He Ain’t Heavy is the birth child of two chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Theta Nu Lambda and Sigma Omicron Lambda. Like many other concerned citizens in our community, the men of the respective chapters are concerned about those of us who have been marginalized. We are bothered and troubled by the mass incarceration of young people, particularly young men of color. However, let it be clear, we are aware that other communities are negatively impacted by the State of Georgia’s high incarceration rate and massive probation population. The concern for these communities is equally as great. We are cognizant of the devastation caused by mass incarceration. It is evident by the number of single-parent homes, absent fathers, and the large number of young men who lack self-confidence. We see it in the faces of our children suffering emotional pain. We see it as the financial gap between those who have and those who do not widens. Everyone is negatively impacted.
As Alpha Men, we are mandated by our fraternity to serve mankind. It has been a part of the fraternity’s core since it was founded in 1906. In that serving spirit, the respective chapters of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Theta Nu Lambda, and Sigma Omicron Lambda decided to collaborate and form a pretrial diversion and mentoring program, HE AIN’T HEAVY, designed to reduce the number of young men that are imprisoned physically and/or electronically. He Ain’t Heavy believes if we invest in the lives of young men, the harvest will be productive citizens contributing to the betterment of the entire community. We are grateful that the Coweta Judicial Circuit and the Griffin Judicial Circuit are willing to partner with us.
Our program entails monthly group sessions wherein mentors and presenters share their experience in the fields of law, finance, politics, social justice, interpersonal relationships, etc. Additionally, participants of the program are assigned, individual mentors. The goal is to develop a bond wherein the mentor encourages the participant to plant seeds consistent with their dreams and goals and to trust the universe for the harvest. They are reminded that they are the masters of their fate and the captains of their ships.
As mentors of HE AIN’T HEAVY, we are willing to be vulnerable and expose our shortcomings. We understand that lessons and growth come from failure. Moreover, we realize any “success” we enjoy is because we stand on the shoulders of others. We realize that we have benefitted because someone has positively invested in our lives. Accordingly, we have a debt to pay; we stand ready to pay it forward. We are active listeners. We hear the voices of our brothers and are willing to share our knowledge, time, and resources. That soul we see struggling is not heavy, he is our father, son, cousin, etc. He is our brother. We are one!
What is the Pretrial Diversion Program?
The Pretrail Diversion Program is created as an alternative to the traditional prosecution of certain offenders before adjudication in the criminal justice system. The program is designed for low-level non-risk offenders committing crimes without serious injury to a victim, and for those committing crimes involving domestic violence.
How can I get in the program?
Acceptance into the Pretrial Diversion Program is at the discretion of the He Ain’t Heavy Coordinators. Eligibility will always take into consideration the totality of the circumstances in deciding whether a defendant is admitted as a participant.
Participant Demographics?
The Pretrial Diversion Program Participants inclusive demographics:
Male Juveniles between the ages of 13 to 16
Male Adults between the ages of 17 to 29
Non-Violent and Non-Aggressive Offender
Recommended by the Griffin and Coweta Judicial Circuit
Program Rules and Expectations - Participant Responsibilities?
Once accepted into the Pretrial Diversion Program, you will be required to follow ALL program guidelines, attend program orientation as scheduled, and attend all assigned mentoring sessions.