100 Black Men of Atlanta, a civic organization focused on uplifting African-American youth, revived its dormant Anti-Gun Violence Campaign amid rising national gun violence. HBE launched a strategic media relations initiative to amplify the program’s message of peace and conflict resolution. Through a high-impact campaign that combined a powerful public event with targeted media outreach, HBE successfully brought local and national attention to the organization’s work, generating millions of impressions and ongoing opportunities for visibility.

Although 100 Black Men of Atlanta had a long-standing anti-violence program, it had fallen out of public view. In an era of heightened media saturation and constant coverage of violent incidents, the challenge was to break through the noise and reposition the organization as a leader in violence prevention especially in communities most impacted by gun violence.

HBE implemented a multi-layered strategy including creating a compelling media narrative centered on youth education and peace building. Coordinating a public candlelight vigil at the King Center with high-profile speakers, including Rep. Lucy McBath.  Engaging influential spokespersons such as Keith Millner and Joshua Byrd to serve as the program’s public faces. Launching a tiered media campaign to secure local first, then regional and national coverage. Building long-term relationships with reporters and news platforms to sustain media interest.