
In Loving Memory of Derrick Dawson
Derrick Charles Dawson, Program Coordinator of Crossroads’ place-based work in Chicago (Chicago Regional Organizing for AntiRacism – CROAR) passed away on July 3, 2022. Derrick joined Crossroads initially as a member of the Board of Directors, where he served as Co-Chair of the Board and eventually began facilitating workshops. He became a staff member to begin building CROAR. His loss is deeply felt here at Crossroads and reverberates throughout Chicago, where he worked tirelessly for equity in a multitude of organizations. He was also very active in justice issues in the disability and LGBTQIA communities.
In lieu of flowers, Derrick’s family is encouraging memorial donations to Crossroads. Electronic donations may be made using the link below, while checks may be sent to P.O. Box 160, Vineburg, CA 95487.
Crossroads
Antiracism Organizing and Training
Partnering with organizations and institutions to dismantle systemic racism.
Working toward antiracist transformation
Assisting institutions to identify strategic interventions
Our Approach
Organizing
Recognizing that racism goes beyond personal prejudice, Crossroads focuses on social change strategies. We adapt community organizing concepts to work effectively inside institutions:
- power analysis
- organizational development
- spiritual grounding

Training
Training and education are powerful tools for organizing to dismantle systemic racism. We will work with your institutional leaders to determine the best steps for moving forward. This may include:
- workshops
- retreats
- webinars
Our Team
We are organizers, educators, and agents of change. We collaborate, consult, and coach to disrupt and transform. Our staff is majority people of color with layers of diversity including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith tradition/spirituality, age, region, and educational background.
