Hero’s name: Anza Becnel
Home city: New Orleans
Organization affiliation: Stand With Dignity at the New Orleans Workers’ Center for Racial Justice
How does the person’s work advance social justice? What is the person’s vision for an equitable world?
“Anza Becnel is the new lead organizer for Stand With Dignity, which supports economic inclusion and racial equity especially for Black workers and families.
In his short tenure, he has created an amazing opportunity to give poor and vulnerable citizens in New Orleans their lives back.
Anza organized and led a Warrant Clinic for the more than 30,000 people in New Orleans who had outstanding municipal and traffic warrants.
These types of warrants can be economic barriers for people.
There were more than 1,500 people who showed up at the Warrant Clinic, which as The Times-Picayune reported, was more than double the amount organizers expected.
Taxpayers were saved more than $2 million. Participants gained their licenses and are now able to seek job opportunities and live as full citizens.
This initiative was so successful, he is planning another one in July.
What I love is that this is about truly putting the ‘service’ back in public service!”
Honored by: Ashley K. Shelton