Our Story

Our Sons Rise, Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization in Prince George’s County, MD to address barriers faced by young Black men within the county. This organization is an extension of the decades of advocacy and outreach provided by lifelong Prince George’s County resident, founder Crystal Hollingsworth. Our fight against racial and ethnic disparities became more critical after extensive research identified Maryland as the #1 state in the nation that incarcerates Black men between the ages of 18-24. Maryland incarcerates the highest percentage of people who are Black in general, more than two times the national average, with 25% longer prison terms.  The 2nd highest rate is Mississippi, based on the Justice Policy Institute of 2020.