MBK Newark, the journey to impact

In 2019, Newark Opportunity Youth Network (NOYN) became the backbone entity for MBK Newark to spearhead policy and systems change efforts for boys and young men of color (BYMOC). The decision marked a significant milestone for BYMOC as this integration aimed to close opportunity gaps, establish robust support systems, and create pathways for continuing education, job training, and employment. After experiencing a 55 percent decrease in homicides between 2013 and 2022 through a strategic focus on city and community collaboration, the City of Newark received recognition as an MBK Model Community. Core to Newark’s success has been the development of a strong Public Safety Ecosystem, built on the successes of many different individuals, organizations, and approaches.

NOYN played a pivotal role in utilizing data from the Newark Public Safety Collaborative (NPSC), formed in 2018 as part of the Rutgers-Newark School of Criminal Justice Anchor Initiative. This collaborative effort focused on analyzing crime data, particularly auto theft and violence, to develop strategic solutions. The insights indicated that 80 percent of the crime in Newark was concentrated in 20 percent of the city, allowing the City to allocate resources to hot spots for preventative and intervention services effectively.

Addressing violence reduction through a public health approach involves treating violence as a disease that can be prevented, interrupted, and ultimately eradicated through strategic interventions. Newark embraced this approach and emphasized the importance of a multi-sector collaboration involving education, law enforcement, social services, and healthcare to implement comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies. This shift in approach allowed the organizations involved to understand the different root causes of violence, such as socioeconomic disparities, systemic inequality, and community trauma, which informed their evidence-based approaches to mitigating the violence.

Given the wide variety of factors that impact individuals, the Newark Police Department relied on the voices of community members and city leaders when determining the prioritization of budget expenditures. Additionally, regular Public Safety Roundtable meetings facilitated by the Newark Community Street Team further strengthened community voice and engagement.

Not only did Rutgers University and the NPSC analyze historic city data to understand the crime landscape, but they also hosted monthly data-sharing sessions with community-based organizations to provide valuable insights. To increase transparency and accountability, they reported on key metrics that enabled leaders to evaluate programmatic outcomes objectively. This practice ensured effective resource disbursement and ongoing improvement.

The transformative collaboration between MBK Newark, NOYN, and the broader community exemplifies the potential for positive change when diverse entities unite for a common cause. From 2013 to 2022, Newark witnessed a 55% reduction in homicides, a 35% reduction in shooting victims, and a remarkable 78% clearance rate, showcasing the impactful work of the collaborative city and community-led efforts. The formalization of the ecosystem, the Brick City Peace Collective, and the creation of the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery, made possible by the Newark Police Department budget allocation, played a crucial role in sustaining these achievements and setting the stage for continued success. Additionally, the city's investment in technical capacity and emotional resilience further underscores its commitment to those dedicated to preventing violence in Newark. Looking ahead, the OVPTR will work closely with various departments and initiatives to address residents' daily needs and ensure a coordinated and effective approach.