Gideon’s Army
Rasheedat Fetuga, a former Metro Nashville Public School teacher and beloved community member, is a visionary leader who gathers youth in vulnerable communities to build peace. She is the Founder and CEO of Gideon’s Army, a Nashville-based grassroots organization led by youth and families impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline, disproportionate minority confinement, mass incarceration, and street violence. Rasheedat started Gideon’s Army after her student, Lamar Hughes, was killed at sixteen.
Under Rasheedat’s leadership, Gideon’s Army has achieved significant milestones, including launching a Restorative Justice campaign in Metro Nashville Public Schools and Davidson County Juvenile Court. This resulted in district-wide adoption of Restorative Practices, a revised student handbook, and restorative diversions in juvenile court. Their Driving While Black
Report, created in collaboration with 60 community and academic partners, led to a 90% reduction in traffic stops across the city, the establishment of a police oversight board, and independent investigations of officer-involved shootings.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rasheedat-fetuga-37208/
Org website: https://www.facebook.com/GideonsArmyUnited/