Houston has become the nation’s top foodie town and has proudly entered the conversation as a city of destination for Black tourists hungry for Houston’s diverse happenings – hosting every manner of sports championship events, organizational national conferences, show-stopping concerts and more.
But being the nation’s most diverse city hasn’t equated to being the nation’s most justice-centered city. Every manner of inequality and injustice continues to plague H-Town.
Luckily, there are plenty of grassroots, community-based organizations that aren’t sitting around “Waiting for Superman” to come in and save the day. This city is overflowing with ordinary people volunteering their time to do extraordinary things to help bend the moral arc of the universe toward justice for all.
If you’re looking for a place to volunteer your time and talents toward a worthy cause, here are five such organizations deserving of your time and attention. Please understand, there are way more than five. We’ll be highlighting plenty of others in the future. But for now, check these powerful movements out.
Restoring Justice
Provides holistic and client-centered representation to marginalized members of our community facing criminal charges. This includes the provision of expert criminal defense legal representation, social services, trauma-informed counseling, spiritual support, volunteer connections, and more. Visit www.restoringjustice.org for more info.
SEHAH
Provides youth with cultural and life skills education, fitness and self-defense. Takes youth and adults on annual international trips to various parts of the Pan African world. Check out www.oursehah.org for more.
Hearts of Rescue
Provide mobile showers, clothing, essential hygiene items, food and spiritual support with the goal of restoring self-worth, hope and dignity back into all those they serve. Learn more about this group at www.heartsofrescue.org.
Pure Justice
Seeks to empower, inspire and activate its members and community supporters to champion restorative justice practices, equity in economic opportunities, and transformation to the criminal justice and economic structures of Harris County for the uplifting of marginalized individuals. See how you can get involved at www.purejustice.org.
Mufasa’s Pride
Through community-based programs, it provides a safe space for urban adolescent males between the ages of 12-17 to redefine their meaning of manhood. Interested in supporting this cause? Visit www.mufasaspride.org.
