Describing himself as “a regular kid from the neighborhood who had some real challenges”, Alonzo Truitt developed a heart to reach back as an adult and help other kids with real challenges create a better life for themselves.

After moving to Savannah in 2023, Alonzo combined his love for both chess and youth mentoring into what has quickly become an innovative movement helping to steer high-risk youth toward making positive, purposeful life decisions and away from engaging in criminal and gang-related activities.

Routinely called upon by the City of Savannah, Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, and other Savannah youth-focused organizations, Alonzo's movement and message has expanded to impact more than 150 high-risk youth in the short time since I Is We began.

Going forward, I Is We plans not only to continue making a difference in the lives of the city's underserved and high-risk youth but to use a growing love of chess to help unite youth across Savannah at large.

Working closely with his wife Natasha, Alonzo is excited to continue to create a safe and inspirational space where kids with real challenges uncover the real‐life improvements and deep personal satisfaction that only come from challenging themselves.

To reach Alonzo with questions or to offer your support please send an email to alonzo@iiswe.org.