Today we’d like to introduce you to Brigitte Coles, Angel Singleton, and Tim Holt.
Hi Brigitte, Angel and Tim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Connected in love, we have the power to change our communities and the world. We ACT believes this and this is one of the reasons the organization was created in 2015 by founders Angel Singleton, Tim Holt, and Brigitte Coles. The purpose of We ACT is to respond to community needs with love, peace, respect and understanding. We’ve worked to address the hard issues of police – community relations, violence, equality, and youths being involved in gangs.
For the past seven years we’ve focused on a culture of caring – the goal bringing people together regardless of race, religion, political and socio-economic backgrounds to meet the challenges through trust and respect.
We’ve done this in many ways through community events, town hall meetings and social media creating a call to action.
There are two initiatives we’re most proud of “Spread the Light,” and “Peace on My Block” that promotes unity in our communities.
Spread the Light
Richland County “Spread the Light” was created in 2016. It is a localized approach to Project Blue Light which originated in 1988 in Philadelphia when a relative of a fallen police officer placed a memorial blue light in a window along with other seasonal decorations, its intent was to show others that they are not alone in their loss and to remember the officer who died. The concept caught on nationwide. In 2015, a former Virginia policeman created National Blue Light Week to start something positive for law enforcement.
Our goal is to continue to build trust between officers and the communities they protect. We want the community to see that the men and women who wear the uniform are people just like us rather than police. We want to create a positive narrative of what is happening in our community and others throughout the country. We’re aware that police brutality does occur and we’re also aware of negative prejudices towards police officers. These issues must be addressed. Breaking down barriers between law enforcement and communities starts with improved communication. We encourage our citizens to learn more about their local police and sheriff departments and state highway patrol.
Residents were encouraged to help promote Spread the Light by installing blue light bulbs in homes and businesses. Other activities during the observance included: Coffee with a Cop at participating McDonald’s restaurants; Reading with a Cop; Cops & Kids dodgeball game, The Community Conversation: “Working Together for a Better Community” town hall meeting that featured community members and law enforcement officials and The Safe Summer Fridays community block parties (safe, fun, non-violent events for the community and the whole family. These events give families something to do and to look forward to doing something fun and wholesome on a Friday summer night. These parties are also an effort to bridge the perceived gap between our local law enforcement and the community in which they serve. Lastly, these block parties will promote UNITY among all facets of the community. Regardless of what side of town you live on, what your socioeconomic status is, how old you are, if you’re an elected official or fast food worker, WE ALL LIVE-IN MANSFIELD/ RICHLAND COUNTY TOGETHER!.
Peace on My Block
Lessons of hope have come together with lessons about peace with our collaboration with the Mansfield City School District’s new Peace on My Block initiative.
The program was first conceived by Coles and Singleton of We ACT. The first discussions came in the spring of 2022. The program encouraged the community to take a stand against violence and make a promise to have Peace on My Block, working to bring their neighborhoods together with a pledge, yard signs, and banners, with in hopes this would encourage youths to make a positive impact in the community or the block they represent.
In 2023, the idea took off in part because of an increasing number of homicides in the Mansfield community. Coles and Singleton pitched the initiative to Mansfield City Schools Superintendent Stan Jefferson and former Board of Education president Renda Cline.
We felt if the school district could implement Peace on My Block, helping youths develop skills to solve conflicts in nonviolent ways, teaching students to be empathic and responsible. They would then in turn use those skills to build peace in their community, with their peers, teachers and family members, The goa would be the students leaning the impact of actions; their positive actions create peace in my classroom, peace among my peers; peace in my family and peace in my community.
The rollout of Peace On My Block started with a pledge that was shared on the district’s social media channels, website, and in classrooms at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Next, banners were installed at each of the district’s eight schools and its stadium, Arlin Field, to serve as a reminder and visual representation of what the district is working toward: peace.
Youth, the very demographic the program is aimed at helping learn, grow and thrive, were involved from the beginning. The banners were made by Mansfield Senior High students.
The program kicked off at the district’s Convocation event in August of 2023, including Peace In My School and Peace In My Classroom, were implemented, so that staff and students are continually reminded of the peaceful ethos they are striving to uphold; and nearly 4,000 orange Peace On My Block bracelets were given to students and staff to serve as a constant reminder of their pledge of peace.
Peace On My Block has continued to gain momentum through the following activities:
- The district administrative team wears red shirts touting Peace On My Block each Wednesday and all other staff is encouraged to wear red to foster a unified stand for peace.
- Sherman Elementary has crafted a song with hand motions that teach students the importance of peace and how to handle conflicts in a nonviolent way. Scan the QR Code to hear their message!
- The Spanish Immersion School celebrated School Day of Non-violence and Peace on Jan. 30. The event was founded in Spain in 1964. Teachers discussed peace in the classroom and students learned about leaders of non-violent movements such as Gandhi and Rosa Parks. This demonstrated to students that peaceful solutions to conflict are sought not just in Mansfield, but globally, and showed them the difference they can make.
- Each week, Springmill STEM students watch a video about how to bring peace to the classroom, then write and make posters on what they learned.
- Malabar Intermediate School Principal Tom Hager knows that you can’t have peace without patience and self-control and that these skills are often a struggle for youth. Every other Friday they teach on topics like coping skills, conflict resolution, goal setting and leadership.
- A mentorship program pairing at-risk fifth and sixth grade students with community mentors has been established. Mentors meet with their mentees twice a month, focusing on social and emotional skills like de-escalation strategies, empathy, and promoting unity. Mentees and their families are also invited to monthly breakfasts or dinners where they enjoy a meal together, play games and receive gift bags.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Bringing people together to address the issues of community – police relations. Building a safe space of trust and empathy for community members and law enforcement was key to Spread the Light being accepted. We never gave up we always approached every meeting, rejection and challenge with faith and a sincere love for the community.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Angel Singleton – Former correspondent/reporter for Mansfield News Journal and Richland Source digital news outlet, former Domestic Violence Advocate, former Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator/PR Specialist for the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, AND owner of Angel Creations, LLC. Currently Recreation Coordinator for the City of Mansfield, Ohio Parks and Recreation Department. Skilled in planning activities for people of all ages and interests. Promotes collaboration throughout the community.
Tim Holt – Former partner at Group Three Communications, Universal Digital Communications former VP of Sales, working directly with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. and the Caribbean. Currently, Founder and Director of Brand Development for Titus 6.
Brigitte Coles – Speaker, author, humanitarian, and former news anchor. Currently a community Engagement Specialist for Richland County Children Services (RCCS). Fosters connections between community leaders, organizations, and community members to promote the programs and services provided by RCCS to the children and families the agency serves throughout Richland County.
What advice can you give for those starting out?
Make sure what you’re doing empowers those around you, motivating them to take action, creating a better a future for everyone. Use your talents and positions to help change people’s lives. Form coalitions/alliance with other community groups, organizations, and stakeholders. Be fearless, give support and encouragement. The result will be long lasting relationships that build a thriving community. (Coles/Singleton Quote)
“For those about to embark on their own venture, remember: Own your vision fiercely, stay curious, and cultivate resilience. The path of innovation is paved with challenges, but it’s your passion and perseverance that will turn obstacles into opportunities.” (Tim Holt Quote)
Contact Info:
- Video from Mansfield News Journal Safe Summer Friday: https://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/videos/news/2017/08/11/safe-summer-fridays/104514764/
- Email: weactrichland@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/weactinc
