How Gerald E. Rose and NOHRO Are Empowering Communities Nationwide
Gerald E. Rose is transforming a family legacy of civil rights advocacy into an expanding national movement through the New Order Human Rights Organization (NOHRO).
As the founder of NOHRO, Rose is leading a grassroots campaign to fight systemic barriers faced by Black Americans and underserved communities nationwide. What began as a local effort has grown into a national platform for advocacy, accountability, and community empowerment.
A Legacy That Inspired a Movement
Rose’s dedication to social justice is deeply influenced by his father, the Rev. Floyd Rose, a prominent civil rights advocate in Toledo, Ohio. Rev. Rose was known for defending the dignity and rights of marginalized communities.
Growing up, Gerald E. Rose witnessed firsthand how advocacy could create change and why it’s crucial to stand up for those whose voices are often ignored.
“My father believed advocacy meant standing in the gap for people who didn’t always have someone fighting for them,” Rose said. “That principle guides everything I do.”
Founding the New Order Human Rights Organization was more than just creating an organization for Rose—it was about continuing the mission his father devoted his life to.
From Local Effort to National Vision
Under Rose’s leadership, NOHRO, established in 2000 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, has expanded to serve 17 cities nationwide, creating a network of activists, community leaders, and volunteers.
However, Rose’s vision extends beyond the organization’s current reach. He plans to expand NOHRO’s presence to 50 cities by the end of 2026, building a nationwide network capable of responding quickly to civil rights issues and community needs.
“We want to be where the need is greatest,” Rose said. “Real change happens when communities are organized and empowered to advocate for themselves.”
Confronting Barriers to Opportunity
NOHRO tackles overlapping issues that marginalized communities face, including:
- Fighting racial profiling
- Overcoming employment barriers
- Supporting students and families in the school system
- Advocating for meaningful education reform
Through advocacy, community outreach, and collaboration with local leaders, the organization highlights inequities and provides practical support to individuals facing these challenges.
Rose emphasizes that addressing these issues collectively is essential for creating genuine and lasting change.
Cases That Define the Mission
NOHRO has been involved in several high-profile cases, including:
- Leon Moss, Jr.: A young man held at Fulton County Jail over contested charges. NOHRO worked with legal experts and media to pursue justice.
- Ahmaud Arbery: Rose was among the first to rally outside the Glynn County Courthouse after Arbery’s murder in a hate crime.
- Terrell Carter Jr.: A man with a history of mental illness shot 24 times in East Toledo, Ohio.
- Sandra Bland: A woman who died in police custody in Texas.
Rose has also faced controversy, such as his public support for Michael Vick during the dogfighting scandal. Despite criticism, Rose stood firm, saying, “I saw the bigger picture—a man, not just his mistakes.”
Empowering Communities Through Advocacy
Beyond raising awareness, NOHRO empowers communities with resources and support systems to overcome institutional barriers.
Key strategies include:
- Community Workshops: Providing education and tools for self-advocacy.
- Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations to amplify impact.
- Grassroots Organizing: Building strong local networks to improve communities’ capacity to advocate for themselves.
“Empowerment begins when people realize they are not alone,” Rose said. “Our duty is to help communities organize, speak out, and demand the opportunities they deserve.”
Creating a Legacy for Future Generations
For Rose, the mission is not just about addressing today’s challenges but also about building a foundation for future generations.
By expanding NOHRO’s reach and strengthening partnerships across communities, Rose aims to create a sustainable movement capable of influencing policies and increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups.
“Our mission goes beyond today’s problems,” Rose said. “It’s about creating pathways for the next generation to succeed and making sure that justice and opportunity are rights, not privileges.”
Learn More About NOHRO
For more information on the New Order Human Rights Organization, visit www.nohro.com or call (800)-346-5138.
Related Resources
- Learn more about civil rights advocacy and community empowerment on The Narrative Matters.
- Explore additional resources on civil rights movements at NAACP.
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