Carlton Huff (he/him) joined Metro Justice as a volunteer for the Rochester for Energy Democracy (RED) campaign in 2023 before becoming Metro Justice’s Organizer in 2026. For his role in organizing wholesale retail workers, Carlton was named the Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation’s Apprentice Organizer of the Year in 2023. As part of the Steering Committee of the RED campaign, he helped lead canvassing days, new volunteer orientations, strategic planning, and more. Carlton strives to create a big tent for the working class that can challenge the domination of our lives by corporate interests. Carlton’s priorities include helping Metro Justice establish clarity of vision and communication, basebuilding using existing social infrastructure like unions, and working in solidarity with those most impacted by our struggles.
He is inspired by the concepts of collective liberation and liberation theology, as well as the countless examples of people everywhere across identities fighting for a better world. Outside of organizing, Carlton is an active musician, lover of the outdoors, and a frequent moviegoer.
Letter From Carlton to Membership
Dear Metro Justice Members,
My name is Carlton Huff, and I’m ecstatic to begin my role as Metro Justice’s Organizer. In volunteer roles with Metro Justice’s Rochester for Energy Democracy campaign and in labor organizing, I’ve learned a little bit about building power. We won’t build or win by scoring the most debate points on our enemies (or allies), by having the right intentions, or with blanket calls to action. We win when we take the time to sit down and listen to people that share our struggles, and we decide to do something about it together. We’re all plagued by soaring RG&E bills, by ever-rising healthcare costs, by the menace of ICE, and by the billionaire class that seeks to atomize us and scapegoat our marginalized neighbors, friends, and family. We all have pain and uncertainty from issues that seem out of our hands.
My job is to convince you that nothing is out of our hands.
Our union allies provide the blueprint for winning fights against the faces of power, and will be key in Metro Justice doing the same. Our religious communities show us the power of faith, whether in what’s beyond or in each other. Our activist friends, our neighborhood associations, our nonprofits, all show we know we’re stronger together. These organizations, others like them, my friends, mentors, family, all fill me with confidence as I step into this role. Our relationships will always be our greatest resource in the fight for a better future. My top priority as I enter into this role is in building those relationships with all of you. I look forward to doing just that and providing a guiding hand for us to take on the fights that matter, together.
In Solidarity,
Carlton Huff