top of page

NEWS

Ju'stice In The Community

Search

Ju'stice is proud to announce the launch of the Ju'stice Cares Summer Success Series, a summer enrichment initiative designed to provide students with academic support, mentorship, and positive engagement opportunities during the summer months.



Developed in partnership with The Teacher Magic Co., the program will provide participating students with focused academic instruction, encouragement, and access to resources that help strengthen academic confidence while reinforcing the importance of personal growth and community connection. Through this collaboration, students will receive individualized support designed to help them build skills, increase confidence, and remain engaged in learning throughout the summer.


The inaugural Summer Success Series cohort was intentionally designed as a focused pilot program, allowing Ju'stice and The Teacher Magic Co. to provide individualized support while evaluating outcomes, identifying best practices, and assessing opportunities for future expansion. Participating students will complete pre- and post-program assessments to help measure growth and inform future programming. Upon successful completion of the program, students and their families will receive a family-focused completion incentive recognizing their commitment to academic growth and continued engagement in the learning process.

While the Summer Success Series serves as a standalone educational opportunity, it is also a foundational program operating under the Justice Student Intervention Network (JSIN), Ju'stice's youth engagement and violence prevention framework.


JSIN was developed to connect students with support systems before challenges become crises. Through strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, faith leaders, and volunteers, the initiative seeks to create multiple pathways for students to access resources, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and supportive services.


Future areas of focus within JSIN include student leadership development, safe reporting and support resources, mentorship opportunities, community engagement experiences, and additional educational programming designed to help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Additional JSIN initiatives are currently being explored and developed as partnerships and implementation opportunities emerge.


JSIN was designed around a simple belief: violence prevention cannot begin at the moment of crisis. It must begin long before a young person reaches that point. By creating opportunities for academic support, leadership development, community engagement, mentorship, and safe reporting, Ju'stice is working to build a culture of connection, accountability, and opportunity for young people throughout our community.


The Ju'stice Cares Summer Success Series represents an important first step in that vision. Through intentional investment in young people and meaningful partnerships such as The Teacher Magic Co., Ju'stice remains committed to creating safer communities, stronger families, and brighter futures for the next generation.

 
 
 

What began as a vision to honor Julian’s legacy and create safer communities concluded as a powerful three-day movement of action, faith, partnership, and prevention.

From June 4-6, 2026, Ju’stice hosted its inaugural Ju’stice Week, bringing together law enforcement, educators, faith leaders, students, families, volunteers, sponsors, and community members for one shared purpose: preventing violence, supporting young people, and creating opportunities for positive change.


Thursday, June 4: Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Activation and Year One Impact Presentation


Ju’stice Week officially began with the fourth and final Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Activation of Phase One, hosted by Serve & Connect in Columbia.

The event served as both a community safety initiative and a Year One Impact Presentation, highlighting the success of the program’s first year. Through partnerships with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department, the initiative has safely removed a cumulative total of 31 handguns, 21 long guns, and more than 2,500 rounds of high-powered ammunition from community circulation. Every firearm and piece of ammunition surrendered represents a potential life saved. A potential life saved is a life with potential.


The event also marked the official launch of Phase Two, which will focus on expanding the Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Activation model into additional South Carolina communities while continuing to strengthen partnerships dedicated to violence prevention.

Ju’stice extends its sincere appreciation to Serve & Connect for hosting the event, Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department for their continued partnership, and Be SMART, Prisma Health, the Steel Majesty Fan Club of Columbia, and Sam’s Club Forest Drive for helping make the activation and Year One Impact Presentation possible.



Friday, June 5: Built Different: The Recharge

On Friday evening, the community gathered at Grace Christian Church for Built Different: The Recharge, a youth-focused revival designed to encourage, uplift, and empower the next generation.


Presided over by Reverend Dr. Janice Lake and featuring a message from Youth Minister Jordan Gibbs, a rising 11th-grade student, the evening brought together young people and families for a powerful experience centered on faith, resilience, purpose, and hope.

Through worship, encouragement, and a timely message, participants were reminded that they are capable of overcoming challenges and becoming leaders within their schools, homes, and communities.


The event served as a reminder that violence prevention is not only about intervention. It is also about investing in the spiritual, emotional, and personal development of young people before they ever reach a crisis point.

Ju’stice is grateful to Grace Christian Church and its leadership for opening its doors and helping create a space where young people could be recharged, encouraged, and inspired.



Saturday, June 6: The Ju’stice Games


Ju’stice Week concluded with The Ju’stice Games, a First Responder Charity Flag Football Game hosted at W.J. Keenan High School. The event transformed the football field into a space for connection, laughter, and community engagement as members of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and Columbia Police Department competed in a friendly matchup. In front of an enthusiastic crowd, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department secured a 54-8 victory.


