Mark Myles was a devoted father, son, and brother. His devotion didn’t stop at serving his family, but he worked daily to create a peaceful world where his son and all children could prosper and live out their purpose. Mark’s passion for youth and restorative justice was unparalleled. His mother raised him to be a man of faith, and his faith made him a servant leader determined to use his experiences getting into trouble as a youth to ensure that cycles of trouble didn’t continue for others.

Mark was an amazing entrepreneur and community organizer, whether leading the Fight for $15 in Birmingham to ensure everyone had a living wage or ensuring every voice was heard in Selma in the largest survey ever done to know the concerns and vision of Selma and keeping those voices engaged in the work of creating a Better Selma. Mark was an amazing artist, using his profound poetry skills to heal and create a better world. He was also in the process of making a film about his community violence that must be finished. Mark was the Director of Community Organizing and Restorative Justice of the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth & Reconciliation (SCNTR). He led the SCNTR’s work in creating a restorative culture in schools, courts, and community. He was deeply committed to the restorative circle process and ensuring that we use what we have in common, like values, to ensure everyone has what they need. He was the soul force behind the nearly 40% reduction in suspensions and expulsions at RB Hudson and over 50% reduction in Juvenile Court referrals from Hudson. Whether being a phenomenal nonviolence trainer or working with survivors of gun violence and justice-involved people, his life profoundly impacted countless youth and adults in Selma and across the country.

Mark was pure light. Let's ensure that darkness didn't have the final say on Friday, January 16, 2026, when he was tragically murdered. Let’s be the light.

(Donations will be put in a trust for Mark's son managed by Mark's mother, China Myles.)