My Godparents Program: Creaghan Harry’s Lifelong Mentorship Initiative for Urban Youth

Creaghan Harry, co-founder of the Racial Justice Reform Movement, is a passionate advocate for judicial equality and reform in the United States. His latest initiative, the My Godparents Program, is focused on providing lifelong mentorship to urban youth from diverse backgrounds, including Black, Brown, White, and Latino communities. This program aims to address the critical need for consistent, supportive adult figures in the lives of young people who face socio-economic challenges.

The My Godparents Program was inspired by Creaghan’s extensive work with vulnerable communities. During his time volunteering at the Overtown Youth Center in Miami, he observed the impacts of poverty and lack of adult guidance on children’s futures. He identified common issues among youth who enter the criminal justice system, such as economic hardship, absent father figures, early exposure to minor crimes, and subsequent legal troubles. Seeing these patterns, Creaghan recognized the role that reliable, supportive relationships can play in guiding youth toward positive paths.

In the program, urban youth are paired with suburban couples who commit to being lifelong godparents. Through the My Godparents App, children can connect with their godparents via video calls, text messages, and receive help with schoolwork and other needs. This approach ensures that youth have a dependable adult presence during pivotal times, such as school challenges or social pressures. Creaghan explained, "This free program for children aged 5-7 provides them with a remote set of godparents—typically a suburban couple available through the app for advice, guidance, and support."

Beyond mentorship, the My Godparents Program serves as a preventive measure to help keep youth from entering the criminal justice system. The initiative aligns with the Racial Justice Reform Movement’s broader mission to address unjust laws and practices that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Key areas of advocacy include reforming the federal three-strikes law, which often results in harsh sentences for minor, non-violent offenses and contributes to the disproportionate incarceration of Black and Latino individuals. Such legal frameworks can intensify cycles of poverty and disrupt families.

Creaghan’s advocacy work has earned support from numerous public figures and organizations. The program reflects the ideals of leaders like Benjamin Franklin, who once said, "Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are," and Martin Luther King Jr., who urged the nation to care about the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. These principles underscore the moral obligation to address systemic injustices and create a fairer society.

Through initiatives like the My Godparents Program, the Racial Justice Reform Movement provides immediate support for youth while advocating for lasting change in the legal system. By building a strong support network and advancing legislative reform, Creaghan Harry and his team are working towards a future where every child can thrive, free from the constraints of systemic inequality.