Diverse People United, Inc (DPU)
Established in 2020
“Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
— John Lewis
Our History
Diverse People United, Inc was founded in 2020, in the wake of nationwide protests against police brutality. Originating in Lynn, Massachusetts, it began as an action-driven organization committed to advocating for the rights of those most impacted by systemic violence in the community. Since then, DPU has expanded across the North Shore and evolved into a collective of change makers dedicated to advancing human rights.
Organizational Roots and Beliefs
“Power anywhere where there’s people.” - Fred Hampton
Our organizational roots and beliefs align with the Black Panther Party, whose legacy of community empowerment and resistance to systemic oppression continues to shape our mission today. Since its establishment in 2020, DPU has undergone significant evolution growing from a small grassroots initiative into a collaborative network that partners with organizations to provide mutual aid.
Our declaration draws inspiration from the Black Panther Party’s Ten Point Program. Much like that foundational document, our own statement outlines our core values, guiding philosophy, and the practical methods through which we pursue liberation and equity for our communities.
The Ten Point Program emphasized the importance of freedom, accessible and liberatory education, self-determination, and the empowerment of marginalized people. It also called for an end to police brutality and systemic violence, issues that remain deeply relevant today. DPU honors these principles through community-driven action, building structures of care, resilience, and solidarity to meet the needs of the people.