The future of Northeast Wilmington is in our hands!

For me, the NEW WAVES campaign isn’t just another initiative — it’s a call to redefine what’s “normal” in Northeast Wilmington. A peaceful, safe, and drug-free community should be the standard, not a distant dream. The real crime in our communities is the way poverty and trauma have been accepted as a way of life for too long.

Having experienced firsthand the ripple effects of substance abuse, mental health struggles, gun violence, re-entry challenges, and barriers to workforce and overall well-being, I know these aren’t just policy issues. They’re personal. They shape lives, families, and futures.

The challenges in Northeast Wilmington are deep-rooted. A lack of skills and access to sustainable income keeps too many people in cycles of struggle. Funding for real solutions is scarce. While gun violence has slowed, the community still doesn’t feel safe. And without more accessible opportunities for education, workforce development, and mental health resources, the cycle threatens to continue.

I refuse to accept that future. I envision a Northeast Wilmington where infrastructure supports growth, where people can gain the skills they need for stable careers, where therapy and mental health services are easy to access, and where recreational spaces offer more than just a basketball court but a real sense of belonging.

Only we can save us. Change won’t come from outsiders or empty promises on social media. Real transformation starts with unity: people coming together, believing in their own power, and building the future they deserve.

The NEW WAVES campaign represents hope and opportunity for the residents of Northeast Wilmington. As someone who grew up in this community, I have personally experienced many of the challenges we face. The campaign is about collaboration and partnership, especially for those who lack the resources and skills to succeed. It’s about giving them the knowledge and opportunities to change their lives for the better.

The issues that NEW WAVES focuses on are all challenges I have seen firsthand. These struggles have deeply impacted my life, as well as the lives of those around me.

Looking ahead, I hope the NEW WAVES campaign will drive a significant reduction in inequality, particularly in access to basic needs like healthcare and education. I also hope for a greater focus on environmental sustainability to secure a better future for our residents.

To the community of Northeast Wilmington: Our team is here to be your voice and guide. Together, we can create lasting change. Help us, help you!

For me, the NEW WAVES campaign is more than just a movement — it’s a chance to create real, positive impact.

I know the weight of the issues Northeast Wilmington faces because I’ve lived it. Gun violence isn’t just a statistic — it’s personal. Losing people at a young age became routine, but what wasn’t always clear was the lasting trauma it leaves behind. The pain doesn’t just fade; it lingers, shaping the way people see our community and themselves.

Right now, Northeast Wilmington is facing some of its toughest battles. A lack of hope, struggles with substance abuse, mental health challenges, and ongoing gun violence are all deeply woven into the fabric of our community. But I refuse to accept that as the future.

With the NEW WAVES campaign, I see the potential for real transformation. Growth. Change. A stronger, safer community where people believe in a future beyond survival. It won’t happen overnight, but every step forward counts.

“You can’t see change without choosing to do so first.”

Tyrese is part of the NEW WAVES campaign because he knows firsthand the struggles of Northeast Wilmington — gun violence, incarceration, mental health challenges, and the barriers to rebuilding a life. After facing these hardships himself, he refuses to let them define him and is committed to creating change.

He sees NEW WAVES as a movement to unite the community, offering support, resources, and second chances to those who need them. For Tyrese, the campaign is about replacing judgment with opportunity and ensuring no one feels alone in their struggles.

His vision is a future built on unity, love, and real opportunities for success, and he brings this message of hope to his neighbors in Northeast: “Never give up on your dreams and stand for what you believe in. Talk to someone if you struggle. You’re not alone — if you think nobody cares, just know we certainly do.”