SOS “is a loose coalition of elders and others in the black community who feel it is their role to be mentors to at-risk kids,” he explained. “It’s a strong community of elders who see themselves as having a responsibility to these youths and to set a good example.

“The effort is much larger than Melvin, but he is the main force behind it,” Tilton added. “I’m convinced that there have been far fewer shootings and gangland shootings in St. Paul over the years because of Melvin, but not just him.”