Greenmount East Leadership Project (GELP)

Isaiah “Zeke” Johnson started the Greenmount East Leadership project after working as a mentor, advocate, community leader, and coach for over 15 years. Johnson grew up in Baltimore’s Greenmount East neighborhood. After completing his degree in social work from Bowie State University, Johnson returned to Greenmount East to help guide the youth away from the challenges Johnson faced growing up. Johnson formed a neighborhood basketball league that evolved into boot camps and health classes for families. Johnson began developing more and more activities that involved art, exercise, and self-esteem. The project also helped teenagers develop resumes, prepare for job interviews, and find employment. The Greenmount East Leadership project created by Isaiah “Zeke” Johnson extends guidance and a helping hand towards the community by giving back and making a difference in the lives of youth of all ages.  

 Arthur Lewis is a Health & Wellness instructor, and one of the co-founders of the Free Sweat program. He became involved with GELP because he and Isaiah Johnson actually went to college together, and when they reconnected later, they discovered they both were dedicated to community work. He believes that GELP has made a positive difference in the community by changing their mindsets on all levels: mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He also credits GELP for being the “sunshine during my storm” and showing him the beautiful side of Baltimore. In addition to his GELP activities, he has also authored two children’s books.  

  Ms. G is a partner of GELP, a Workforce Development Director and Mentor, and has 15 years of experience with workforce training and youth development. She was referred to GELP after expressing her desire to work with a local organization. Raised in tough areas of Baltimore City, she had mentors who guided her to success. Her experiences influenced her passion to give back to her community as she has a similar background to Coach Zeke. She believes GELP has made a difference in the community by being a safe space and catalyst for change, with a holistic approach to peer mentoring and career development that contributes to the impression made in the community which could be furthered in the future with funding. Ms. G leads by example with GELP’s commitment to mental and physical wellness by manifesting it in her own life. She sees GELP expanding to have a youth advisory board and a program that gives youth the means to create their own projects. Her main goal is to bridge the gap between the community and the youth through collaboration.

Ernie Hall was a boxer, father, mentor, native of the Greenmount East community, and partner of Greenmount East Leadership Project. He was a pillar of the Baltimore boxing community. He was extremely hard working and from the ground up he built Lightning Quick Boxing Club. He worked tirelessly to build up others in any way he could. He was loved by everyone around him and he will continue to be greatly missed.