Celebrating 10 Years of Hope

Nearly ten years ago (2015), West Palm Beach was in crisis—36 shootings and 11 homicides in just four months, all within a two-mile stretch known as the Tamarind Corridor, left families shattered and children traumatized.

Inner City Innovators (ICI) began as a community advocacy group, speaking out against the cycles of poverty and violence gripping our neighborhoods. But everything changed when 19-year-old Johnny Davis, a young man dedicated to making his community safer, was shot and killed that same year.

Johnny’s death was the spark that moved us from advocacy to action.

Founded by Ricky Aiken and Terryon Chapman, ICI turned grief into determination—to stop the cycle of youth gun violence by empowering those closest to the pain to lead the change.

A year later (2016), the same streets that once echoed with gunfire witnessed something miraculous—the first Summer of Peace. Not one youth homicide in the Tamarind Corridor.

That moment proved something powerful: when you invest in the people closest to the pain, they can become the ones who heal it.

What began as a grassroots effort to reclaim our streets has grown into a full-fledged movement for hope and transformation. Inner City Innovators (ICI) now mentors dozens of young men and women each year, providing the guidance, consistency, and love that too many have had to live without. Through anti-violence workshops, community engagement activities, and the Hope Dealer Mentoring Program, we’re creating leaders who are not only surviving their environments but reshaping them.

A Decade of Impact

2018 – A Seat at the Table:
ICI co-developed West Palm Beach’s first comprehensive Public Safety Action Plan with the Mayor’s Village Initiative and Cities United—centering the voices of those directly affected by violence.

2023–2025 – Growth Fueled by Grant Support:
With help from generous funders, ICI expanded its mentoring reach by 71% while maintaining 100% staff retention—a testament to strong culture and dedication on the ground.

2025 – Building Strength and Trust:
We completed our first independent financial audit, implemented new HR and mentoring systems, and earned Nonprofits First Accreditation—a mark of transparency, governance, and quality.

2025 – National Recognition:
ICI’s Executive Director graduated from the University of Chicago’s Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy (CVILA)—a national honor that equips ICI to expand its impact across the country.

Our Philosophy

Today, ICI stands as proof that peace isn’t enforced—it’s built.
It’s built through relationships, opportunity, and relentless presence.
It’s built by those who once needed help, now delivering it to the next generation.

This 10-Year Anniversary Campaign honors that journey.

Every “Ticket to Freedom” you purchase isn’t admission to a gala—it’s an investment in a young person’s life. You’re funding mentorship, opportunity, and hope for youth who deserve to be Free & Alive Beyond 25.

Choose Your Ticket to Freedom

Every contribution fuels hope, mentorship, and transformation.

💚 $25 – The Village Ticket: Bring hope to the block through youth outreach.
✊🏾 $50 – The Peace Partner: Fund neighborhood peace walks and engagement.
🔥 $100 – The Hope Supplier: Support mentoring and violence-interruption for one month.
🕊️ $250 – The Freedom Protector: Back critical interventions that keep youth safe.
🛡️ $500 – The Life Defender: Empower consistent mentoring and transformation.
🌟 $1,000 – The Hope Dealer Ally: Sponsor six months of leadership development.
🏆 $2,500 – The Freedom & Life Sponsor: Fully fund a youth’s mentorship journey for a year.

A Ticket to Freedom & Life Beyond 25

Celebrating 10 Years of Hope

Team Leaderboard

Team Members