Together, we rise.
The Building Blocks of Progress
Understanding.
It all begins with a complete understanding of privilege, discrimination, and inequality, in America. Without an accurate understanding of the realities of being Black, a person of color, LGBTQQIA+, or a marginalized community member we will not be able to progress.
Systemic discrimination is real. The solution begins with acknowledging one’s privilege, listening to learn, assuming best intent, and building understanding between diverse background for effective communication and progress.
Devotion.
Devotion is the key to a sustained and effective social movement. Hearts and minds are not changed over night and unless we are devoted to the cause of equity and ending systemic racism and discrimination we will not succeed. Patience and strategic planning lead to long-term change.
Devotion does not mean simply time and energy but that one’s heart seeks the truth, the good, and takes the fight for equality and equity into every aspect of one’s life.
Take Action.
Getting off the couch is the most important building block necessary for progress. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability.” From this, we will do our part in helping move human progress forward.
Taking action isn’t simply just physical or verbal, but emotional. Organizing and activism is a lifestyle built on self-sacrifice and self care.
Justice.
Justice is the ultimate goal. For when all are equal in society, it will be just. Only the end of systemic and societal discrimination and inequity, and the constant preservation of a new status quo, can each individual live in peace and prosperity.
The killing of BIPOC and LGBTQQIA+ without consequence declares that their lives do not matter.
Community driven approach.
National organizations and governments have failed to meet the unique needs of local communities here in Delaware County and the surrounding area. Consequently, we focus on community building solutions to create lasting change for future generations.
Our work believes in the prioritization of the individual and community over a nationwide approach.
Intersectional strategy.
As the famous quote reads, “Injustice anywhere, is injustice everywhere.” The movement for justice transcends identities, communities, and boundaries. United in a coalition, we collectively safeguard equality and equity for each other from the Black community to LGBTQQIA+ community, reproductive rights to climate change, people of color and indigenous communities, and those in rural, suburban, to urban areas.
Meet the Board of U.D.T.J.
The Origin of U.D.T.J.
U.D.T.J. was founded on issues regarding systemic racism and police brutality. Although our initiatives have significantly expanded we continue our work fighting for justice and equality for all.
The co-founders of the organization. (From left to right) Kyle McIntyre, Elijah Neal, Bj Bryant, Dyamond Gibbs.
UDTJ marches through Drexel Hill.
UDTJ's First Die-in at 69th Street Terminal
Clean Up
UDTJ joins the March on Washington
Following the dropping of charges against the officers who killed Breonna Taylor, UDTJ shut down Lansdowne Ave and State Rd.
Shut-it-down protest continued.
Sit-in protest after Breonna Taylor was denied justice.
Panorama of the March on Washington in August, 2020.
The second Black Lives Matter protest organized in Upper Darby
Rally & speech at the Upper Darby day of healing.
Protest - UDTJ - Upper Darby - June 3
Sidewalk protest for George Floyd in early June.
UDTJ organized a clean-up while Upper Darby's Sanitation crew was quarantining for two weeks because of COVID19 exposure. The trash piled up and no-one was doing anything so we stepped up to help out.
Dyamond Gibbs at the street clean-up.
Educational picnic held on the 4th of July to have conversations with township leaders, police, and the community as a whole.
UDTJ's first official march in Upper Darby. June 13th.
Second street clean-up at 69th Street.
Protest - UDTJ - Upper Darby - Vigil - Trans Lives Matter
Die-in after Breonna Taylor was denied justice.
Marching through Drexel Hill.
Sit-in
9/14/2022 Rally and March demanding a Trial for Fanta Bility Photo Credit: Nigel M Charles Photography
9/14/2022 Rally and March demanding a Trial for Fanta Bility Photo Credit: Nigel M Charles Photography
Delaware County's Inaugural Pride Parade (2023 - Media, PA)
Inaugural Delaware County Pride Festival (2023 - Upper Darby)
Inaugural Delaware County Pride Festival (2023 - Upper Darby)
Delaware County's Inaugural Pride Parade (2023 - Media, PA)
Delaware County's Inaugural Pride Parade (2023)
Delaware County Pride 2023 Team
