Chino Hardin, Co-Executive Director

Pronoun: He/Him

A proud father of three sons, Chino Hardin is a 20-year seasoned organizer continuing his unyielding journey to dismantle oppression through the creation of an ecosystem of liberation and healing accessible to all, especially youth of color who suffer from the debilitating legacy of criminalization. Chino was born and raised in East Flatbush and Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and has 20 years of experience in community organizing and leadership development, campaign strategy, conflict resolution, gun violence/gang intervention, and Human Justice healing praxis. Committed to developing and elevating spiritual wellness and creative leadership in youth and communities hardest hit by crime, violence and incarceration, he has honed his expertise from on-the-ground apprenticeship with noted youth development trainers and practitioners from across the country, as well as his own personal experience in the streets and within the criminal punishment system.  

Thanks to the timely, unrelenting and innovative intervention of programs such as Audre Lorde Project, Prison Moratorium Project and Center for NuLeadership, Chino recognized his potential as a leader and visionary in uplifting and transforming the lives of at-risk, gang-affiliated and formerly incarcerated youth. His charisma and pedagogical approach have won success and praise in the field of youth leadership development training, specifically applied to youth labeled “dangerous” and “hopeless.”

Chino serves as a Senior Collective Member of brooklyn boihood whose mission is to create spaces where Black, Brown queer and trans bois* communities can cultivate stories, dreams and creative work. He has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets, including Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugsby Johann Hari, Village Voice, City Limits, The AVE Magazine, BET, and Caribbean Life.