Using a transformative justice model and various tools, such as live performance, social discourse, and community organizing, we explore how the past led us to the present; and how we can learn from that past to build a more equitable future.
To understand the present, we must account for all of the past, especially the pieces that scare us. Learning from an inclusive history that takes into account the viewpoints of those who have historically been silenced can be messy, painful, and contradict what we previously held to be true. However, there is power in uncovering and naming the truth in its entirety and learning from it.
An individual is not defined by the actions of the cultural groups to which they belong, but an individual must examine their proximity to those groups, the privilege they’ve gained from them, and the impact this has on others. We cannot operate from a place of shame, avoidance, or defensiveness if we want to create impactful change and movements that bring everyone along with us and uplift those who have been harmed.
Examining the past must be restorative and for the betterment of everyone in the community. This means uplifting historically suppressed voices and forgoing punitive measures that alienate and isolate, rather than creating healing for the community.
