By Durrel Douglas
Forward Times
https://www.forwardtimes.com/
When people talk about change, they usually picture a protest or a speech. But in Houston, the real work often happens in quiet rooms, grassroots networks, and in moments where no one is watching. The city depends on builders, the kinds of leaders who do not wait for permission. Here’s a look at a few of them, and the ecosystem we are trying to grow.
Bishop James Dixon II – President, NAACP Houston Branch
As senior pastor at Community of Faith, Dixon already carries influence. In his role at the NAACP Houston branch, he brings moral clarity to the hardest conversations. He insists on dignity in policy debates and organizes where the stakes feel far from glamorous.
Tanuke “Tangi” Smith – Founder, Texas Federation of the People
Tangi’s gift is translation. She takes civic jargon and turns it into power for folks who have long been told elections or public life are not for them. Under her leadership, the Texas Federation of the People runs trainings, civic education, and campaigns that convert apathy into agency.
RoShawn “Ro” Evans – Co-Founder, Pure Justice
Ro works inside and outside systems. He engages with incarcerated individuals, their families, and policymakers not to charity them but to partner with them in justice transformation. Pure Justice’s work insists on centering affected communities in designing solutions.
Dr. Karla D. Brown – Executive Director, The Providence on Southmore
Dr. Brown leads an organization that helps students break through logistical barriers like housing, transportation, and stability. Providence pairs that support with civic identity. The goal is not just to graduate students but to build citizens at the same time.
Website:theprovidenceonsouthmore.org
E. Rain Eatmon – Founder, Acres Homes Community Advocacy Group
In a neighborhood often overshadowed, Rain Eatmon fights for environmental health, accountability, and infrastructure. Her group helps people understand how decisions made downtown affect their air, their streets, and their everyday lives.
Website:acreshomescommunityadvocacy.org
Travis McGee – Civic Organizer, Sunnyside and South Park
Travis McGee serves as president of the South Park and Sunnyside Super Neighborhood. He has been a constant voice pressing city officials to address neighborhood safety and public accountability. His leadership shows that local voices can push City Hall to act.
Website:houstontx.gov/superneighborhoods/72.html
Ben Akinola – Founder, 50 Fathers Movement
The 50 Fathers Movement reminds us that mentorship is not a luxury. It is prevention, a leadership pipeline, and a neighborhood safety plan. When men step up to model accountability, teach skills, and create belonging, the whole city benefits.
Website:50fathersmovement.org
Durrel Douglas – Founder, Houston Justice and Project Orange
I lead Houston Justice, which builds civic muscles across neighborhoods. Through Project Orange, Texas’ first jail-based voting initiative, my team works inside jails to register eligible voters who are often ignored by democracy. Over 5,000 people have been registered behind bars. The goal is to make civic engagement joyful, accessible, and unstoppable.
Websites:houjustice.org |projectorangeus.org
Why This Network Matters
These are not isolated actors. They represent a web of accountability and trust built across neighborhoods, jails, classrooms, and advocacy tables. They teach us the real calculation of civic power:
- Consistency over spotlight. Cameras fade, but problems remain.
- Service plus structure. Helping someone is not enough; you must embed them in systems that last.
- Civics as identity, not duty. Politics must feel like survival, not a burden.
- Distributed leadership. No one person carries the city. They carry their corners of it.
- Visit the websites above and sign up for newsletters or volunteer lists.
- Give your time, skills, or a small monthly gift.
- Invite your business or church group to serve with one of these organizations.
- When someone mentions “Houston activism,” speak these names and amplify their work.
Plug In
The cameras will move on. These leaders will not. If we match their consistency with our commitment, Houston can become the kind of city we tell our children we dared to build.
