Howard Senior Leads D.C. Nonprofit Filling Gaps in Black Communities

Van filled with food supplies and aid. (Courtesy/Pexels)

Kessonga Allen was nearing the end of his summer after his first year at Howard University. He participated in the Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program, which allowed the cohort to partner with D.C. elementary schools. 

What was supposed to be a quick conversation with the male students turned into a roundtable discussion about anger management, something Allen, a Detroit native, felt few of them had ever discussed.

It was in this discussion that one of the young boys revealed to him a deep concern. He told Allen he felt like he couldn’t discuss his anger issues with his father.

“My father told me that whenever someone makes me mad, I need to hit him with a brick until I can’t hit them anymore,” the boy said.

Allen realized in that moment that he needed to rewrite cycles in the Black community. It was this interaction that made him realize he needed to continue the work that would give children like this boy the guidance to be leaders.

“That was the most pivotal thing that got me locked in. I always wanted to do it, but this is what made me say, ‘I need to do it,’” Allen said.

Today, Allen is a senior at Howard University on the pre-law track. The Bachelor of Arts to Juris Doctorate scholar is the head director of the D.C. chapter of Helping Black Communities Unite Incorporated (DCHBCUInc.), a non-profit that aims to strengthen Black communities and youth leadership.

Allen envisions the organization as a provider of resources that the government fails to supply. This fall, they plan to introduce wellness workshops for children, family discussion kits on critical topics and partnerships with local organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs and shelters.

In July, Congress passed President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will cut 2.4 million Americans from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), according to the Congressional Budget Office. Last month the president ordered the National Guard to D.C., taking over the local police department and ordering them to clear homeless encampments.

“I think one of the best things college is known for is not teaching you certain things but teaching you how to think and look at the world differently,” Allen said. “We want to pass that on to families so they can have these conversations with their children.”

The Detroit native said they’ve hit the ground running this year by continuing a food initiative that delivers groceries door-to-door to elders and families who are unable to leave their homes.

That initiative included a food drive, during which members used Howard facilities to cook 300 gallons of soup to donate to local pantries. 

“Howard as a university should be an important institution within the community in D.C.,” Allen said. “As a university student, it’s our duty to take the information that we learn and share it with the outer community.”

Allen believes the current political climate will encourage people to unite around organizations like these, fostering a shared sense of purpose. He stated that when individuals perceive a “common enemy,” they are more likely to come together.

Although collective outrage has historically driven social mobility, Allen faces challenges. He expressed that he understands why people feel the need to pursue quick money instead of investing in building something for their own community. However, he is grateful to those who dedicate their time to help others.

“A lot of students that come here, they care about their communities, and they care about helping other people. That’s one of the reasons why they chose Howard, because they value collective action and collective thought,” Allen said.

The D.C. chapter is still small but growing. New members are working on grant proposals, and Allen is seeking more partnerships to expand their reach. He hopes the organization continues to provide not only resources but also mentorship and guidance for young people in the city.

“You just have to hit the ground running,” Allen said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect yet. The most important thing is momentum. As we start building up momentum, you can start making improvements. You can start doing better.”