In the heart of South Dallas, a nonprofit organization known as Not My Son is making waves through community engagement, social activism, and outreach initiatives. Founded by Tramonica Brown, Not My Son has impacted thousands of residents over the past five years, nurturing a sense of hope and empowerment in a community often overlooked.
With a commitment to growing, cleaning, and feeding the community, Not My Son has become a vital resource for South Dallas. Volunteer-led efforts have included an array of impactful programs such as tree planting initiatives, mental health days, and financial literacy workshops designed to equip residents with essential skills for a prosperous future.
Brown emphasizes that the strength of Not My Son lies not in its financial backing but in the dedication of its volunteers, most of whom are locals deeply invested in the community’s well-being. In their fifth year, they show no signs of slowing down, continuously striving to engage the people of South Dallas.
According to Brown, Not My Son emerged swiftly in response to a pressing community need during the George Floyd protests in 2020. She recalls, “When we first started, we immediately needed protection. We needed a communication channel between us, the protesters, and the police. That was our immediate mission.”
Operating under a “see a need, fill a need” philosophy, Not My Son forges its path by responding organically to the needs expressed by community members. One pressing concern has been food insecurity, particularly in a neighborhood characterized by limited access to fresh produce. Brown notes, “We live in a food swamp, and we don’t have adequate grocery stores. So the main thing that people wanted was fresh produce.”
As the organization mobilizes to combat these challenges, they have creatively utilized recognizable branding, such as their trademark purple shirts. Community members often recognize the volunteers by their purple attire, which symbolizes their commitment to revitalizing South Dallas.
A case in point of their grassroots approach is illustrated by a successful community cleanup initiative. Brown and her team filled purple trash bags in known illegal dumping locations, effectively prompting the city to respond to these eyesores by collecting the trash. “We would take purple trash bags, put stickers on them, and put them where the illegal dumps were so the city maintenance could come,” Brown explained.
Brown affirms that the volunteers form the backbone of Not My Son’s operations. Most volunteers either live locally, work in the area, or come back to contribute after having grown up there. This strong connection fosters trust, and community members are motivated to help maintain their surroundings.
“We don’t want the community to look like that, and so people are willing to help other people get their stuff together,” she said. Such proactive efforts help stave off gentrification and empower residents to take charge of their environment.
In alignment with their mission, Not My Son actively promotes a healthier and more informed community. During the Minority Health Month, Brown highlighted the high asthma rates in Pleasant Grove, an issue she is personally familiar with. With a passionate commitment to increasing green space, she expressed a desire for changes that can positively impact children in South Dallas.
“I love trees big time. Not My Son adopted JP Hawn Park, which is my childhood park. It means so much to me,” Brown said. Her organization is currently working towards securing funding for park enhancements and planning a tree planting ceremony just days after Earth Day.
Simultaneously, Not My Son is taking steps to address mental health issues in the community. With only 39% of Black and African Americans with mental health concerns receiving needed services, Brown recognizes the urgency of providing support and resources. The organization plans to host a mental health day featuring sound baths and natural healing methods to foster well-being.
Civic engagement is another critical aspect of Not My Son’s work, particularly in informing and mobilizing voters in South Dallas. Partnering with Black Voters Matter, Brown’s team physically reaches out to low-turnout voters, helping build trust and awareness about the importance of civic participation. “The need to inform one’s community is a way of looking after one’s community,” she explained.
As part of their commitment to financial education, Not My Son is launching a series of financial literacy events in partnership with local banks, aimed at helping community members achieve and maintain their financial independence. Brown emphasizes the importance of providing tools and knowledge critical for long-term success.
Looking ahead, Brown plans to introduce summer excursions for local children in collaboration with DART. This initiative aims to provide families with safe and affordable opportunities to create joyful memories together.
Reflecting on the future, Brown remains optimistic yet pragmatic, acknowledging the challenges that exist regardless of the political landscape. “Sometimes you can’t do what gets funded; you have to find a way to really fight for your community to get the things that they need,” she said.
Brown dreams of a day when Not My Son can expand into a physical community center dedicated to providing young people with a safe haven away from the pressures of the streets. With a vision to establish a brick-and-mortar presence, she believes that the future holds unlimited possibilities for Not My Son and South Dallas.
In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Not My Son invites the community to their Art of Advocacy Gala on April 19, 2025. The gala will honor influential figures, such as former Dallas City Council member Diane Ragsdale, to recognize their contributions to social justice.
As Tramonica Brown stated, “I love what I do. I wouldn’t replace it for the world.” Her unwavering dedication serves as a testament to the impact Not My Son continues to have in South Dallas.
For those interested in volunteering, donating time, or attending events, there are ample opportunities to engage with Not My Son and contribute positively to the community at large.
image source from：https://dallasweekly.com/2025/04/south-dallas-trusts-not-my-son-how-tramonica-browns-nonprofit-is-bringing-new-life-and-longevity-to-our-streets/
