Art & Justice: Reconciliation Across Several Layers
The Art & Justice session at RISE Collaborative Workspace was such an amazing time to dig into a critical discussion, connect with others around art, and learn more about ways to create a path forward...a future that consists of greater racial equity and social justice.
We had over 50 people in attendance including many friends of the panelists Tonoa Manuel and Barry Overton. This type of discussion isn’t easy so half the battle was just finding people willing to show up. But we all have a part to play to create a more just and equitable future. Many thanks to the partner organizations of Imperfect Pixels: Black Business Initiative, Second Chance Center, and Voices on Canvas who also sent representatives and friends to the event to participate.
Restorative justice is about relationships and building a foundation before there is an incident -- before people are in a situation where they might be characterized as either a victim or an offender.
The Black lives that have been lost are not defined by the moment of their deaths. They were more than a single incident and it is critical to know them and others better. Don’t let the media define them. Don’t let their death define them. Don’t let an unjust justice system define them.
Next Up: Art & Economy
I hope you join us for the next session on July 29. Jice Johnson and Brandolon Barnett will join me as we look at Art & Economy and explore the power of independence. Seating is limited, so make sure you RSVP to secure your spot.
Here are a couple quotes that resonated with me the most from the event:
“Philado Castile, Botham Jean...those are stories that I wanted to learn more about. What was it that happened in this particular incident? Who was this person before this incident?”
“We can’t wait for restorative practices or justice to happen once an incident has happened. We have to be willing to step up and have meaningful, intentional, conversations.”
As many of you noticed, Barry mentioned a clip that Tonoa had shared about procedural justice. We’ve provided the link here:
Art & You
The exhibition will be up at RISE Collaborative Workspace through mid-September and available for viewing during normal business hours Monday through Friday between 8am and 5pm. We have also made it a point of supporting local businesses after the events. Here are some of our favorite places:
- Stargazers Chocolate
- Postino 9CO
- HopDoddy Burger Bar
- Swing Thai
- Dae Gee Korean BBQ
- Anthony’s Pizza
Bring the Stories Home
People have asked about ways to add some of the Imperfect Pixels pieces to their own collection. You can purchase either an original work or one of the extremely limited edition prints HERE. All pieces include a glass orb. When you make an purchase of any piece of art, you can direct 20% of the proceeds to one of three local organizations doing work related to racial equity and social justice:
Black Business Initiative -- Equitable Economy
Second Chance Center -- Equitable Justice
Voices on Canvas -- Equitable Future
Buy art. Make an impact. Build capacity. Share the stories.
Finally, I would like to thank the two phenomenal panelists Tonoa Manuel and Barry Overton, as well as your supportive partners. You all inspire me to seek new ways to engage in my community and share new perspectives with the next generation. This event would not have been possible without your support and the many introductions you readily offered within the community.
I look forward coming back for the next Art & event later this month.
