About Chat & Smoke

We Teach People How To Speak & Listen With Dignity

Chat & Smoke is a communication-based violence prevention and personal development movement focused on helping youth, adults, schools, and communities build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and healthier conversations.

At the center of the work is one core belief:

Most violence does not begin with weapons.
It begins with broken communication.

When people are never taught:

how to speak without being offensive
how to listen without being defensive
or how to allow others to leave with dignity

conflict escalates.

The Anti-Violence Communication Code™ was created to interrupt that cycle before conversations turn into consequences.

This work combines:

violence prevention
emotional regulation
healing-centered dialogue
mentorship
community engagement
and real-life lived experience

into one communication framework rooted in dignity, accountability, and growth

Transforming the World, One Conversation at a Time
“Deep Conversations & Grade A Weed”
A Safe Space for Healing, Connection, and Real Talk

I am Coach Dave (David Grant)—Harlem native, born April 20th🌿 (4/20 🌿 destiny). Grew up watching 🌿 cannabis culture unite the block: Omar Wally’s branded tee shirts,🌿 D hardest Hard, O’J’s yellow 🟨 envelopes from the game room. As a kid, I studied the business, the customers, and the calm it brought. Men who could not cry finally opened up about trauma, PTSD from gun violence, jail time, lost friends (ON MY DEADS).

“If you destroy a boy, he will never become a man.” – Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu

Lived it. Lost my dad at 11, streets at 13 HARD BODY, Man of the House. Incarceration at 19 3xFelonies. Watched boys & young men turn to violence because emotions are buried. Now I coach the fix: Speak. Listen. Dignity. — The Anti-Violence Communication Code™.

David Grant’s Proven Track Record

Cure Violence Expert (Violence Interrupter, 2013)– Frontline conflict mediation in NYC’s highest-risk zones
NYC ACS Youth Development Specialist (March 2025, Cohort 68)– Trauma-informed youth development training
3 Years Weekly School Mentoring–2014-2017 Personal development & emotional regulation in NYC elementary, middle, & high schools. Worked directly with social workers, deans, principals, & staff
- Cannabis Workforce Initiative– Two certificates in responsible cannabis education & harm reduction
- Active Therapist– Practices what he preaches, normalizing mental health support as public safety
Chat&Smoke Mission
We believe most violence—random acts, domestic violence, gun violence—begins with broken communication. When people don’t know how to speak without being offensive, listen without being defensive, and allow others to leave with their dignity, conflict escalates into harm.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
The Anti-Violence Communication Code™ teaches communities a new way to communicate that:
✓ Stops violence before it starts – De-escalates through respectful dialogue
✓ Heals relationships – Creates safe spaces for honest conversation
✓ Restores dignity – Treats every person with honor, even in disagreement
✓ Builds self-esteem – Empowers authentic expression without fear
✓ Creates peace – Homes, blocks, cities, world
Our Foundation: 3 Core Values
1. Speak Without Being Offensive
  even when it feels hot or spicy Model calm speech that reduces tension. No accusations. No attacks. Just truth spoken with respect.
2. Listen Without Being Defensive
  instead of blocking out what they’re saying Practice “self-soothing” and openness. When triggered, pause. Breathe. Listen to understand—not respond.
3. Always Allow Your Opponent to Leave with Their Dignity
  Dignity lost fuels retaliation. Even in disagreement, let people walk away whole. So nobody has to spin the block. This breaks violence cycles.
What We Deliver
For Schools & Youth Programs:
- Weekly personal development & mental health mentoring (elementary, middle, high school)
- Emotional regulation & conflict de-escalation workshops
- Age-appropriate cannabis education (Cannabis Workforce certified)
- Staff training with social workers, deans, principals
For Communities:
- Community Conversations podcast & live events
- Men’s mental health circles
- Couples communication workshops
- Anti-violence training for families & block associations
Digital Reach: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X (@chatandsmokellc)
Our Rallying Cry
“If You Know, Teach. If You Don’t, Learn. Each One Reach One, Each One Teach One.”
— Sister Alma Vessells John
Peace & Blessings To You & Your Family!
Work With Chat&Smoke (Call to Action)
Schools, DYCD Programs, Young Men’s Initiative Partners:
Ready to bring Anti-Violence Communication to your students?
Contact: David Grant | davidgrant@chatandsmoke.org