The Okra Project facts for kids
Official 2023 Logo
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| Formation | January 1, 2018 |
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| Purpose | Direct support for Black trans and non-binary people |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn, New York |
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Region
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United States |
| Services | Total health and wellness of Black Trans and non binary people via mutual-aid and resources. |
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Executive Director
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Gabrielle Inès Souza |
The Okra Project is a group in the United States that helps Black people who are transgender or non-binary. They offer support through a system called mutual aid. This means people in a community help each other directly. The organization is based in New York City. As of January 2023, Gabrielle Inès Souza is the leader, called the Executive Director.
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How The Okra Project Started
The Okra Project began in January 2018. It started to help Black transgender people get enough food. Their first goal was to hire and train Black transgender chefs. These chefs would then cook meals for others in their community. They cooked meals from different African cultures.
At first, the group worked with Chef Meliq August. He runs a service with transgender chefs. The plan was to run this New York-based group until their money ran out. But people kept donating, and support grew from all over the world.
Helping During COVID-19
When COVID-19 started, New York had rules about social distancing. The Okra Project changed how they helped. They started giving groceries to Black transgender people. They also raised money for mental health services. By June 2020, they had given groceries to thousands of people. They also helped 200 people get mental health support. The group even started helping people in Philadelphia and New Jersey because many people needed help there.
New Leadership and Future Plans
In January 2023, Gabrielle Inès Souza became the new Executive Director. She plans to continue the group's work of helping people. She wants to expand their support across the country. Her vision includes focusing on nourishment, safety, and wellness. This is a big step, as it means a Black transgender woman is leading a national non-profit in the U.S.
What The Okra Project Does
The Okra Project helps people all over the country. However, most of their programs are for Black and brown transgender and gender non-conforming people in the New York City area. Since it started, The Okra Project has given almost $3 million in direct help. This includes special programs and partnerships. They have helped nearly 10,000 Black and brown transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Types of Support Provided
Some of their past programs include helping with rent, utility bills, and groceries. They also had special funds to help during COVID-19. They have worked with companies like UberEats and BetterHelp. These partnerships help people get safe rides, food delivery, and mental health care.
The Okra Project has main goals to help Black and brown transgender people, especially Black transgender women. Their main aim is to give money directly to those who need it most. This helps make a real difference in their lives.
Building Community
The group also works to build strong communities. They connect people with each other and with other local groups. This helps people feel supported and connected. It builds a sense of togetherness within the community.
Other Ways The Okra Project Gets Support
The Okra Project gets help from many places. On February 11, 2021, comedian Nicole Byer played Wheel of Fortune. She won $45,550 for The Okra Project.
The organization continues to get donations from individuals and companies. They also receive money through grants. Currently, The Okra Project is a fiscally sponsored organization. This means another group helps manage their money.
