Rakim Covington, Field Director

Pronouns: He/Him

Rakim Covington is from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and he is deeply proud and fond of his journeys and memories from Bed-Stuy.  Rakim grew up in foster care and group homes and in the community - on the blocks. He is formerly incarcerated and he shares that to connect with others who are also looking to not only break the cycle but build new ones that will create new possibilities for each other.  The struggles, the things he has seen, where he has been, the trials and tribulations, all had a hand in who he is becoming now and he is grateful.

Rakim attributes much of who he is also to his mom who has always been his inspiration. Her determination, radical and relentless love, growth and development, despite deep struggles, inspired him. People know Rakim as a family man who’s always with the youth, trying to help people. They know he was a young kid who made mistakes and now can help others.

Rakim’s family, his daughter especially, is his legacy. He’d tell his younger self, don’t quit because your turn is coming. All these years of Human Justice organizing has made him think more about himself and others, and in light of others, with an open mind and heart. His purpose is to help others be themselves, and explore what that means and don’t let others box you in.

As a Human Justice Field Director with the Center he is passionate about meeting young kids he ran the streets with, offering his experience and advice on where they will end up if they fail to pursue their own positive potential. Rakim spearheads community mapping and engagement, and consults on programmatic design around violence prevention/intervention, street nation organizing, and youth empowerment work. He recently started his own organization after his mom to help impact his community a lil better. It is called Victoria Good Heart Association (VGHA) and he is super proud to grow with it.