Kali Akuno, co-founder and Co-Director of Cooperation Jackson, served as the Director of Special Projects in the administration of the late, renowned progressive Jackson, Mississippi Mayor, Chokwe Lumumba, focusing on the development of eco-friendly and human rights-enhancing policies in the city. Kali also previously served as the Co-Director of the U.S. Human Rights Network and as Executive Director of the Peoples' Hurricane Relief Fund (PHRF).