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Our Mission:

Turn Up Knox strives to interrupt cycles of gun violence in the Knoxville area. We support, equip, empower people to create a safer and healthier community.

Our Vision:

Turn Up Knox will serve as a community-informed intervention program that reduces gun violence in the Knoxville area. We envision a community where ALL residents are safe from gun violence.

Our Work:

TurnUp Knox Logo

Crime Analysis:

Cost of Violence Assessment

Since launching in July 2022, Turn Up Knox has been actively working with the city of Knoxville, NICJR, and other local partners to gather critical data on the impact of violence in our neighborhoods and the strain it places on our community’s safety systems. Through this collaboration, we’ve been able to dive deep into understanding some of the root causes of violence and the ripple effects it has on families and public safety.

 The progress we’ve made in such a short time has been remarkable, and we are both proud and surprised by some of the findings. The data not only confirms the urgency of our mission but also highlights how effective our efforts have been so far. We’re using this information to shape our strategies, ensuring that we continue to reduce violence and create safer, healthier neighborhoods for everyone.

Click on the pictures below to enlarge or download (pdf) the data

Testimonies:

  • “Jeremiah's experience with Denzel Grant and Turn Up Knox has been incredibly positive. As a 70 year grandmother, it’s been somewhat of a challenge getting Jeremiah to change his behavior. He was struggling both academically and with his behavior at school. After having to meet with the principal because of his behavior, she recommended contacting Denzel Grant. Since the very beginning, his mentorship has helped him turn things around. With their support, Jeremiah finished the remainder of the school year improving his grades, and he developed much better social skills and responses to things. I can tell he is a much happier and more confident young man, and I'm so grateful for Denzel’s help."

    Grandmother of a Turn Up Knox Participant

  • “I was struggling with a life-threatening conflict and honestly didn't know where to turn. Somehow they got my information from somebody and actually reached out to me. I reached a point where I was going to harm somebody and not realizing it at the time but putting myself and my family potentially in harm's way. Talking with them and allowing them the opportunity to mediate the situation was one of the best decisions I could have made. They did not hesitate to provide me with the support and resources I needed to get my mind right at that time. I still have days that I struggle, but it does help to know that I can reach out to Denzel and his staff any time I need help or a space to be vulnerable. You don’t get those opportunities too much nowadays without being judged, so I’m thankful. Turn Up Knox has for sure been a lifesaver."

    Youth Turn Up Knox Participant