Ma’at Youth Take to SF Streets for Civic Engagement and Community Care

Some of our Ma'at youth at HCN's Fillmore office, preparing care packages.

The Ma’at Youth Leadership Program at HCN is a culturally rooted, empowerment-based initiative that nurtures the leadership potential of Black youth through healing-centered engagement, political education, and community action. Grounded in the principles of justice, balance, and truth inspired by Ma’at—the ancient Kemetic concept of harmony and order—the program gives youth the tools to lead with purpose and power.

On April 15th, 2025, Ma’at youth put their values into action through a powerful civic engagement activity rooted in compassion and service. Guided by Diontae Burden, HCN’s Youth Program Coordinator, the group gathered at Fillmore to assemble care packages filled with essential items and handwritten notes of encouragement for unhoused neighbors.

Once the packages were ready, the youth walked to San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. There, they distributed the care kits and engaged in respectful, heartfelt conversations with individuals experiencing homelessness—offering not just supplies, but connection, dignity, and information about helpful resources.

Under Diontae Burden's leadership, the Ma’at youth are learning that leadership is about showing up for your community with love, courage, and intention. We are so proud of their efforts and the example they’re setting for their peers and community.

We are inspired, we are hopeful, and we are building a brighter future—together.