Using Operation Making A Change to Transform Young Lives | Gerald “GEO” Gibson
By Lana Reid | February 18, 2026
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Gerald “GEO” Gibson, Founder and Executive Director of Operation Making A Change (OMAC), to discuss his organization’s mission to mentor, guide, and uplift young people before they reach the same crossroads he once faced. Gerald shares how early exposure to hardship and instability led him into street life and multiple prison sentences, and how his final incarceration became the turning point that inspired him to create OMAC. Through mentorship, accountability, and life-skills training, OMAC now helps thousands of youth each year build pathways toward education, leadership, and long-term success.
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Gerald “GEO” Gibson shares a powerful journey of transformation, redemption, and purpose.
Born in Waukegan, Illinois, Gerald reflects on how early exposure to instability shaped his path and led him toward street life at a young age. After experiencing multiple prison sentences, he began to rethink his future during his final time incarcerated. It was during this period that the vision for Operation Making A Change (OMAC) was born.
Gerald explains that OMAC began as more than an idea—it began as a personal commitment. He became the first participant in the very framework he created, using his own life as proof that change is possible when self-worth, accountability, and encouragement are intentionally cultivated.
Today, OMAC serves thousands of young people each year through mentorship, life skills development, and positive guidance. The organization’s work is grounded in the OMAC creed:
“I am the present; I am the future. I am a positive leader within my community. I know that knowledge is power, therefore I understand the importance of education. I believe in me, so I will always strive toward greatness, knowing that failure is not an option.”
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Gerald explore the importance of intervening early, creating supportive environments, and giving young people access to mentors who understand the challenges they face. Gerald emphasizes that transformation is possible when young people are given guidance, consistency, and belief in their potential.
This episode highlights second chances, mentorship, and the power of community leadership to break cycles and create new futures.
About the Guest
Gerald “GEO” Gibson is the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Making A Change (OMAC), a youth mentorship organization focused on self-worth, education, accountability, and leadership development. Through OMAC, he provides mentorship, life skills, and positive guidance to thousands of youth each year.
Learn more:
https://www.teamomac.com
https://www.instagram.com/omacteam
https://www.instagram.com/mromac99/
https://www.facebook.com/OperationMakingaChange
https://www.linkedin.com/company/teamomac
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are leaders, mentors, and changemakers working to uplift youth and strengthen communities.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
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