What started as a dream on Riker’s Island, is now becoming a reality. Many of the men on the Island spoke about travelling the world, namely Dubai - and it’s underwater hotel - as the ultimate destination.

It’s more than just a trip; it’s about honoring their vision of freedom and joy, even from the confines of a system that tried to take that from them.

This fund allows us to breathe, to dream big, and to rest, knowing that rest is necessary. By centering travel and restoration, we’re living proof that healing doesn’t just happen in the work - it’s also in the play.

We will absolutely document every moment of this trip, sharing every step with you, transparently and intentionally. An underwater hotel? Sounds terrifying. But let’s do it!

Rooted in the Work views gentrification as one of the most insidious forms of systemic violence, uprooting Black and brown communities and displacing families who have built the culture of this city.

This part of The Fund is dedicated to direct support for anyone at risk of losing their home due to gentrification in New York City.

Once we reach $5,000 we’ll open the fund for submissions, inviting impacted community members to write to us for assistance. Mutual aid is resistance, and we’re here to protect the roots of our neighborhood.

New York City belongs to the people who grew up here, navigated life, and created the culture we know and love.

Our first community event goal is $1000, which will go directly to Tilden Houses in Brownsville, Brooklyn - a place with deep history and even deeper pride.

Community members often joked about their loyalty, saying “I’d die for Tilden,” later learning that Samuel J. Tilden, who the houses were named after, was a slave owner.

This is a reflection of how systemic harm seeps into every part of our lives, even the places we call home. By giving back to Tilden, we’re not just funding an event: we’re reclaiming the narrative and creating spaces for joy, connection, and liberation.

We’re excited to hand off the $1,000 directly to young people in the neighborhood, and see what magic they create. Stay tuned!

Running a movement takes more than passion - it takes resources. From typical business costs to unexpected expenses, this part of The Fund ensures Rooted in the Work can keep running smoothly. Transparency is key, which is why we will post quarterly Excel spreadsheets breaking down just how every dollar is spent.

This isn’t just our work - it’s yours too, and you deserve to know exactly how we are building this movement together.

The Fund is more than money - it’s our shared commitment to justice, care, and each other.

Transparency is a cornerstone of everything we do at Rooted in the Work. From shop proceeds to donations, every dollar is a reflection of our shared commitment to equity, justice, and sustainability.

This is why we’re committed to showing receipts—literally. Quarterly, we’ll release detailed reports breaking down where every contribution goes, from community funds to operational costs.

We believe financial accountability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a way to honor the trust and collaboration that drives this movement forward. Together, we’re not just funding the work; we’re building systems that last.

Before there was a website, a store, or a platform, there was a community.

#REIGN reflects the relationships and care that have always been at the heart of Rooted in the Work—a legacy of showing up, holding space, and building something bigger than ourselves.

To reign is to claim sovereignty over your story and your healing, while recognizing the interconnectedness that binds us all.

#REIGN is a reminder that transformation is never a solo journey—it’s a collective one, carried by the people who came before us and those who walk beside us now.

Next up, we’re introducing a project where 100% of proceeds will seed our very own crypto coin—an investment in our community’s future.

Stay tuned for updates.