Just Us is a youth-led mentorship nonprofit organization that serves justice-system-involved youth in the DMV area, with intentions to support youth in the juvenile justice system across the country while working to end the cycle of mass incarceration. By creating community amongst our youth and members, cultivating restoration and growth within ourselves and our communities, and grounding our work in the principles of cooperation and justice, our relationship and skill-building work will provide all youth involved with the tools to build a freer world for us all.
Our Vision
Just Us is a for youth, by youth nonprofit organization founded by two Black women (Jordan Grier and Ahmari Anthony) on Howard University’s campus in 2018. Our organization has a transformative and women-centered model, and our program is based on full, radical, and unconditional love for Black people. We seek to create a space of love, healing, and support where Black and brown youth can show up as their authentic selves. Young Black people are provided an inclusive education that uplifts their culture, race, & history.
We envision a world in which no child is without love and community. We all have the same opportunities and our potential is always fully realized, giving us any outcome we can dream of. Our basic needs are always fulfilled; we are housed, fed, safe, and holistically well. Black youth have access to the best opportunities and resources.
In Just Us’s perfect world, no one is incarcerated. The school-to-prison pipeline no longer exists, and the prison industrial complex is torn down. In our perfect world, safety exists in the Black community sans the idea of policing and punitive practices; we reject imprisonment and isolation. We use restorative techniques in our community to address harms and encourage accountability in our communities with the total goal of abolition. We see a world where healing and accountability is a priority. We hope for a country where we take care of each other and the planet. We imagine a world without war and hate. Until then, we will look out for us.
“What I like most about being in the program is being able to develop genuine relationships with the youth ultimately impacting their lives for the better.”
— Matthew Rickman
“I joined Just Us because I realized how beneficial the program is and the genuine dedication from the staff and participants.”
— Tori Gill
“I wanted to bring hope and joy to students who have been placed in a system that I hope to one day fix.”