Alliance of Concerned Men

News, Views, & Updates

August

2025

Solutions for Public Safety

ACM CEO Terrance Staley spoke with ABC News about safety concerns in Wards 7 & 8 -- and how to address them

Terrance Staley spoke to ABC 7 News about crime prevention and public safety ahead of the National Guard presence in the District. From the story:

"Terrance Staley lives and breathes the streets of D.C. He is the CEO of Alliance of Concerned Men, headquartered in Ward 7 in Southeast. The group's focus is on preventing, reducing, and stopping violence...

Staley said that the community needs a system that includes jobs, education, and consistent access to a better quality of life." Watch the full story at ABC 7 News.

TOMORROW: Backpack Giveaway

Join us at Anacostia Park, 1500 Anacostia Drive, near the Roller-skating Pavilion, from 3pm - 7pm!

ACM is working with local partners and NTTM-Howard University student-led organizations to get DC youth ready for the new school year!

Join us for a powerful day of community support and youth empowerment as the Alliance of Concerned Men (ACM) hosts our annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Thursday, August 15, 3pm - 7pm at Anacostia Park near the roller skating pavilion in Southeast DC.

This event is co-sponsored by a dynamic coalition of organizations committed to uplifting our youth. In addition to free backpacks full of supplies, the day will feature BBQ, limited donated clothing from Mariah's Wish, community engagement, and fun and games!

Our team is actively preparing backpacks and materials to ensure every child leaves with the tools they need to thrive! Check out the video below.

🎓 With Gratitude to Howard University Student Volunteers!

We extend heartfelt thanks to the NewToTheMecca (NTTM) - Howard University student-led organizations for their volunteer efforts. Special recognition to NTTM Student Ambassador Jasean Robertson, Bachelor of Science candidate in Health Services, graduating in 2026.

Here is just a sample of our many, many testimonials from our NTTM-Howard University student-led volunteers.

Our youth depend on ACM support. Please donate now!

Safe Summer for Our Youth

ACM Summer Strong Camp delivered another season of learning, mentorship, and fun to DC kids. Your support makes these life-changing and life-saving programs possible!

On August 1, ACM wrapped up another great year of our Summer Strong camp! Our staff and volunteers helped DC youth of all ages have a safe summer and prepare for the new school year -- and have lots of fun!

Above: Nnkea Lynn Grimes, director of ACM's Summer Strong camp.

Below: Youth and ACM staff and volunteers are practicing social and gross motor skills while exercising their cognitive abilities.

Support our transformational programming. Donate now!

Voices of ACM: Educating Our Youth, Keeping Them Safe, Showing We Care

"They're fighting over something that was said or done on social media ... We have to let them know that someone still cares." - Kevin Anderson, ACM consultant and former MPDC Police Captain

"More than reducing violence, we fix broken lives and broken spirits."

- Robert Woodson of the Woodson Center, celebrating 44 years of helping grassroots leaders make an impact in their neighborhoods

At the 44th anniversary, Bob Woodson shared a powerful story of ACM's origins in the 1990s with the Benning Terrace truce.

“The Alliance of Concerned Men relationship goes back to the beginning, 28 years since the truce and I remember it all. Who do we turn to when we look for solutions? With the decline of urban centers, destruction of the family and all the trouble that these communities are facing.

The solution is right where the problem is. I’m proud to have been there at the beginning of the journey with ACM a modest group of men coming together to do God’s work and persisted and fostered the healing agents. It’s not the programs; the longevity of ACM is still on its path of success and still demonstrates excellence.

It lies within the community, a living reminder where to look for solutions. It takes humility and looking for unorthodox ways with untutored people who become the experts for change."

Below: Decades-long supporter and champion of ACM Bob Woodson (left) with ACM CEO Terrance Staley (right). Congratulations on your 44th anniversary, Mr. Woodson!

Below: Bob Woodson helps ACM local youth buy dress clothes for Tyrone Parker's retirement party, offering them encouragement and an opportunity to engage with community leaders in a formal setting.

Support ACM and change young lives for the better! Donate here.

Check out more recent ACM news!

We want to hear from you!

www.acmdc.org

info@acmdc.org

202-575-7544