Thank you, Beloved

Photography by Jourdan Barnes, Demiur's photography

This year has called us to reflect on who we are, how we show up as beloved in our communities, and what it looks like to keep moving forward  - together. When I’m asked what’s giving me hope in these times, my answer is always the same:  It’s the people.  We are called to hold space and support people to enact their boldest visions.  I’m deeply grateful for the people who trust us with their most vulnerable conversations, hopes, and aspirations for radical transformation. This year, our community reminded me that:

• Our people have the answers.  We launched our first Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Academy in Kansas City, and our New Orleans PAResearchers contributed to a vision for how to support Latine families’ access to early childhood education. 

• We build better when we’re together.  We started recruiting our Design Advisory for the forthcoming Center for Community Engaged Research, with community scholars across the country.

• We need time and space to really connect.  We’ve been convening our Beloved New Orleans ecosystem partners – across sectors, roles, and organizations – to define what will help all of us advance justice right here at home.  

In my last community talk of the year, I shared stories of how we “make the road by walking” and why, at this moment, that is the most important work for us to do.  “Making the road by walking” means that we don’t have to wait for the full plan or authorization to do what’s right; we just have to start, guided by love, and invite others to join us.   I’m thankful for every one of you who chooses to take one new step forward and move towards Dr. King’s beloved community.  We can only get there together.

With Love,

Rhonda