More importantly, the game created an opportunity for young people and families to interact with first responders in a positive and engaging environment. Throughout the day, community members enjoyed food, entertainment, fellowship, and a celebration of what can happen when organizations work together toward a common goal. The Ju’stice Games served as the official conclusion of Ju’stice Week 2026, bringing together law enforcement, educators, students, families, community leaders, volunteers, and supporters in a celebration of partnership and prevention.


Ju’stice extends heartfelt thanks to W.J. Keenan High School, Principal Dr. Hankins, the Keenan administration, Athletic Department, and Head Football Coach Jarret Neely for opening their campus and helping make The Ju’stice Games possible.

Additional appreciation is extended to Chick-fil-A Bush River Road, the event’s food sponsor; Stacy Hough of Hough Nation Sports for serving as game-day announcer; DJ Lucky Leon for providing entertainment; and Imani Wiley-English for serving as the event’s game-day songstress.


Most importantly, thank you to every volunteer, board member, supporter, parent, student, and community member who gave their time, energy, and presence to make The Ju’stice Games a memorable conclusion to an unforgettable week.



Looking Ahead


While Ju’stice Week has concluded, the work continues. During Ju’stice Week, Ju’stice announced its upcoming fundraising gala, Silence the Noise. Hear the Echoes of Ju’stice, scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, at The Gala, located at 1801 Bush River Road. Sponsored in part by The Gala, the evening will celebrate impact, honor partnerships, and help fund the next chapter of Ju’stice’s violence prevention work.


The organization also announced the upcoming launch of the Ju’stice Student Intervention Network (JSIN), a comprehensive youth engagement and prevention initiative. Three programs will be introduced under the JSIN umbrella, each designed to strengthen student support systems, promote positive youth development, and provide additional pathways for intervention and prevention.


Additional details regarding these initiatives will be announced in the coming months.

Ju’stice Week was never intended to be a single event. It was designed to be a reflection of what is possible when a community chooses action over apathy, partnership over division, and prevention over reaction.


Together, we will continue to Silence the Noise and Hear the Echoes of Ju’stice.

 
 
 

Ju’stice is proud to announce the first annual Ju’stice Week, a powerful three-day community initiative dedicated to preventing youth gun violence, strengthening community trust, and honoring the life and legacy of Julian Keel.


The three-day will commence June 4 - 6, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina, Ju’stice Week is more than a series of events. It is a movement rooted in action, healing, and prevention. Ju’stice Week was reated in honor of Julian’s life celebration week, this annual initiative brings together community members, youth, and law enforcement to create real, visible impact.


Our team worked hard to be intentional about the series of events. Here is what to expect during Ju’stice Week.


Thursday, June 4 | Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Event

3 p.m. to 6 p.m.Serve & Connect8131 Brookfield Road, Columbia, SC

In partnership with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Columbia Police Department, this event provides a safe and anonymous opportunity for individuals to surrender firearms.

A powerful visual display will showcase weapons and ammunition collected year to date through Ju’stice’s Anonymous Gun Drop-Off Activations, giving the community a real look at the impact of prevention efforts.

Special thanks to Serve & Connect for serving as the location sponsor.


Friday, June 5 | Youth Revival

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Grace Christian Church5010 Monticello Road, Columbia, SC

The Youth Revival is designed to pour into the next generation through inspiration and empowerment.

Special thanks to Grace Christian Church for serving as the location sponsor.


Saturday, June 6 | The Ju’stice Games

4 p.m. to 6 p.m.W.J. Keenan High School361 Pisgah Church Road, Columbia, SC

The weekend culminates with The Ju’stice Games, a first responder flag football game featuring the Richland County Sheriff’s Department versus the City of Columbia Police Department.

Sheriff Leon Lott and Chief Skip Holbrook will serve as honorary coaches, symbolizing unity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to protecting the community.


Ju’stice Week is supported by media partners including iHeartMedia’s 100.1 The Beat and WFMV Gospel 95.3, helping amplify awareness across the region. 


All events are free and open to the public.

Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available. Organizations interested in supporting Ju’stice Week can inquire at Adrien@JuliansJustice.com


Ju’stice Week reflects a broader mission to build trust between communities and law enforcement while creating real pathways for prevention and support. Since launching its initiatives in July of 2025, Ju’stice has contributed to the removal of a cumulative total of more than 2,000 high-powered ammunition and over 50 firearms from circulation. “This week is about more than events. It is about creating a shift in how we engage, how we protect, and how we show up for our youth and our communities,” said Adrien Lake, founder of Ju’stice. “Every firearm and piece of ammunition surrendered represents a potential life saved. A potential life saved is a life with potential.” Ju’stice Week is about showing what is possible when a community comes together with intention.


This is how we shift culture.

This is how we save lives.

This is how we turn loss into legacy.


Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please email Adrien@JuliansJustice.com

 
 
 

@2024, Julian's Justice | Site Created by: WSTBRNE Media

bottom of page