to de-escalate something?

• What would you do differently now?

Upcoming Events

Join us for the Super Bowl

Now that the teams have been set, come on out and watch the big game with us.

MUSIC BINGO NIGHT IS HERE!!

Pull up for a night of good vibes, great music, and an even better cause 

Join A Few Good MENtors for Music Bingo Night, where great music, nostalgia, and friendly competition meet, and the community comes together!

Saturday, March 14, 2026
6:00–10:00 PM (21+)
Mulligan’s Pub on the Green | Fairfax, VA

AFGM Engagement Hour | 6:00–7:00 PM
Arrive early. No pressure. Just good conversation, light apps, and a chance to connect.

Tickets are available now.
Can’t attend? Donations & sponsorships welcome!

AFGM 5K Youth T-Shirt Design Contest — Now Open!

Calling all youth artists! A Few Good MENtors is inviting young creatives ages 10–18 to design the official t-shirt for our upcoming AFGM 5K Fun Walk/Run on June 27.

🖌️ The winning design will be featured on the event shirt and worn by participants across the community!

✅ Open to ages 10–18
🎨 Community voting will determine the top 3
🏆 Winner selected by AFGM’s review panel
💰 Grand prize valued at $250

🗓️ Submit your design by February 28
🔗 bit.ly/afgm5kdesign

Let’s see your creativity shine — and wear your work with pride this summer!

AFGM Signature Events for 2026

These events mark our year of movement and momentum.

• Boys Becoming Men Youth Summit — April 11, 2026
  Includes dedicated sessions for parents.

• AFGM 5K Run/Walk — June 27, 2026

• AFGM Brotherhood Awards Luncheon — September 12, 2026

• AFGM Annual Gala Celebration — November 7, 2026

Sponsorship Opportunity

We are seeking sponsors and partners for all 2026 signature events.
If you know a business or organization that invests in boys, families, and mentorship, connect them with us.

Email: [email protected]

That’s it for this week.

This is the Year of Movement and Momentum.
Every step matters.
Thanks for moving with us. Please share this newsletter with friends and family.