Shanna Clark-Badgett
Violence Interrupter: A survivor over every obstacle sent to destroy her. A mother who was able to thrive beyond incarceration, gang affili
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Our Team
Denzel Grant
Executive DirectorA MESSAGE FROM OUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear members of the Knoxville community,
Since its establishment in July of 2022, Turn Up Knox has truly demonstrated its commitment to making a significant and positive impact on our beloved community. Our mission was clear from the start – to address and interrupt the troubling increase in cycles of gun violence that Knoxville has experienced over the years.
I am proud to share that through the relentless dedication and efforts of our team, we have successfully supported, equipped, and empowered countless individuals to work together in creating a safer and healthier community. By interrupting cycles of gun violence, we have witnessed a decline in the number of incidents, which is a testament to the effectiveness of our various outreach initiatives.
Turn Up Knox has not only been a catalyst for reducing violence but has also played a crucial role in fostering a sense of unity and empowerment among our residents. Together, we have shown that when a community stands united, positive change becomes possible.
I am immensely grateful to our hardworking members whose commitment to this cause has made Turn Up Knox a beacon of hope for our community. Your dedication has inspired positive change and made a lasting impact on the lives of numerous individuals.
As we continue our journey, I am confident that our collective efforts will lead to an even stronger and safer Knoxville. Let us keep pushing forward, hand in hand, towards a future where everyone can thrive without the fear of gun violence.
Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission.
Sincerely,
Denzel Grant
Executive Director, Turn Up Knox
Lydia Brown
Program Director: Lydia Brown serves as Turn Up Knox’s Program Director. Lydia oversees TUK’s program development and outreach efforts in the comm
Denzel Grant
Founder/Executive Director: Denzel Grant has a rich history of serving the Knoxville community & families who have lost loved ones to gun violence
Kodi Mills
Violence Interrupter: As A lifetime member of the Lonsdale Community, He is committed to improving his community by building relationships, and educat
Quientest Vinson
Violence Interrupter: Quientest Vinson grew up in Austin Homes. He has lost numerous friends at a young age and also lost his father Nov 2022 to gun v
Terry Walker-Smith
Violence Interrupter / Victims Advocate: Terry Walker-Smith is a native of Knoxville and mother of four sons. She founded Mothers of Mission Survivors
OUR PARTNERS
Drums Up, Guns Down
YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Center
The Change Center
Emerald Youth Foundation
Walk-Ons
Community Mediation Center
Knox Heritage
Lawson Family Foundation
Knoxville Area Urban League
Mental Health Association of East Tennessee
These relationships have been important for our violence interruption work. It has been a priority for Turn Up Knox to build trust not only amongst the community members but also among other organizations that have been around for some time. This has allowed Turn Up Knox to create even more awareness around the work of the organization.
If your business would like to join this list of amazing organizations helping Turn Up Knox with our violence interruption work; contact Denzel Grant at tuk865@turnupknox.org.