In 2014, Richie Butler hosted a community forum on policing and race relations at St. Paul United Methodist Church that included the former Dallas Police Chief David Brown, former District Attorney Craig Watkins and former Sheriff Lupe Valdez. As a result of that forum, he was convicted to launch an initiative to address the divides in our community and the city. That initiative is called Project Unity.
After the tragic events of July 7, 2016 in Dallas, Texas, and subsequent conversations with many leaders in the Dallas community, Richie was given the vision for the "Year of Unity" as a way to bring us all together. Project Unity has been leading efforts to unify Dallas by implementing a number of community building programs to help heal race relationships and relations between law enforcement and Dallas citizens.
Project Unity's Signature Programs:
- Together We Ball: An annual event that brings the Dallas community, law enforcement, faith leaders and elected officials together over a mutual love for basketball. The objective of the day is to demonstrate that if we can come together in unity over the love of a sport, why can't we come together over the matter of race and relations. The love of a team has no color. https://projectunity.net/together-we-ball/
- Together We Dine: Share a "virtual" meal with total strangers or co-workers as you engage in courageous and safe conversations about race relations, tell your experiences and listen to the stories of your fellow "diners". Led by trained facilitators, participants engage in healthy and structured dialogue through answering questions. Due to the pandemic, we have transitioned this program to virtual. https://projectunity.net/together-we-dine/
- Together We Learn: A creative program that provides an opportunity for Dallas-area youth and young adults to dialogue with and learn from Dallas Police Officers in an effort to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the community while educating on how to interact with officers. This partnership with the National Black Police Association consists of a two-part classroom learning and hands-on mock traffic simulation. https://projectunity.net/together-we-learn/
Funding is requested to support our general operations and programs such as Together We Ball, Together We Dine, Together We Learn, Listen & Learn Speaker Series, and other community programs and events that help bridge divides, create safe space for conversation, and unify communities across North Texas and our nation. Your giving will help ensure we are able to operate these programs and respond to the community as the need arises.
Project Unity is a collaborative movement based on the faith-driven belief that what unites us is greater than what divides us. Our mission is to bridge divides, address challenging social issues and create spaces for understanding. Our core focus is building and sustaining community. Our mission is fulfilled through dialogue, community building events and activities, education and empowerment. Through our “Together We” programs, we are providing community engagement solutions to companies, organizations and communities that are seeking to provide unique experiences and resources to their employees, constituents and residents.
Funding is needed to continue our work in the community. Your donation can be designated to a specific program, initiative or targeted for general operations.
Organization name
Project Unity
Tax id (EIN)
02-0683218
Causes
Racial Equity
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Denton, Rockwall, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American
BIPOC Leadership
Executive Director/CEO
Address
P.O. Box 224486