Issue link: http://theflywire.uberflip.com/i/1464103
Healing and peace takes me, effort, understanding, love and support. O en that healing is ini ated with a hug. Val Jenkins h ps://www.instagram.com/hugdontshoot/ fundamentally un- derstood the power of a hug when she created the "Hug Don't Shoot" campaign in Bal more. Yet, I doubt she envisioned the impact "Hug Don't Shoot" will have in the community. Heartbroken by the violence and crime in our city and realizing the grief our community faced, Jenkins needed to do outreach. She wanted to show and tell people — literally "hug don't shoot. " The concept soon became a non-profit organiza on of "hug dealers." They are on the scene during crisis and provide posi ve events and experiences for families and the community. They provide an -violence resources, programs and ac vi es that support and educate local youth. Jenkins has a magne c, bigger than life personality with a heart of gold. She wholeheartedly believes the world needs to be reminded of humility, compassion, and empathy. A HUG, smile, and conversa on can help to change someone's course in life. Now and always—Hug Don't Shoot is recruit- ing hug dealers. Everyone from all walks of life, na onali es, cultures, LGBT community, etc. is invited to join. We have a lot more hugging to do. Her hugs helped change the city. Ms. Jenkins is a Bal more Legacy Icon. Target: Bal more | •Goal is worldwide www.hugdontshoot.org Never Se le, and Wake Up and Level Up are more than affirma- ons they are Mario Armstrong's successful shows aimed to em- power creators and entrepreneurs. Mario Armstrong is a Digital Lifestyle Expert. His success in technology has led him to inspire onstage, online and through the airwaves. He is a two- me Emmy Award-winner, lifestyle entrepreneur, creator, and mo - va onal speaker with Daymond John's Shark Group. Armstrong appears regularly on the Today show, CNN, HLN, the American Urban Radio Networks and NPR's Morning Edi on. The Never Se le Show is a weekly Emmy Award-winning web television series filmed at Nasdaq's MarketSite studios in Times Square, NYC. This show provides the advice and tools to help people navigate through ever changing life/business environ- ments . His daily podcast, en tled Wake Up and Level Up, is a 5 minute morning mo va on with a jolt of inspira on, advice and person- al growth formulas. Armstrong is an innovator dedicated to teaching us to hustle mindfully and pursue our passions. Mr. Armstrong is a Bal more Legacy Icon.