The BUCK Squad

04/22/2026

Wednesday, April 22 | 7:00 PM
The Paramount Theater

Join bestselling author John Grisham and Deirdre Enright, founder of the UVA Innocence Project, at the historic Paramount Theater in Charlottesville for a powerful conversation on innocence and the moral courage required to advocate for justice.

As one of the most widely read authors in the world and a leading voice on issues of wrongful conviction, Grisham has written more than 50 consecutive #1 New York Times Bestsellers, many of which explore the flaws, failures, and moral complexities of the American legal system. Grisham has also become a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform with several nonfiction books — including The Innocent Man and Framed — that examine wrongful convictions and the systemic failures that allow them to occur.

This headlining conversation will launch the 14th Annual Tom Tom Festival, whose theme is COURAGE, and will explore the long road to exoneration for those imprisoned for crimes they did not commit, and the bravery necessary to demand fairness, accountability, and compassion in our criminal justice system.

Drawing from decades of legal advocacy, investigative work, and storytelling, Grisham and Enright will examine how narrative, law, and public will intersect in the fight for reform — underscoring why innocence work remains one of the most urgent civil rights issues of our time.

12/02/2025

Help us end violence in our community. Your contributions mean more now than ever. Every dollar matched for Giving Tuesday! Link to donate in stories and bio.

10/07/2025

Join the community for a viewing of Life After the Gunshot, followed by an interactive panel discussion on conflict resolution and violence discussion. This is an event benefitting CVVI - REGISTER - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWlN38CFgxoN9fPAFPcViV0clivzSLArVBf-jvt3-8bfvAaA/viewform

The event is Saturday, October 11th from 6-9pm at Vinegar Hill Theatre, located at 220 W Market St.

07/10/2025

It’s time for change! It’s time for the city of Charlottesville to consider a plan like Baltimore’s Mayor Brandon Scott. Please take the time to read. It’s time to invest in our youth, follow the science backed results of violence interruption at its best, fully funded.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott launched a powerful youth development initiative that’s making headlines. His strategy included 42 summer camps, 29 literacy programs, and extended hours at nine recreation centers until 11 p.m. on weekends. The city also organized community block parties, opened public swimming pools, held late-night basketball, and used schools for summer learning programs — all designed to keep youth engaged and safe. These efforts were part of his “BMore This Summer” public safety strategy, aimed at crime prevention and community enrichment. The impact was huge — youth shooting victims dropped by 66% and aggravated assaults fell by 31% in just one summer.

Using a public-health approach to gun violence, including violence interrupters and trauma recovery programs, Baltimore recorded its lowest fatal shooting rate in over 50 years, with a 23% drop in killings and 20% fewer nonfatal shootings.

Mayor Scott’s bold investment in urban youth programs, community engagement, and safe recreational spaces is creating real change and building safer communities. His story is a powerful example of inspiring leadership that’s having a life-changing impact on thousands of families.

06/12/2025

Just two months ago, Central Virginia Violence Interrupters, a Charlottesville-based violence prevention group formerly known as the B.U.C.K. Squad, was thinking about expanding.

Now, caught in the fallout from federal budget cuts and a reduction in local funding, the group says it may not make it past the fall.

Please click the link to continue reading...

Central Virginia Violence Interrupters, formerly known as the B.U.C.K. Squad, lost $250,000 due to the federal funding cuts on top of decreased Charlottesville City Funding. The outlook is dire, members of the leadership said.

05/07/2025

Show your support for the squad when you are out and about or in the comfort of your own home! All items printed in Charlottesville by one of own members. You can see colors and sizes on the website: https://centralvaviolenceinterrupters.org/purchase-cvvi-apparel

and order directly at [email protected]

04/21/2025

Herb Dickinson, Bryan Page, Annette Anthony, and Tommy Everett of the Central Virginia Violence Interrupters (formerly The Buck Squad), join the show for a look at their latest initiatives in the community, their thoughts on the recently adopted FY26 budget, and a list of several organizations in the community they would like to collaborate with.

https://share.transistor.fm/s/7dc51483 Twila Brase, President and Co-Founder of the Citizens Council for Health Freedom, provides a Real ID Update in advance of its May institution Herb Dickinson, Bryan Page, Annette Anthony, and Tommy Everett of the Central Virginia Violence Interrupters (formerly....

02/24/2025

Loved our conversation with Rob Schilling on The Schilling Show Cville Right Now

Central Virginia Violence Interrupters (FKA: The BUCK Squad), tell you who they are, what their mission is, and the problems that they are trying to solve. Amy Swearer, senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation, speaks on the defiance of California’s gun laws for self-defense...

02/24/2025

https://cvillerightnow.com/news/208802-cvvi-looking-to-operate-in-seven-area-hotspots-need-communitys-help/

The Central Virginia Violence Interrupters -- formerly known at BUCK Squad -- is looking to expand their presence which they feel will significantly reduce the gun violence in the entire area.

02/19/2025

Tune in tomorrow from 12-2pm as we discuss our work on The Schilling Show with Rob Schilling -

https://open.spotify.com/show/75h3HKVdezTCh0xGAAmovJ

https://share.transistor.fm/s/8536b079 =18m24s

02/13/2025

Thursday, February 13, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET

Join us for a panel discussion featuring three groups working to stop violence in their neighborhoods and cities. Not only are they stopping violence, but they are building true safety for everyone’s well-being. True safety is not just the absence of violence — it’s the presence of well-being. Come alongside the Christian Community Development Association’s Locked in Solidarity week in this special event highlighting the incredible, practical, and applicable work of Ubuntu Village (New Orleans), Central Virginia Violence Interruptors (Charlottesville, VA), and New Life Centers (Chicago