12pm-1:30: Storytelling with A New Way of Life
2pm-3:30: Affirmations with BEAM

At noon, A New Way of Life shares their “Testif-i | Storytelling for Change” platform, which empowers formerly incarcerated women and their children to share their truth, trauma, and triumph. This day’s Testif-i session will be offered by moderator Pamela Marshall and by Evie, a member of the 2022 Testif-i cohort. Attendees will first listen to Evie's 2022 Testif-i testimony and then join them in an intimate conversation and learn more about their experiences with mass incarceration and reentry.

As this will be an intimate event, participation is limited to 20. While children are not discouraged, this workshop is best suited for adults. Content may be difficult and emotional, but also empowering and uplifting.

The afternoon continues with the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective’s (BEAM) “Dear Black People” affirmation project, designed to disrupt public space by providing messages of radical love for Black people. Each affirmation speaks to some of the unique challenges that different Black communities face, and provides reframing dialogue that serves to combat narratives of self-hate rooted in patriarchy, sexism, transphobia, and homophobia. BEAM is, additionally, a resource that may provide guidance on mental health services, events, tools, etc. to support folks on their healing journeys. 

Participation in BEAM’s workshop will be limited to 20.

These events are free and open to the public. RSVPs are required.