Durrel K. Douglas’ Biography

Durrell K. Douglas:

Durrell Douglas is a Houston-based civic organizer, strategist, and storyteller dedicated to building people-powered systems that strengthen democracy and community life. He is the founder and executive director of Houston Justice, a civic engagement organization focused on voter participation, leadership development, and creating accessible pathways for everyday people to engage with power.

Durrell’s work spans jail-based voter education through Project Orange, neighborhood-level organizing, candidate and community forums, and large-scale civic convenings that bring residents, organizers, and elected officials into meaningful dialogue. His approach centers people who are often excluded from traditional political processes, particularly justice-involved individuals, young voters, and working-class communities.

Beyond Houston Justice, Durrell curates and supports a constellation of aligned projects across civic engagement, storytelling, culture, and entrepreneurship. This includes his work as the licensee and curator of TEDxThirdWard, where he coaches speakers and builds platforms for ideas rooted in lived experience, as well as media and convening efforts that elevate local voices and strengthen civic culture.

Rather than viewing his work as a single organization or campaign, Durrell sees it as an interconnected ecosystem. Each initiative feeds the others through shared relationships, infrastructure, and values. The goal is not just turnout or awareness, but long-term capacity. Helping people understand their power, organize it collectively, and use it with intention.

Durrell lives and works in Houston, where he continues to experiment with new models for civic participation that are relational, joyful, and sustainable.