Milwaukee Advocate Honored for Efforts to Stop Youth Violence

Muhibb Dyer, co-founder of Flood the Hood with Dreams, receives Community Connector Award for his work combating youth violence.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Muhibb Dyer, a Milwaukee advocate against youth violence, was recognized by the city with a Community Connector Award this week for his work using poetry, writing exercises, and mock funerals to reach thousands of children in the school system and encourage them to pursue a brighter future. Dyer's mission intensified after the loss of his godson, prompting the "I Will Not Die Young" campaign.

Why it matters

Milwaukee's 53206 ZIP code has been identified as the most incarcerated in America, highlighting the need for programs and initiatives that provide equal opportunities for at-risk youth in the community. Dyer's work aims to deliver a message of hope and empowerment to Black and Brown children facing challenges.

The details

Dyer, the co-founder of Flood the Hood with Dreams, uses poetry, cathartic writing exercises, and mock funerals to reach thousands of children in the school system. After the loss of his godson, he launched the "I Will Not Die Young" campaign, determined to deliver a message of hope to other at-risk youth. Over the past 20 years, Dyer has reached a quarter of a million people in 25 different states, including juvenile detention centers, colleges, and various neighborhoods.

  • Dyer co-founded Flood the Hood with Dreams organization over 20 years ago.
  • Dyer launched the "I Will Not Die Young" campaign after the loss of his godson.

The players

Muhibb Dyer

Co-founder of Flood the Hood with Dreams, a Milwaukee-based organization that uses poetry, writing exercises, and mock funerals to reach at-risk youth and encourage them to pursue a brighter future.

Cavalier Johnson

The mayor of Milwaukee who presented Dyer with the Community Connector Award for his efforts to combat youth violence in the city.

Preston Black

Dyer's godson, whose death prompted the launch of the "I Will Not Die Young" campaign.

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What they’re saying

“I am great, I am mighty, I am awesome, I am magnificent, my destiny is not to die on the block, my destiny is to run the world, and we will not die young,”

— Muhibb Dyer, Co-founder, Flood the Hood with Dreams (wisn.com)

“His name was Preston Black, mayor. At his funeral, I made him a promise. I looked down in the casket, and I said, 'Kittle boy. I couldn't save you, but wherever there are Black and Brown children, children at risk, I will try to deliver the message to them that I couldn't reach you with.'”

— Muhibb Dyer, Co-founder, Flood the Hood with Dreams (wisn.com)

What’s next

Dyer plans to continue expanding the reach of Flood the Hood with Dreams, bringing his message of hope and empowerment to more at-risk youth in Milwaukee and beyond.

The takeaway

Dyer's work highlights the importance of providing equal opportunities and support for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances. His dedication to reaching and uplifting Milwaukee's most vulnerable youth serves as an inspiring example of community-driven efforts to combat violence and create a brighter future.