On July 12, 2023, our world forever changed when 18-year-old Khalil Allen—a multi-talented athlete and rising rap artist—was taken by the senseless gun violence that continues to plague our communities. In the depths of unimaginable grief, his mother DeLisa Glaspie made a powerful choice: transform this devastating loss into a force for change that would honor Khalil’s memory while preventing other families from experiencing this pain.
Seize The Smoke was founded in December 2023, not just as an organization, but as a mission born from love, fueled by purpose, and driven by an unwavering commitment to justice and healing.
We are dedicated to combating gun violence through community education, youth outreach programs, and advocacy efforts that address the root causes of violence in our communities. Seize The Smoke will honor Khalil by creating safe pathways for young people to pursue their athletic and artistic talents, while providing healing and support to families affected by violence.
Together we can break the cycle of violence and build communities where children of color are safe from gun violence and free from the pressures of social conformity that lead to destructive choices. Where the dreams of pursuing higher education becomes a reality for countless youth.
Seize The Smoke works toward a community where parents, schools, churches and law enforcement unite to demand an end to senseless violence. We will aid families who have experienced loss find compassion and healing.
Khalil Allen’s death will not be in vain. His legacy will be forever honored through our work to create safer neighborhoods and brighter futures for our youth, recognizing that death is inevitable, but the reduction of murders can and will happen when our community stands united.
Seize The Smoke is more than a prevention organization we are a comprehensive
community response to violence that serves families before, during, and after crisis strikes.
We work tirelessly to prevent violence through:
Youth outreach and mentorship programs
Community education and awareness initiatives
Violence intervention services
Creating safe pathways for young people to pursue their talents
Addressing root causes of violence through education and opportunity
When violence strikes, we provide immediate support:
24/7 crisis intervention and emotional support
On-scene presence for families in acute crisis
Help navigating the immediate aftermath of tragedy
Connection to emergency resources and services
Advocacy with law enforcement, media, and systems
We walk with families through their entire healing journey:
Mother-to-mother peer support and grief counseling
Memorial service support and healing ceremonies
Resource navigation and victim compensation advocacy
Long-term support groups and community connection
Assistance accessing mental health and professional services
Lived Experience Leadership
Our founder’s personal experience losing Khalil, combined with her professional credentials as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), provides authentic leadership that understands both the emotional and practical needs of families affected by violence.
Mother-Led Network
We collaborate with several other organizations founded by mothers who have lost children to violence. Each organization brings specialized services and perspectives, creating a comprehensive support network that can meet families wherever they are in their journey.
Culturally Responsive Services
Our services honor the cultural traditions, values, and unique needs of the diverse communities we serve, particularly communities of color disproportionately affected by gun violence.
No-Barrier Support
All victim and survivor services are provided at no cost to families. We believe that support should be accessible when families need it most, without financial barriers or complicated eligibility requirements.
DeLisa Glaspie, LMSW – Founder & Director
she/her/hers
DeLisa brings a unique combination of lived experience and professional expertise to her leadership of Seize The Smoke. As a Licensed Master Social Worker and Director of School Based Services, she has dedicated her career to supporting children and families. Following the loss of her son Khalil to gun violence in July 2023, DeLisa channeled her grief into creating an organization that provides the authentic, comprehensive support she wished had been available to her family.
Professional Background:
Licensed Master Social Worker (Michigan)
Director of School Based Services
Trauma-Informed Care Certified
Crisis Intervention Training
Grief and Bereavement Specialist Training
Community Violence Intervention (CVI) Trained
Personal Mission: “I know what it feels like to get that phone call, to plan a funeral for your child, to navigate the system while your heart is breaking. My pain has purpose now—to ensure no family walks through this darkness alone.”
LEGACY HONOR
Every service we provide honors the memory of Khalil and all children lost to violence. We ensure their positive impact extends beyond their years through our prevention and healing work.
AUTHENTIC SUPPORT
We provide support that comes from genuine understanding, not textbook knowledge. Our peer support model connects families with others who have walked similar paths.
COMMUNITY HEALING
We believe healing happens in community. Our services bring people together, creating networks of support that strengthen over time.
SYSTEMIC Change
While we provide individual support, we also work to address the systemic issues that contribute to violence, advocating for policy changes and community-wide solutions.
HOPE RESTORATION
In the midst of devastating loss, we help families find ways to honor their loved ones, heal their communities, and create positive change that gives meaning to their loss.
Since our founding, Seize The Smoke has:
PREVENTION SERVICES:
Reached youth through outreach and mentorship programs
Provided community education and awareness events
Connected families to resources and opportunities
Supported at-risk youth in pursuing positive life paths
SURVIVOR SUPPORT SERVICES:
Supported families through crisis and acute grief
Provided presence and support at memorial services
Connected mothers through peer support programs
Assisted families with victim compensation applications
Facilitated healing ceremonies and community gatherings
COMMUNITY BUILDING:
Established partnerships with community organizations
Created collaborative network with mother-led organizations
Advocated for policy changes and system improvements
Engaged volunteers and community supporters
Impact numbers updated regularly as our work continues to grow
Our Vision for the Future
We envision communities where:
Children of color are safe from gun violence and free from pressures that lead to destructive choices
The dreams of pursuing higher education become reality for countless youth
Parents, schools, churches, and law enforcement unite to demand an end to senseless violence
Families who experience loss find immediate compassion, ongoing healing, and authentic support
Prevention and survivor support work together to break cycles of violence and trauma
Current Goals
Expand our mother-led network to provide comprehensive regional coverage
Develop specialized programs for different types of loss and trauma
Create training programs for other communities wanting to develop similar services
Advocate for increased funding for both prevention and survivor support services
For Families Needing Support
If you have been affected by violence, please know that you don’t have to walk this path alone. We are here to provide authentic support, practical assistance, and long-term companionship on your healing journey.
Crisis Support: 313-283-0999 (Available 24/7)
For Community Members
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, attend events, or simply learn more about violence prevention, there are many ways to get involved in our mission.
For Organizations and Partners
We actively seek partnerships with other organizations, service providers, and community leaders who share our commitment to ending violence and supporting survivors.
Seize The Smoke Transforming Grief Into Action, Pain Into Purpose
DeLisa Glaspie, LMSW – Founder & Director Phone: 313-283-0999 Fax: 313-412-2717
Email: info@seizethesmoke.org Website: www.seizethesmoke.org
Service Area: Detroit & Metro Detroit
Extended support available throughout Michigan
“Khalil Allen’s death will not be in vain. His legacy will be forever honored through our work to create safer neighborhoods, brighter futures for our youth, and authentic support for families who have experienced the unimaginable. Death is inevitable, but the reduction of murders can and will happen when our community stands united.”
DeLisa Glaspie, Founder
This is bigger than one mother’s grief. This is about transforming entire communities through the power of authentic support, prevention, and healing.
