Empowering Black Men and Boys: Salt and Pepper Gang’s Mission to Transform Health, Mentorship, and Community in Houston
by Contributing Writer, Donna Michele Ramos
Discover the Salt and Pepper Gang (SPG), a Houston-based organization led by founder Rico Davis, that’s dedicated to promoting men’s health, mental wellness, and mentorship. Since 2022, SPG has provided crucial support in the community, raising awareness on prostate cancer, offering mentorship, and guiding young men toward a brighter future. With events that include everything from community gatherings to one-on-one mentorship, SPG is changing lives through action and education. THE HUB sat down with Davis to explore SPG’s impact, vision, and the inspiring “Reach One Teach One” philosophy that drives this dynamic group.
THE HUB: Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked the idea of SPG?
DAVIS: I’ve been doing this for 30 years in the community giving back. With the group, it creates a brotherhood enabling us to do even more. After seeing the need for nonprofit work in the area, we formed our organization to provide sensible solutions. We’ve grown consistently thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community. We had our Tie and Belt Event in October. We also have a kids and cops event. One of our group members is an elementary school teacher. He wanted the kids to have a positive conversation with law enforcement. We will have 150 kids speaking to different cops. Both the cops and kids can speak their feelings.
THE HUB: How many members are there of SPG? Is the organization looking to expand with chapters across the USA?
DAVIS: Currently, there are 17 members Rico Davis, Kenneth Jones, Kevinn Robinson, Sheltric Peterson, Demond Russell, Aaviane Clark, Glen Hall, Larry Thompson, Karl Davis, Terrance Wright, Yohance Fleming, Carl Wesley, Anthony Meaux, Damian Valentine, and Tyrone Hodges, Jr. Some of us are married with our own families so for us to take time out from them it’s because this cause is important to us. I have decided not to start other chapters but to expand members only in Houston. We travel so much already. I am starting a large casting call for additional members. The more members we have, the more we can do for our community. To be in control of our image and make sure it is being presented correctly, there is only one website and social media page.
THE HUB: What inspired you to start the program focused on Black men’s health, mental wellness, and self-care?
DAVIS: When I was 50 I used to dye my beard then I decided to accept it. It shows wisdom and what I’ve been through in my life.
THE HUB: How does your program address the unique mental health challenges faced by African American boys, especially those at risk?
DAVIS: We have educational workshops, peer support groups, resource kits and training for educators and community engagement.
THE HUB: Mental health, particularly for Black men, is often stigmatized. How does your program work to break down these barriers and normalize conversations around mental health and self-care issues?
DAVIS: Our goal is for men to open up and talk about the feelings they are dealing with. We held our 1st Annual Men’s 5K Walk in September for prostate cancer. We have to stop being so solemn. Men are brought up to be strong and not show weakness. I dealt with prostate cancer two years ago. I told guys about my cancer and some said they wouldn’t tell anyone because it makes you seem weak. The opposite is true it takes a lot to deal with what you’re going through. To help get the word out I made a video. My video made people say thank you I went and got checked. We are also involved with female cancer survivors where we gave out 200 roses at their event luncheon in October. I have also collaborated with Black Nurses Rock. This is the second year for the Tyler Texas Chapter.
THE HUB: What specific mental wellness strategies or tools does your program teach young Black boys to help them cope with stress, trauma, and societal pressures?
DAVIS: We have a member in our group who focuses on mental health issues. He was a marine. It’s all about opening up and talking. With our program “My Brother’s Keeper” we go to HBCU Morehouse and talk to students. One student in particular had so much stress on him because he was in college and his family had so many expectations putting so much pressure on him he wanted to give up on life. To have someone else to talk to gave him an outlet and when he was stressed out he called on of our members.
THE HUB: Could you share any success stories of young men whose lives have been positively impacted by your program’s mentorship and guidance?
DAVIS: Parents say thank you my son’s dress code has changed. This changes their mindset to pull their pants up, and wear ties. I was raised by a single mom. I was brought up with respect. I teach young men to shake hands firmly, hold your head up, look at people when they are talking to them.
THE HUB: Are there any key milestones or achievements you or SPG are especially proud of?
DAVIS: We received the Lifetime Achievement Award for our help in the community from President Joe Biden. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park was dedicated to us. SPG adopted that park. This park is where we have our community day events for families. We provide food, jump houses, etc. for a fun family day.
In October SPG held a free car wash for single moms and gave out free haircuts. On Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, we pass out roses at the senior citizen home. The ladies’ faces light up when they see 12 – 14 men walking in with roses for them.
THE HUB: As a leader and advocate for Black men’s health and wellness, how do you practice self-care and maintain your own mental wellness?
DAVIS: I stay away from stress, eat healthy and I work out constantly. I also linked up with an African American male wellness agency to provide free cancer screenings to all males.
THE HUB: What advice would you give to other organizations or individuals looking to create programs that focus on the mental health and well-being of Black men and boys?
DAVIS: Be consistent on what your goal is. Closely monitor how things are being done.
THE HUB: What kind of funding do you receive?
DAVIS: Some of us pull money out of our pockets. We also get donations from the community.
SPG is all about empowering distinguished gentlemen of strong character to give back to the community through our ‘Reach One Teach One’ philosophy. Our mission is to uplift and mentor youth, setting them up for success. We support by making guest appearances, speaking at events, buying prom suits for young men, and spending quality time with them at movies, bowling alleys, and skating rinks each month. Together, we’re building a community rooted in mentorship, connection, and positive impact.
“It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you end that matters.”
Salt & Pepper Gang website at: https://saltandpeppergang.com/
