Meet the Founder: Darrell Redmond

My name is Darrell Redmond, and I am living proof that people can change—and in doing so, change their community. I was born and raised in the London Oaks neighborhood of Portsmouth, VA, where violence was a daily reality. Sadly, that remains the experience of too many young people today. My early years were shaped by crime, a path that ultimately led me to serve 20 years in prison.

For many, that could have been the end of the story. But for me, it was a turning point. My time away gave me the opportunity to reflect and recognize the impact I could have—not just on my own future, but on the very streets I once influenced in the wrong way. I realized that the same leadership I had used negatively could be redirected for something greater—to inspire change, empower youth, and break the cycle of violence.

Determined to give back, I became a graduate of the B-Force program, an initiative dedicated to equipping formerly incarcerated individuals with the tools to rebuild their lives. With a renewed sense of purpose, I founded Give Back 2 Da Block, a nonprofit committed to mentoring, supporting, and uplifting Portsmouth’s youth. From London Oaks to communities across the city, we are changing lives—one block at a time.