Youth Minds United: An Interview with Mr. Johnathan Isom
Local & National News | October 27, 2025 | 6:40 p.m. CDT

Written by: Gilbert Barnes Carter III

There is a false and prevailing narrative in Memphis. It is that many school children, especially Black school children, do not have an affinity for civic engagement and meaningful political participation. New youth-led social justice contingencies are needed here now more than ever before. Mr. Johnathan Isom is one of the fresh faces of a burgeoning local youth movement. It is nearly impossible to not draw inspiration from his youthful exuberance.

1. How can older adult Memphians better relate to preteen and teenage Memphians at this time? What is at least one resource that Black teenage school children desperately need?

"Older adults in Memphis can better relate to young people by listening more and judging less. Too often, adults talk to us but not with us. Building real relationships means understanding what today’s youth face, from violence to peer pressure to the digital world, and creating safe spaces for open conversation."

"One resource Black teenage school children in Memphis desperately need is consistent mental health support. Many are dealing with trauma, poverty, and loss, yet schools often lack counselors or culturally responsive services. Expanding access to youth-centered therapy, mentorship, and safe community spaces would make a huge difference."

"One resource Black teenage school children in Memphis desperately need is consistent mental health support. Many are dealing with trauma, poverty, and loss, yet schools often lack counselors or culturally responsive services. Expanding access to youth-centered therapy, mentorship, and safe community spaces would make a huge difference." - Mr. Johnathan Isom

2. How many active Youth Minds United members are there at this time?

"Right now, Youth Minds United has about 37 active members, including both youth and adult board members who help plan events, lead service projects, and represent the organization in the community."

3. It is wonderful that Youth Minds United members have the initiative to share the work with other concerned citizens to end gun violence in communities across Memphis. How do you all currently do that?

"We currently share our work through community events, school outreach, and social media awareness campaigns. We host peace rallies, youth discussions, and service days that bring students, parents, and local leaders together. We also collaborate with other organizations and elected officials to amplify youth voices in the fight to end gun violence. Our approach is youth led because we believe change starts with young people leading the conversation."

4. What is the average age of the Youth Minds United membership?

"The average age of our membership is between 13 and 25 years old. We have middle and high school students, college students, and young adults working together to make an impact."

5. What is your current role with Youth Minds United? What are your current personal and professional goals as a rising senior at Westwood High School?

"I am the Founder and President of Youth Minds United. My role is to lead meetings, represent the organization publicly, and help plan our community events and advocacy work."

"As a rising senior at Westwood High School, my personal and professional goals are to graduate with honors, continue growing as a community leader, and prepare to move into politics. I want to one day run for President of the United States and grow into being someone who publicly defends Democratic principles. My focus is on empowering youth, fighting injustice, and creating real change for Memphis and the entire nation."

"Older adults in Memphis can better relate to young people by listening more and judging less. Too often, adults talk to us but not with us. Building real relationships means understanding what today’s youth face, from violence to peer pressure to the digital world, and creating safe spaces for open conversation." - Mr. Johnathan Isom

Mr. Isom can receive support through the following means.

Cash App: $youthmindsunited (Toryion Walters)

PayPal: youthmindsunited

Send e-mail correspondence to johnathansings65@gmail.com and youthmindsunitedfounder@gmail.com.

Photo Credits:

Header Photo by: Mr. Johnathan Isom

Body Photo (1) by: Mr. Johnathan Isom

Gilbert Barnes Carter III is a Memphis-based author, child welfare advocate, community organizer, emerging farmer, gardener, journalist, and social justice advocate. He began his social justice advocacy and work by serving as a Shelby County Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Board volunteer in 2005. He has worked since then to effectuate change for low-wage, immigrant, and migrant workers as a Temporary Workers Campaign Manager with Workers Interfaith Network; an advocate for Teamsters Local 667 sanitation workers; and a community / field organizer to uphold blight reduction, efficient public mass transit, environmental justice, food access, food justice, food security, narrative change, and public safety.