Theo Pride

While growing up on the westside of Detroit during the crack era, Theo witnessed the dismantling of black communal systems and politics at a time when disinvestment, growing inequality, and concentrations of power at the top required the strengthening of such institutions and relationships. His childhood experiences motivated Theo to learn more about how oppressive systems in the U.S. worked so he could be a part of movements to change them. He went on to earn a doctorate in sociology and focused on black liberation movements and its impact on revolutionary politics and social change. 

Working as a professor, Theo published work and taught subjects on black politics. In 2020, he joined Detroit People’s Platform as a Community Organizer. There he has focused on equitable development in Detroit, leading the Budget Justice campaign; supporting the fight against tax incentives; and working on the ongoing Community Benefits campaign. Theo is committed to social justice with a critique of white supremacy capitalism. Recently, his organizing work on the city budget helped the community win needed funds for affordable housing, senior home repair, parks and recreation.