A Sense of Purpose

Ray Harts developed the concept for the Healthy Hearts Institute while participating in The Last Mile’s prison education program in San Quentin State Prison. After his release, he made that organization a reality, incorporating as a nonprofit that aims to eradicate food deserts and empower individual and community transformation through health and wellness. Among other activities, the organization leads a community garden project at Pittsburg, CA’s El Pueblo Housing Development that feeds over 150 families. Here, he shares some of the roadblocks that he faced, and describes how his firm sense of purpose and his commitment to support his community help him push back against structural racism.