Empowering Urban Youth: Creaghan Harry’s My Godparents Program

Creaghan Harry, co-founder of the Racial Justice Reform Movement, is dedicated to promoting judicial equality and reform in the United States. His latest initiative, the My Godparents Program, aims to offer lifelong mentorship to urban youth from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Brown, White, and Latino communities. The program addresses the urgent need for stable adult figures in the lives of young people facing socio-economic challenges.

The My Godparents Program was born out of Creaghan’s extensive work with underserved populations. While volunteering at the Overtown Youth Center in Miami, he witnessed the profound effects of poverty and a lack of adult guidance on children’s futures. He identified key issues among youth entering the criminal justice system, such as economic hardship, absent father figures, and early involvement in minor offenses. Understanding these patterns, Creaghan emphasized the significance of consistent, supportive relationships in guiding youth toward positive outcomes.

The program connects urban youth with suburban couples who commit to being lifelong godparents. Through the My Godparents App, children can communicate with their godparents via video calls, text messages, and receive assistance with homework and other needs. This innovative approach ensures that youth have a reliable adult presence during crucial moments, such as school challenges or peer pressures. Creaghan shared, "This free program for children aged 5-7 offers them a remote set of godparents—typically a suburban couple available through the app for advice, guidance, and support."

More than just a mentorship initiative, the My Godparents Program acts as a preventive measure against potential negative outcomes. It aligns with the broader goals of the Racial Justice Reform Movement, which advocates for reforming unjust laws and practices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. One key focus is the reform of the federal three-strikes law, which leads to severe penalties for minor, non-violent offenses and contributes to the over-incarceration of Black and Latino individuals, exacerbating cycles of poverty and family disruption.

Creaghan's advocacy efforts have garnered support from various public figures and organizations. The program embodies the sentiments of leaders like Benjamin Franklin, who stated, "Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are," and Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized the need for societal concern regarding the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. These messages highlight the ethical responsibility to confront systemic injustices and promote a more equitable society.

Through the My Godparents Program, the Racial Justice Reform Movement strives to provide immediate support to urban youth while advocating for long-term changes in the legal system. By creating a robust support network and pursuing legislative reforms, Creaghan Harry and his team work toward a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed, free from the barriers of systemic inequality.