Mothers Fighting for Justice
“If it wasn’t for Give Miami Day and The Miami Foundation, I wouldn't be able to be do anything for my community,” says Romania Dukes, founder of Mothers Fighting for Justice. Dukes started the gun violence prevention organization after losing her own 18-year-old son De’Michael to a stray bullet a decade ago.
“My mission is to give back to the community by supporting single mothers, seniors, children under grandparent care, and the homeless,” explained Dukes, who recognizes “the scarcity of resources in South Dade” that act as root causes of gun violence in the community.
Give Miami Day donations helped her start a new, free after-school snack program in collaboration with local mothers at the Mothers Fighting for Justice office in Cutler Bay. The organization also provides essential supplies like free diapers, baby wipes, cleaning supplies, care packages, and canned goods to the community.
“Due to overwhelming demand and limited storage, compounded by recent community violence, I was forced to close my office,” said Dukes, who now distributes donations “on the streets” of West Perrine, Goulds, Naranja, and Homestead.
She hopes Give Miami Day will help Mothers Fighting for Justice find a new home.
“If I reach my goal of $20,000, I will relocate to a larger facility to be able to help more families,” explained Dukes, who wants to relocate not only to a larger location, but a safer one, so that Mothers Fighting for Justice can provide a true refuge from gun violence.