Sunday Conversation: Jerome Lawson's Initiative Transforms At-Risk Youth in Columbus

By Leslie Hudgins

This summer boys 8 to 18 were introduced to a new initiative aimed at helping local at-risk youth, especially those who live in the 31903-zip code of Columbus. 

Jerome Lawson, a dedicated community leader, led a transformative summer program through Lawson’s Development Foundation, which was designed to provide valuable skills and experiences.

Lawson said he wanted to teach young me “to cook, not get booked; and to grill, not kill.”

“I’m offering something that our kids need and that’s genuine relationships,” Lawson said. “You can’t go forward with anything unless you have established relationships with our community and the people in it.”

With the goal of helping adolescent boys understand their interests, Lawson said he hopes to “introduce young men to a different navigation of their circumstances.” 

Lawson, who owns and operates a lawn service and food truck Twist Skillit, located at 906 15^th St., Columbus, Ga, 31901, allowed the youth to learn from him and other minority male business owners from various fields, such as heating and air conditioning repair, electrical work, carpentry, auto mechanics, barbering, lawn care and food truck operations.

“Some children don’t know their interests, so you have to introduce them to different things and to different trades because the genetic code of a man is to be involved and active,” Lawson said. “That’s why our young men sit in class for eight hours and we wonder what’s going on with them. They need to be engaged.”

By learning life skills from men while fostering their relationships, Lawson wants to infuse youth with self-esteem, a strong work ethic, and an entrepreneurial spirit. 

The summer camp operated from 11 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. from June 3 to July 31 and included approximately 20 boys.

Lawson said when he was young, there were men in the community who were authentic and genuinely wanted to help him learn the tools of life which includes learning about God. 

The businessman said South Columbus is in trouble, explaining there is a lack of resources and few opportunities for our youth.

“I want to take the children out of these environments, right, and give them a different reality to look at and show them their value and their worth and show them that you are going to have to navigate through these things that are being set up for your future right now,” Lawson said. “We show them the tools that they can be entrepreneurs and not workers.”

It's all about male bonding and elders taking responsibility to teach the next generation.

Additionally, the program included activities such as hiking, fishing and camping; as well as broader community concerns, such as crime and violence, with discussions related to conflict resolution reinforced by positive role models. 

Lawson’s approach highlighted the importance of nurturing and teaching youth within their own culture rather than just providing exposure. 

In addition to the workshops, Lawson ensured participants had access to meals through community partnerships and local programs. 

“Our children deserved the chance to explore their interests and develop their potential,” Lawson said. “This program was about investing in their future and providing them with the tools to succeed.”