NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — Men Standing Strong Together is a group that you may have seen on Niagara Falls High School’s campus after violence broke out on campus earlier this year. Members are looking to help by showing their interest.

What You Need To Know

  • Men Standing Strong Together formed in 2019

  • They started being present on Niagara Falls High School’s campus after fights broke out in September

  • Supporting all kids, they have a specific focus on helping Black students

“You ain’t getting involved in none of that crap, right?” asked Men Standing String Together President High Leftwich while talking to a student at NFHS.

He is trying to point students at Niagara Falls High School in the right direction. He’s one of about 40 men in the group.

They’ve been on campus ever since fights broke out in September.

“Kids need guidance and when we talk to them, they’re respectable. They understand what we’re saying and whatever they may do what other kids, they don't do it with us,” explained Tyree Cox, a sergeant-at-arms with Men Standing Strong Together.

While they accept anyone and help any child, their focus is mainly Black men being a presence in Black children’s lives.

“We know that our Black men need probably more attention,” explained Leftwich. “We want to know that they’ve got a support system.”

They roam campus at the end of the day, making sure things run smoothly and safely.

“Basically, just talk to them as they go by, find out what they are about, what's going on,” Leftwich said.

They’re one of a few groups keeping the peace, being a positive presence, and showing up for students.

“We want to just make sure that everybody gets a fair shake, especially our Black men,” Leftwich said. “Because there's a lot of conditions, a lot of things going on in their lives, that we don't know about.”

Shakai, 14, was suspended earlier this year after bringing banned items to school. Men Standing Strong Together advocated for him to come back.

“We had a hearing and Men Standing Strong actually came, and they had a big impact on the decision,” he said. “So I got a certain sense of great gratitude towards them.”

They’re trying to get a second chance to students who might not have gotten one.

“Very kind, supportive,” said Shakai of the group. “This just the type of people you would want to be around”

Their work doesn’t stop here. They want to get in the schools, get schools named after famous Black people and get more representation in local government.

The idea is that building connections here will eventually lift up the whole community.

“We know we can make a difference,” said Leftwich. “And we're going to keep striving to make a difference.”

Men Standing Strong Together has regular meetups on weekends. You can contact the group on Facebook.