A Mission of Service Beyond the Badge
In the heart of Baltimore, Detective Jelik Mathis is redefining what it means to serve and protect. His role extends beyond traditional policing, as he works to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community. With over a decade in the force, Mathis, who originally hails from North Philadelphia, has dedicated his career to ensuring safety and fostering trust among the people he serves.
For the past six years, he has been stationed in Baltimore, where he currently works in the Public Integrity Bureau. However, his most impactful work takes place outside the confines of the police department. Detective Mathis has made it his mission to contribute to the lives of young individuals in underserved neighborhoods, using sneakers as a tool for connection and encouragement.
A Community in Need
One of the neighborhoods where Mathis actively engages is the Sandtown-Winchester area, a district that has witnessed its fair share of tension between police and residents. It is also the same area where the tragic case of Freddie Gray left a lasting impact. Rather than ignoring the challenges present in these streets, Mathis chooses to step into the community with a different approach—one focused on giving rather than enforcing.
Joined by former city school police officer Ralph Black, Mathis personally delivers sneakers to children in need. His initiative, Sneak, founded in 2021, has already made a significant difference in the lives of many young people. What started as a simple gesture of providing a new pair of shoes to one child every two weeks has now expanded to over 500 pairs given away, thanks to community support and donations.
More Than Just Sneakers
On one particular day, Mathis and Black visited the Myers family, where two brothers, one wearing size nine shoes and the other size eight, received brand-new Nike sneakers. The moment was filled with gratitude, as the boys expressed their appreciation for the thoughtful gift. Their mother also acknowledged how much the gesture meant, not just materially but emotionally.
Mathis, who grew up in similar circumstances, understands firsthand the value of a simple act of kindness. He recalls his own experiences in Philadelphia, where such opportunities were rare. “As a police officer, I have the ability to do things for people that no one did for me when I was young,” he explained.
The Power of Giving
What started as a personal mission for Mathis has now evolved into a larger movement, with more people stepping in to help. Donations have poured in, allowing him to expand his efforts and reach even more children. Former officer Ralph Black plays a key role in connecting Mathis with the youth who would benefit the most from the initiative.
For Mathis, the impact goes beyond just providing shoes. He sees each pair as a step toward changing the narrative between the police and the community. “You never know what someone is going through,” Black adds, reinforcing the idea that a small gesture, whether a pair of shoes or a meal, can make a lasting difference.
A Lasting Legacy
Mathis has pledged to continue his mission for as long as he is a police officer. With every paycheck, he ensures that at least one child receives a new pair of shoes, an act of kindness that has now become a community effort. More volunteers, donors, and fellow officers have joined in, proving that small actions can lead to meaningful change.
As Baltimore continues to navigate the complexities of community relations with law enforcement, individuals like Detective Mathis serve as a reminder that compassion and service can go a long way in building trust. Through something as simple as a pair of sneakers, he is taking significant strides toward rewriting the relationship between police and the people they serve.
