HISTORY

HOPE Dealers Outreach was founded in 2012 by activist Frankie Gist in response to the tragic murder of Trayvon Martin. Born from the urgent need to address police brutality, gun violence, homelessness, and other systemic injustices facing marginalized communities, the organization began its mission under the name Helping Hands Foundation. Frankie Gist and his team worked passionately to fight injustice while spreading hope and positivity throughout their local community.

In 2016, the organization officially rebranded as HOPE Dealers Outreach—with “HOPE” standing for Helping Other People Everywhere—to reflect its broader mission and growing impact. Since then, HOPE Dealers Outreach has remained committed to uplifting vulnerable populations by offering free educational programs, back-to-school supply drives, hygiene kits, and organizing peaceful demonstrations in the Winston-Salem and greater Forsyth County region.

A defining moment in the organization’s history occurred in 2020, during the global COVID-19 pandemic and the national outcry for racial justice following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. While unrest and civil disturbance spread across many U.S. cities, HOPE Dealers Outreach became a leading force for peace, unity, and nonviolent demonstration. The organization successfully mobilized thousands of residents—crossing racial, cultural, and geographic lines—through daily peaceful protests that captured national attention, including coverage from The New York Times. These efforts also garnered collaboration with local government officials, such as the Winston-Salem Police Chief, the Forsyth County Sheriff, and various civic leaders, further strengthening the organization's ties to community institutions.

Additionally, this period of activism inspired the creation of several new nonprofit organizations, many of which remain active and continue to contribute to the region’s social and economic development.

In 2020, the organization entered a new era under the leadership of Mr. Ethan King, who was initially appointed Administrative Assistant and later promoted to President. Under Mr. King’s leadership, HOPE Dealers Outreach underwent formal incorporation, established its first Board of Directors, and secured its Articles of Incorporation. He also launched the organization’s first internship program and played a central role in expanding and formalizing many of the programs and initiatives that define HOPE Dealers Outreach today.

Mr. King further led efforts to secure the organization’s first office space, develop corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and achieve 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, officially recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service. As the longest-serving President since Jeffrey Frierson, Mr. King has overseen a period of transformative growth, sustainability, and increased community impact.

As of 2025, HOPE Dealers Outreach continues to stand as a pillar of the community—faithful to its founding mission of advancing justice, compassion, and empowerment—while working relentlessly to build a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

Mission

The mission of HOPE Dealers Outreach is to advance racial justice by building awareness, developing innovative solutions, and cultivating leadership that drives transformative change. Through the generation of original ideas, reliable information, and meaningful experiences, we empower individuals and communities to challenge inequity and create lasting social impact.

We define racial justice as the deliberate and systemic fair treatment of people of all races—ensuring equitable access to opportunity, resources, and development. HOPE Dealers Outreach actively confronts the structures and conditions that perpetuate marginalization and oppression. We stand as committed advocates and resource partners for historically underserved and underrepresented communities, working each day to promote dignity, equity, and social progress.

Vision

HOPE Dealers Outreach envisions a just and vibrant society where individuals of all races have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and relationships that unlock personal potential, encourage collective responsibility, and drive sustainable prosperity. As a values-driven social justice enterprise, we are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability—led by a multiracial and diverse community dedicated to advancing racial equity and social progress.

Through original research, media engagement, and transformative advocacy, HOPE Dealers Outreach reshapes narratives on race, justice, and opportunity, while empowering families and communities to create lasting, positive impact.

Our Commitment to Change:

To realize this vision, HOPE Dealers Outreach is dedicated to:

Leading with compassion to advance systemic social justice;
Standing in the gap by supporting and advocating for individuals and communities affected by inequity;
Creating space at the table for diverse groups to contribute meaningfully to social and economic solutions;
Driving inclusive economic growth by recognizing diversity as a catalyst for innovation and prosperity;
Building a culture of respect and engagement that elevates the voices, dignity, and humanity of all people.

These commitments guide our work as we collaborate with social sector leaders, strengthen families, and develop solutions to society’s most complex challenges—shaping a future defined by equity, empowerment, and shared success.