Our Story

 

902 Man Up is a non-profit volunteer organization founded in 2016 in response to the increase in community violence particularly involving black males. We are primarily dedicated to the advancement of all Black communities within Nova Scotia and will focus particularly on the empowerment of young black males.

The expanded mandate of 902MU includes all individuals or groups at risk of marginalization and social and academic exclusion. Gun violence disproportionately affects Black communities and we face persistent systemic challenges, from limited access to quality education to the devastating impact of gun violence. These challenges require urgent action and sustained investment. 902 Man Up believes that change starts with empowering our youth and creating pathways for success that ripple through the entire communities.

Our aim is to ensure these groups have the resources, opportunities, and support to reach their full potential. We believe our communities will thrive. Together, we will  build a black community where the destructive cycle of gun violence is replaced by hope, resilience, and empowerment thereby enabling black communities to thrive.

marcus and peter

 

Our Mission
902 Man Up is committed to educating, coaching, role modeling, supporting, and accommodating these marginalized groups. We will achieve these by investing in education, leadership, and community development.

 At the heart of our mission is the empowerment of Black communities through grassroots advocacy, partnerships with local leaders, and education initiatives. Others are such as mentorship, scholarships, and access to career-building opportunities to cultivate the next generation of leaders in business, STEM, the arts, and public service. We will work to equip young people with conflict resolution skills and advocate for common-sense gun reform policies to dismantle the root causes of violence and foster environments where families can thrive without fear. Our community development initiatives are to strengthen the economic and social well-being of Black communities through small business grants, job training programs, and mental health services.

 

The Impact

  • We have recorded the highest number of black people employed by a single organization in Canada.
  • Our shelter initiative accommodated an unprecedented number of people in need of where to stay while going through tough times. 
  • Numerous leadership programs implemented across the communities are helping our beneficiaries to take responsibility and turn their lives around.
  •  High school students in an underserved neighborhood have received mentorship and a full college scholarship.
  • Struggling single parents have gained access to affordable childcare and job training.
  • Anti-gun violence grassroots movements helped increase the need to pass life-saving gun safety legislation.

The Exectives

Supporting our cummunities with dedication and selflessness

Peter Campbell

Peter Campbell

Vice President/Co-Founder

Peter Campbell worked as a Homeless Coordinator who believed in promoting lifelong learning and development through an Afrocentric approach. His passion for guiding and supporting the healing of young men and women in the Black community is truly inspiring. Peter responded to the outbreak of violence in the Halifax area, which disproportionately affected African Nova Scotians. His approach to fostering change within the community through a grassroots organization resulted in the creation of 902 Man Up.

Marcus James

Marcus James

President/Co-Founder

With 30 years of experience working in marginalized communities, Marcus has served as both a Black Student Support Worker in the education sector and Community Connections Manager at the North End Halifax Public Libraries, In response to the outbreak of violence in the Halifax area, Marcus, along with other grassroots community members, was instrumental in creating a platform where the community could express their concerns. He felt that by becoming more involved, he could help empower the community and ensure that their voices were heard.

The Board Members

Supporting our cummunities with dedication and selflessness

Adele Crawley

Board Secretary

Bio

Adele has over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit, financial, and insurance sectors. She discovered her passion for community service and has dedicated her career to helping others.

Curtis Gabrielle

Treasurer

Bio

Kenneth Fells

Member at large

Bio

Mr. Fells is an accomplished educator with 24 years of experience as a school principal. He has also worked for several years as a Leadership and African Nova Scotian Education Consultant in Halifax.

Trayvonne Clayton

Member at large

Bio

Graduate of Saint Mary’s University with a major in Criminology and a minor in Social Justice. He was awarded the Peace Medal from the YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth and the Dr. Burnley Allan Jones Award in recognition of his advocacy.

Cecil Wright

Member at large

Bio

Cecil Wright has been a leading sports commentator on Eastlink Community TV for over 35 years, covering basketball, football, boxing, baseball, and fastpitch. He has coached multiple sports and values the lasting friendships built over time. Wright also appeared in several films and TV shows alongside well-known actors, including Trailer Park Boys. He Retired from Public Safety Canada in 2018 and now hosts The Cecil Wright Show.

Troy States

Member at large

Bio

With over 38 years of dedicated experience working with youth, Troy States is a passionate advocate for supporting and empowering young people. As a Youth Care Worker for 21 years and an African Nova Scotian Worker for the past 7 years, Troy has made a lasting impact on countless lives, offering guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support to youth and their families.

Terry Wright

Member at large

Bio

Terry Wright, a Cape Breton University graduate, serves as a Student Services Advisor & African Canadian Supports at Nova Scotia Community College. A former standout basketball player who contributed to provincial and AUS championships before his 25-year coaching career at the University of King’s College. He also mentored and coached the Community Y’s U16 boys’ basketball program for 12 years. Though retired from coaching, he remains committed to empowering and supporting youth in his community.

Tyrone Williams

Member at large

Bio

To Be Named

Member at large

Bio

How You Can Help?


Join us in this transformative journey. This is not just a cause, it is a movement and with your support, we can break cycles of violence, uplift our communities, and create a brighter future for Black youth everywhere. Support 902 Man Up through volunteering, financial contributions, or amplifying our mission. You will be investing in lives, futures, and communities. Your partnership will fuel the change we envision.

Together, we can empower black futures, uplift communities, and create a legacy of hope and opportunity.