learn about urban specialists™

About US

community-oriented

We Transform Urban Culture

We work to change the cultural environment of our communities in order to stop senseless violence and help individuals reach their fullest potential.

Through invading the most influential segments of Urban Culture, we can disrupt toxic trends.  On a personal level, we intrude with transformative life experiences that are a healthy alternative to the destructive mainstream.

By recruiting, training and empowering people and organizations, we can fully integrate a healthier Urban Culture in communities nationwide.

01

IDEAS

02

VALUES

03

BELIEFS

04

BEHAVIOR

“Only inspired people can
inspire people”

Bishop Omar Jahwar, Founder

Who We Are

Since 1997

The Urban Specialists™ (US) is a nationally recognized 501(c)3 organization, headquartered in Dallas, TX.  US was founded by Bishop Omar Jahwar, the voice of urban Dallas communities, most notably as it relates to social change and eradicating senseless violence.

US is built on the proven experience of over 23 years promoting strong families, helping to strengthen communities, and advocating for peace by working diligently to curb the violence plaguing urban communities.

well established and here to serve

The Executive Team

Bishop Omar Jahwar

Founder

Antong Lucky

President

Laura Hayes

National Executive Director

Culture is Key

We are Culturalists

What We Do

We believe effective influence of popular Urban Culture will require a unique and innovative approach.

Our methodology equips individuals by providing safe and productive environments to evaluate their values and learn to change behavior.

Our initiatives emphasize goal-setting, self-exploration, visualization of an alternative future, development of personal relationships, and pathways to opportunity.

The 3-I Model

We invade Urban Culture and with intrusive activities that provide alternative life experiences, we institute healthy values, attitudes, beliefs and ideas. In turn, destructive behavior also changes.

We Need You to Help positively transform Urban Culture

Collaborate and build community by leveraging resources, sharing information, and multiplying positive impact.

Our History

The Beginning

1997

Achievement Against the Odds Award

Omar Jahwar received the Achievement Against the Odds award from the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE).

2000

Achieving Peace

Successfully negotiated the first gang truce in Dallas, TX between the “Crips” and “Bloods”.

2008

Capacity-Building

Awarded the Communities Empowering Youth (CEY) Federal capacity-building grant, while serving in 18 Dallas ISD schools in the area of youth violence prevention and gang intervention.

2010

The Invasion

Positive Xchange is launched in the Dallas area as an information resource and social networking opportunity for urban youth.

2017

International Humanitarian Award

Urban Specialists™ receive the International Humanitarian Award in Dallas, TX.

Urban Specialists™ launch a US Chapter in Atlanta, GA and Baton Rouge, LA.

2020

Healing America

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, US helped to secure over 4k applicants across Dallas, Atlanta, Baton Rouge to receive an available $10M.

The Heal America Tour stopped in Detroit, MI, Dallas, TX, Minneapolis, MN, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, and Jackson, MS to discuss citizenship and racial justice.

The Vision

1998

Vision Regeneration

Vision Regeneration is created to utilize Urban Specialists™ for violence prevention, gang intervention, and youth rehabilitation in South & East Dallas.

2002

Community Beautification

Begin job training program to train and employ Urban Specialists™ to plant “Grass, Trees, and Shrubs” and renovate houses in the Frazier Court area.

2009

Finding the Solution

Hosted the 1st Solutions Conference, connecting community leaders, ex-gang leaders, judicial, law enforcement and corrections leaders – to distill the best practices for ending youth violence and changing youth culture.

The Expansion

2015

The Power Movement

Urban Specialists™ form the US Power Movement to transform Urban Culture, end generational poverty and stop irrational violence.

2019

OGU

Urban Specialists™ launch OGU in Dallas, Atlanta, and Baton Rouge to train catalytic citizens that have the influence to positively impact their community.

Bishop Omar received the Rise and Shine Award from WFAA (Dallas ABC News Affiliate)

US kicked off the Heal America Tour in Dallas, Texas reaching over 70k people