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
Antong Lucky
Laura Hayes
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 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