About Just Us
Our History
The JustUs Initiative is a family-led, community engagement 501c3 nonprofit organization birthed from the pain, trauma, and manipulation, suffered by Lupe Hawkins Jr. and his family, at the hands of the United States Judicial System after a four-year battle to clear his name of 22 false charges.
Founded in 2019, the JustUs Initiative was created with the intent of community development and advocacy for individuals and families directly impacted by the criminal justice system. It is by way of emphasis on community-engaged programming, youth enrichment curricula, mentoring, exploration of sports and arts, and charitable volunteer work, that JustUs seeks to profoundly impact the Prince George's County community and the African American diaspora at large. Intending to produce programs to enrich local communities and adequate engagement in civic initiatives through education, judicial reform, mentorship, and local wellness development, JustUs aims to enrich and advance families toward generational healing, health, and prosperity. JustUs has serviced community members from many different backgrounds and circumstances.
The organization has reached victims of community and police violence, victims, and families of victims of domestic violence, returning citizens, at-risk youth, organized youth sports programs, community leaders, Prince George’s County legislators, and many more.
Our Goals
Committed to ensuring all residents in Prince George’s County, MD are treated fairly and transparently
by the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) and the local and state judicial system, the
organization has developed the following objectives –
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To foster COMMUNITY, building relationships that humanize our community by educating and
supporting our youth and their families.
To foster a collaboration of respect and trust between law enforcement and our youth, parents, and community members by having open dialogue in safe spaces for all and offering solutions
and support based on concerns.
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To educate community members on the structure and responsibilities of law enforcement, including police officers, educators, coaches, parents and supporters/family.
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To share over-policing concerns, develop and implement strategies to address concerns, and
evaluate their effectiveness. To elaborate and collaborate on perspectives, challenges, fears, and
victories.
