Signal 13 Foundation Video Interview with Project Pneuma

Transforming Lives: Project Pneuma’s Impact on Baltimore Youth – In this interview, Joshua King, a student in the Project Pneuma program, shares how the program has transformed his life over the past two years. He explains that before joining, he was reserved and struggled with controlling his emotions. Through Project Pneuma, he’s learned the importance of emotional intelligence and positivity, which has helped him grow as a person. He now feels more confident and aspires to work with young men in the future, inspired by the program’s impact on his life. Project Pneuma founder Damion Cooper reflects on the success of the program over the past 10 years, highlighting the personal transformations of students like Joshua. He shares stories of young men who once resisted the program, only to later embrace it and thrive. Many former students, including some now working for Project Pneuma, have returned to give back, exemplifying the program’s lasting influence. Cooper emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for these boys to be themselves, play, and grow without societal pressures. Seeing students like Joshua evolve and manage their emotions marks the true success of the program.

Building Bridges: Project Pneuma and Signal 13 Partnership to Unite Baltimore’s Police and Youth – In this interview, Project Pneuma founder Damion Cooper and student Joshua King discuss the program’s unique approach to bridging the gap between Baltimore’s youth and law enforcement. Signal 13 Foundation’s new partnership with Project Pneuma is designed to foster goodwill between police and the community by building trust and mutual understanding.Damion Cooper reflects on the challenges and success of the program, which he started in 2014 to address tensions between police and Baltimore’s youth. Through Project Pneuma, police officer trainees and young boys from the city’s public schools come together to build relationships, breaking down stereotypes and developing mutual respect. The officers learn about adolescent development, and both groups engage in open conversations that lead to personal growth and connection.Despite facing backlash for trying to unite the police with the community, Cooper shares how the program continued to thrive, even during the 2015 Freddie Gray uprising. The bond between the boys and the officers became a source of protection and support during that challenging time, highlighting the transformative power of consistent, meaningful engagement.