Yo! Let it Go…

YOGO stands for “Yo, Let it Go!” and is both the name of a bug (cartoon character) and the underlying message of award-winning efforts to interrupt the culture of violence that is causing more and more devastation in our world. Since 2003, Mr. Alex-Zan has used YOGO in many campaigns with local governments, police departments, schools, churches, and other groups to help individuals and communities understand conflict, to provide useful and memorable tools to peacefully resolve it and to grow in the process.

Our society is experiencing a tragic increase in the loss of young lives and permanent injuries, brought on by miseducation, anger, or perceived disrespect. Gun violence is devastating our families and communities. With the addition of alcohol and drugs, unemployment and other social ills, individuals become ticking time bombs, all too often giving in to feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and other societal pressures that leave them ill-equipped to let go of past and present strife. Law enforcement officials locally and nationally have go of past and present strife. Law enforcement officials locally and nationally have Police Chief Rodney Bryant spoke about the 60% rise in homicides in the city in 2021, stating “the majority of shootings stem from arguments between people who know each other and not knowing how to deal with conflict.”