The energy of our March Gathering, with the theme Be Brave, Be Bold, Be You, still lingers in the air, filling our hearts with joy and inspiration! There were two Liberated Village organization partners that spearheaded this gathering, with support from our own Subject Matter Expert, Dr. Debra Sullivan (Praxis) and Victorious Youth.
Photos provided by the Liberated Village.
At the heart of the Liberated Village lies a profound belief in the power of unity, growth, and collective brilliance. Through our bi-monthly gatherings, we create sacred spaces where all members—staff, parents, scholars (students), and organizations—come together to experience a journey of shared learning, unlearning, relearning, and the application of new knowledge. These gatherings serve as vessel for leadership development and professional growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and empowerment. By learning together, we not only enrich our individual capacities but also strengthen the bonds of community and solidarity. Together, we move forward in unity, uplifted by the brilliance of every scholar, parent, and organization member, as we strive to realize our shared vision: We see generations of scholars experiencing liberation and healing from systemic racism by discovering and living in their true cultural identity, brilliance, and purpose.
“I witnessed black excellence by seeing the youth speaking out, organizations and parents coming together to make this event happen and black people coming together as a village” – Liberated Village Staff
Our scholar DJ Tyrese set the perfect atmosphere with soulful beats. Dr. Sullivan gave a captivating presentation, guiding parents, scholars, and our dedicated liberated village staff through the understanding of learning styles and multiple intelligences. With her guidance, attendees were equipped with invaluable tools to unlock their innate genius and foster holistic growth.
Another highlight of the gathering was the captivating performances by Playback Theatre, where impromptu stories from the audience were brought to life through movement, music, and dialogue. These heartfelt narratives added a dynamic and engaging element, resonating deeply with everyone present. Several of the scholar lined their chairs up in the very front when the story about “Karma” was related back by Playback Theater. It really meant a lot for them to hear their stories being told, feeling HEARD and understood, having their own experiences reflected back to them as young Black males.
“Mommy that event was awesome; can we go back again”. – Liberated Village Scholar
And let’s not forget the soulful nourishment provided by Snazzy Eats a Black-Owned Business, a true feast for the senses! As we broke bread together, sharing laughter and stories, our spirits were uplifted, and our bonds strengthened. But the excitement didn’t end there! The gathering was further elevated by the electrifying talents of break dancer ‘Thriller,’ whose energy and skill added another layer of excitement to the festivities as he brought scholar to dance with him.
As we reflect on this unforgettable gathering, we will carry forth the spirit of community and learning in all that we do. Stay tuned for more enriching events and opportunities to come. Until then, we will cherish the memories and lessons learned from our Bi-Monthly Gathering, knowing that together, we are unstoppable!
