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 an American group that provides help to Black trans and non-binary people. This organization is based in New York City. It works like a mutual aid collective, meaning people help each other directly. As of January 2023, Gabrielle Inès Souza is the Executive Director of The Okra Project.
Contents
How The Okra Project Started
The Okra Project began in January 2018. Its main goal was to help Black trans people who didn't have enough food. At first, they hired and trained Black trans chefs. These chefs would then cook meals for other community members in their own homes. They worked with Chef Meliq August, who ran a trans chef service. The meals often featured foods from the African diaspora, which are traditional African dishes.
When it first started, the group planned to operate only in New York. They thought they would stop once their donations ran out. However, more and more people around the world supported them. This allowed the project to keep growing.
Helping During COVID-19
When COVID-19 caused social distancing rules in New York, The Okra Project changed how it helped. They started giving groceries to Black trans people. They also raised money for mental health services. By June 2020, the group had given groceries to thousands of people. They also provided mental health help to 200 individuals. Because many people needed help, the organization also started offering services in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
New Leadership and Future Plans
In January 2023, Gabrielle Inès Souza became the Executive Director. She plans to continue the project's work of helping people across the country. Her vision focuses on three main areas: nourishment (food), safety, and wellness (overall health). This is an important step, as it means a Black trans woman is leading a national non-profit organization in the United States.
What The Okra Project Does
The Okra Project helps people all over the United States. However, most of its programs focus on helping Black and brown trans 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. They have also created special programs and partnerships. This support has reached nearly 10,000 Black and brown trans and gender non-conforming people.
Main Programs and Support
The project's long-standing programs include helping with rent, utility bills, and groceries. They also provided special funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Okra Project has partnered with companies like UberEats and BetterHelp. These partnerships help people get safe transportation, food delivery, and mental health support.
The main goal of The Okra Project is to give financial help directly to those who need it most. This includes Black trans women, who are a special focus. They want to make a real difference in the lives of people in their community.
Building Community
The organization also works to bring people together. They connect individuals with other local groups. This helps build strong social connections and support within the community. It makes people feel more connected and united.
Other Ways The Okra Project Gets Support
The Okra Project receives support from many different places. On February 11, 2021, comedian Nicole Byer won $45,550 for the charity. She won this money while playing on the celebrity version of Wheel of Fortune.
The organization continues to get help from individuals and companies. They also receive money through grants. Currently, The Okra Project is a fiscally sponsored organization. This means another larger organization helps manage its money and legal needs.
