David Hopper is an Organizer at Common Justice. He was born and raised in New York City. He is an author, filmmaker, and Credible Messenger Mentor. After attending John F. Kennedy High School in The Bronx, David went on to enroll in one of the city’s most prestigious CASAC T programs at Argus Community’s ACT I. After graduating from ACT I, David was offered a position as an Outreach Worker within the organization. Flourishing in his role, he was promoted to Office Assistant. Within that role David was indirectly part of the executive team, feeding ideas and policies to the Director. David then enrolled in Bronx Community College where he studied Human Justice and Social Work. After being turned away from joining the School’s radio program, he created a space for at-risk youth and established “A Path To Greater Heights” Media, Film, and Photography workshop. At this time, he partnered with a known music producer to create a radio show on an independent channel. This platform is where David began to address issues within the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. With a passion to create films that highlighted the greatness of the minority population, David enrolled and successfully completed the Film and Production certification program at Lehman College. To date, David has created and produced numerous Youtube series, Podcasts, short films, commercials, and a game show. David has recently graduated from The New School's Institute for Transformative Mentoring (ITM) and has been given the position of Program Assistant. He is also affiliated with the community-based organization, NeighborHood Benches, which trains youth and young adults in the practice of restorative justice. Being from New York City has helped him foster relationships and friendships within the community and keeps him in touch with the needs of the people. Being one of the people is a big reason he continues to do work within the community.