Meet The Team

Brian “Tyrone" Hinton Co-founder/President of Team Truth 919.  A native of Raleigh and devoted Christian attending Mount Peace Baptist Church. Tyrone's life experience deeply information his commitment to violence prevention. 

Tyrone's early life exposed him to the street, leading him to a double life where he engaged in drug trafficking for access to quick money. This path resulted into incarceration, as well becoming a survivor of gun violence. Tyrone has experienced the tragic loss of a nephew, and young cousin and numerous friends to similar violence. 

Despite these challenges, Tyrone is a respected military veteran and alumnus of Sanderson High School graduating in 1991. Following graduation, he served Honorably in the United States Marines Corps, where his service included participation in the Gulf War, Operation Restore Hope, and Operation Sea Signal.

He later furthered his education by enrolling at Wake Technical Community College, where he studied Electrical Systems Technology. 

In 2015 Tyrone utilized his personal history, and professional commitment to help establish Team Truth 919. His primary goal is to transform the negative mindset and behavior of individuals within and around the community, fostering safer, healthier Corps, communities for children 

Sean Barts is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment with 15 years of experience in Youth Advocacy. His career at Team Truth 919 has focused on curbing senseless violence and guiding at-risk youth, leading to achievements such as co-founding the organization in 2019 and spearheading the current "Truth Defined" program.

Sean's commitment to youth is deeply personal. Growing up in Queens, NY, and later living in Dallas, Texas, exposed him to profound violence, including an attack that left him partially paralyzed. After moving to Raleigh in 1988, he fell into the street life, resulting in two periods of incarceration for acts of violence. It was after his release in 2004 that he had the powerful realization: there has to be a better way to live. This journey fueled his belief that Team Truth 919 has the capacity and determination to make a profound impact on the lives of young people and their communities. He is dedicated to ensuring that all young people have access to positive role models and alternative pathways to success, steering them away from cycles of violence.

Sean brings both academic and lived expertise to his work. He studied Psychology through the Correctional Education Program with UNC Chapel Hill and, after his release, went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration.

Leadership and Community Impact

In his board role, Sean leverages his expertise in community outreach, intervention, and lived experience, supported by his studies in psychology and business, to strengthen the organization's impact. He is particularly excited about spearheading the expansion of the "Truth Defined" program and welcomes conversations about how to better serve the community.

When not working to expand Team Truth 919's impact, Sean can be found spending time with his daughter. He enjoys all outdoor activities, with favorites including fishing, horseback riding, 4-wheeling. The beach is his preferred place for reflection and renewal.

Piragio Thompson is a dynamic social work professional, writer, and advocate dedicated to transforming systems of care for marginalized communities. He is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) at North Carolina State University.

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Piragio’s professional background includes experience in long-term services and supports, proposal development, quality assurance, and behavioral health program evaluation. His research and publications explore the intersections of race, and access to mental health care.

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A member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP), Piragio has also been featured in multiple magazines, including Voyage Raleigh, recognizing his leadership and community impact.

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Beyond his academic and professional endeavors, he is the founder of The POST Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mental health, autism, and recovery support.

Passionate about advocacy, equity, and creative expression, Piragio continues to build bridges between mental health, policy, and public impact using his voice and vision to inspire systemic change.

Timothy B. Prince was more than a Violence Prevention Specialist; he was living proof that change is possible. Born and raised in Raleigh, NC, Tim knew firsthand the pressures and dangers facing today's youth because he lived it.

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Tim navigated an early life of drugs, robbery, and violence. His commitment to change wasn't an easy decision—it was a necessary one, sparked by watching friends lose their lives or face decades in prison. He realized that to break the cycle, he had to dedicate himself to creating a new path.

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Tim's mission was to give young people the tools he didn't have. As an entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Team Truth, he combined his street-level understanding with professional leadership experience (developed over 17 years in customer service and retail) to deliver real results.

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Tim’s Goal is Simple:

• To sow hope and instill positivity in every young person he meets.

• To provide the practical strategies needed to help at-risk youth become productive, honorable, and successful citizens.

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Tim was on the front lines, committed to empowering the next generation to choose their truth over the streets.

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"Real freedom isn't locking up your pain; it's unlocking your potential. It's time to choose the honest path—choose your truth."

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