DEFY RACISM COLLECTIVE
Defy Racism Collective is a grassroots organization dedicated to dismantling systemic racism through community action, advocacy, and policy reform. We empower marginalized communities to confront inequity and demand justice
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” — Barack Obama
Mission
Dismantle systemic racism through data, advocacy, and storytelling. We expose injustice, equip communities with AI-powered legal tools, and train the next generation of changemakers. Through investigative research, dynamic media, and direct action, we don’t just challenge the system—we build the blueprint for liberation.
Vision
We envision a world where historically marginalized communities are empowered to reshape their neighborhoods, ensure health equity, and drive policies that foster racial justice and sustainability for all.
Collective Building & Partnerships
Collective Approach
Systemic change requires collaboration. We partner with grassroots organizations, academic institutions, businesses, and policymakers to scale our impact and ensure accountability to the communities we serve.
Community Leaders
Change begins with the people. We empower community members—activists, educators, parents, and youth—to lead movements for racial justice, ensuring that those most impacted are at the forefront of advocacy and solutions.
Grassroots Organizations
We collaborate with grassroots organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities, leveraging their expertise and networks to drive systemic change, amplify marginalized voices, and build collective power.
Academic Institutions
“By partnering with universities and research institutions, we bridge data, policy, and lived experience to drive evidence-based advocacy, advance racial equity, and cultivate the next generation of change makers.
Local Businesses
Equity is everyone’s business. We work with mission-aligned companies and entrepreneurs to invest in solutions that dismantle systemic barriers, create inclusive workplaces, and drive social impact beyond profit.
People
Our Team
Executive Director
Robert Speed Jr
Robert Speed Jr. is a dedicated Community Health Worker with a passion for social justice and transformative community advocacy. With extensive experience supporting vulnerable populations, including homeless youth, LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals navigating complex health challenges, Robert has developed a nuanced approach to addressing systemic inequities.
His professional journey spans critical roles in community health and social services, including positions with Young Invincibles, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and the National Runaway Safeline. Certified in trauma response, HIV counseling, and community health, Robert brings a comprehensive understanding of the intersectional challenges faced by marginalized communities.
As the founder of Defy Racism Collective, Robert is committed to leveraging technology and grassroots organizing to dismantle systemic barriers and empower communities. His work focuses on creating innovative solutions that transform information access into actionable advocacy, centering the experiences of those most impacted by racial injustice.
Our Story
A Resounding Demand for Justice
Defy Racism Collective (DRC) emerged from our founder Robert Speed Jr.’s critical recognition of the systemic barriers that persistently undermine the well-being of marginalized communities. Rooted in years of frontline experience in community health and social services, the organization was born from a profound understanding of how complex social systems fail vulnerable populations.
Throughout his roles at organizations like Young Invincibles, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and the National Runaway Safeline, Robert witnessed recurring patterns of institutional inequity. While managing healthcare outreach strategies at Young Invincibles, he exposed stark disparities in health insurance access and COVID-19 vaccine distribution among young adults. His work with the National Runaway Safeline demonstrated how at-risk youth consistently struggle to navigate complex support systems, often lacking critical resources and information.
These experiences crystallized a crucial insight for Robert: traditional service models are fundamentally insufficient in addressing structural barriers. The gaps observed across health services, crisis intervention, and youth support revealed a systemic problem that required an innovative approach.
The AI Advocacy Assistant emerged as DRC’s flagship solution—a technological platform designed to democratize access to critical information. Drawing from his experiences in crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and community outreach, Robert created an assistant aimed to provide vulnerable populations with the tools to:
- Understand their rights
- Navigate complex institutional systems
- Access targeted resources
- Challenge systemic barriers effectively
Unlike traditional advocacy models, DRC leverages technology as a liberatory tool. The organization recognizes that marginalized communities often lack the informational infrastructure to effectively advocate for themselves. By combining Robert’s expertise in community health, strategic partnerships, and technological innovation, DRC creates solutions that put power directly into the hands of those most impacted by systemic inequities.
Specialized skills developed through his certifications in trauma response, HIV counseling, and community health inform every aspect of the organization’s approach. These include:
- Trauma-informed communication strategies
- Harm reduction principles
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Culturally responsive outreach methods
DRC’s mission is clear: disrupt oppressive systems by providing marginalized communities with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to demand justice and create meaningful change. As the organization continues to evolve under Robert’s leadership, it remains committed to innovative solutions that center the experiences of those most affected by systemic racism.
Looking ahead, the collective envisions a future where technology serves as a critical ally in the fight for social justice—transforming information into powerful, actionable advocacy.As DRC continues to grow, its mission remains steadfast: disrupting oppressive systems, democratizing access to critical information, and ensuring that marginalized communities have the tools they need to demand justice and accountability.