My name is Stephen Okala, and I’m a friend of Joseph “Jojo” Sipho Phiri. I’ve organized this GoFundMe on behalf of Jojo’s mother to help support him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.

Over the past several weeks, friends, family, and community members have come together in an incredible show of love and support for Jojo, who remains in immigration detention as he navigates his legal proceedings.

Thanks to your generosity, we raised $14,190 through our first GoFundMe, helping Jojo and his family secure legal representation and begin the process of fighting for his future.

We cannot thank you enough for helping us reach this point. But Jojo's journey is not over, and we need your continued support.

Where Things Stand

Jojo recently had his second immigration hearing, and his next court date has been scheduled for late November. His legal team is also pursuing his release on bond before then. He remains hopeful and encouraged that his case is moving forward.

Why We're Fundraising Again

As Jojo enters the next stage of his immigration proceedings, additional financial support is needed to cover ongoing legal representation and detention-related expenses.

This new fundraiser is dedicated to the next phase of Jojo's case. Your contributions will help support:

Our first fundraiser helped us get this far. This next one will help us keep going.

Why Jojo Means So Much to Us

If you've met Jojo, you know that he has a special way of making people feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Whether he's cheering someone through a tough track workout, checking in on a friend, volunteering in his community, or simply showing up when someone needs him, Jojo gives so much of himself to the people around him. He is the kind of person who reminds you that community isn't just something we belong to. It's something we build through how we care for one another. Now, that same community has an opportunity to continue showing up for him.

How You Can Help

If you're able, please consider donating to support the next stage of Jojo's legal defense. No contribution is too small, and every donation helps ease the financial burden on Jojo and his family.

Looking for another way to show your support and located in Washington D.C.? Join us for Sweat for Jojo on Saturday, November 7, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Flex DC! This community fundraising workout, hosted by Chaos Colosseum with a recovery station by The Micah Touch, will bring people together to move, connect, and raise money for Jojo. All net proceeds will go toward his legal defense and detention-related expenses. A huge shoutout to everyone making this event possible! ❤️

If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and networks is just as meaningful.

To everyone who contributed to the first $13,950 raised, attended fundraisers, wrote letters, visited Jojo, checked in on his family, or helped spread the word: thank you.

We are deeply grateful for everything this community has already done. As we continue navigating the uncertainty ahead, your generosity gives Jojo and his family something invaluable: the knowledge that they are not facing this alone.

With love and gratitude,

Jojo's Support Team