Over a month, time was spent at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee, engaging women in recovery and restorative justice programs. Participants shared their healing stories through portraits, leading to gratitude and self-reflection. This experience empowered voices, fostering healing and hope, culminating in an upcoming exhibit titled SOBR. Continue reading SOBR
We are sharing stories of addiction and recovery to inspire hope and healing. Recently, a public studio was established at a recovery event in St. Cloud, organized by the Recovery Community Network, featuring peer support, a meal, and entertainment. Thanks to the Minnesota State Arts Board for their support in this initiative. Continue reading SOBR
Executive director, Sankofa Community Development Corporation, Lower Ninth Ward After Rashida Ferdinand earned her master’s degree in ceramics, she considered moving to New York for its energy and professional opportunities. “But I wanted to also be in a warm environment, physically and culturally,” she says. “Being around blue, purple, yellow houses. Being around my family. My grandmother was getting older. So it was a no-brainer.” … Continue reading Rashida Ferdinand
A Peace of My Mind brought our process to the Brain Injury Association on Nebraska and asked, “What do you want your community to know about brain injuries?” The short answer is, “A lot.” The room was filled with practitioners and advocates as well as people who had sustained and survived brain injuries themselves. And of course, sometimes those were the same people. I am … Continue reading Brain Injury
A Peace of My Mind’s work happens in seasons. We gather stories, we edit stories, and we share stories. Most often, the lines are blurred and we do all of those things all of the time, but one of those things always leads the way, and those seasons shift. During the pandemic, we were on the road for two and a half years. Most of … Continue reading Seasons
Earlier this month I attended a sober powwow on the Fond du Lac reservation. A celebration of recovery rooted in tradition and culture. We set up our studio and asked, “What has helped you move toward healing?” Also there, was Randell Sam, who I met a few years ago and interviewed him about his recovery and his work helping others find their way toward healing. … Continue reading Sober powwow
Randell Sam is a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. I met Randell while spending some time with the Water Protectors near Palisade, Minnesota. After a brief introduction in Ojibwe, Randell shared some of his history with alcohol and drug addiction. After years of using, he found the true meaning behind his Anishinabe name, which is, “I Am The Walking Light.” Randell plays … Continue reading Randell Sam
Donald Dow, was the first person to get a new home in Blue River, Oregon after the Holiday Farm Fire destroyed the entire community in late summer of 2020. I interviewed Don the day after his home showed up, ten months after his last home burned. “I’m stronger than I gave myself credit for.” “Back on September 6th or 7th, we had a major wildfire … Continue reading Donald Dow
Melanie Stanley lost her home and business in Blue River, Oregon in the Holiday Farm Fire of 2020. The Meyers General Store and Liquor Shop had been in her family for 29 years. I interviewed her on the cement slab that remained. We talked about the fire that devastated the town of Blue River, her commitment to rebuild and both her dreams and fears about … Continue reading Melanie Stanley
Kelly Britt Davis works in a rural health care facility in Blue River, Oregon. After navigating the first six months months of Covid, the clinic burned to the ground in the Holiday Farm Fire, a wild fire that consumed 175,000 acres and more than 500 structures at the end of Labor Day weekend. Our interview started by talking about the wild fire and moved on … Continue reading Kelly Britt Davis
