COMMUNITY
The Healing Movement
Healing begins by simply telling the truth. We believe that "truthfulness is the foundation of all human virtues. The Healing Movement aims at guiding us toward unlocking our own truths by critically evaluating history, medicine, science, education, etc. We share strategies for healing by encouraging participants to discover their own voices.
The Healing Movement has reached an audience across the globe.
Let the healing begin means creating the conditions where African American and other communities of color can initiate the material, economic, and spiritual sustenance necessary to restore themselves and their families to their natural and healthy state of nobility and beauty.
"Let truth prevail. Let the demand for justice be our guide. Let the healing begin.
North American Reparations:
A Blueprint for Global Healing
This initiative is designed specifically to bring about racial equity and remedy the ills that have plagued North America and its institutions for centuries. Partners across North America are working together to integrate services that will be utilized as a mechanism for change at the individual, community and institutional levels.
Enslavement and colonialism has stifled the mental, emotional, material, and physical progress of humanity. These issues have multi-generational impact across the world originating from anti-Blackness. North America’s climate reflects the most baneful and persistent examples of overt and systemic racial terrorism in the industrialized world. Reparations include reducing individual, community and institutional trauma. This must involve assessing the extent of the injuries resulting from traumas, establishing healing practices and strategies and finally, changing or eliminating harmful antiquated policies.
THE APPROACH
This innovative approach to reparations is a transformative model for global restoration, repair and healing; addressing the historical harm and trauma of racism and colonization.
THE MOVEMENT
North American Reparations: A Blueprint for Global Healing has grown out of the Healing Movement. This movement is informed by the research of Dr. Joy DeGruy in her seminal book entitled “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing (PTSS)”.
THE GOAL
We are aiming for an equitable, peaceful, healthy and sustainable society.
-
Restoration of the historical truth.
-
Communities having strategies for healing and addressing racism.
-
Policies and legislation will mitigate the multigenerational on ongoing harm.
National Partner Organizations
The National Partners have dedicated years of service and commitment to people of African decent, focusing on equity and justice. As change agents they have improved the lives of thousands of individuals, families and communities; and they have extensive experience achieving successful outcomes. Read about the organizations below.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Organic Oneness
Syda S. Taylor
Ms. Syda S. Taylor is the founder and executive director of Organic Oneness and has 25 years of experience working with Black and Latinx communities in Chicago.
Syda received an M.A. in Community Development & Social Justice and B.S. in Kinesiology.
Organic Oneness is a grassroots social justice organization in Chicago that mobilizes communities to address systemic change, healing and wellness, foregrounding Black Indigenous. and People of Color (BIPOC).
PORTLAND, OREGON
Black Parent Initiative
Bahia Overton
Ms. Bahia Overton has an MSW and 17 years of experience in mental health and education policy. She is recognized for her work in amplifying voices of Black/African American people and children in foster care.
Black Parent Initiative's mission is to educate and mobilize the parents and caregivers of African, African American and African American Multi-cultural children to ensure they achieve success.
NOVIA SCOTIA, CANADA
HAAC
Mario Rolle
Mr. Mario Rolle is the Director of HAAC, promoting health and wellness for persons of African Ancestry living in Nova Scotia. He has degrees in Criminology and Sociology from Saint Mary's University. He also has a Bachelor and Masters of Social Work from Dalhousie University.
Health Association of African Canadians addresses the African Canadian health issues and the system inequities affecting health.
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK
Action for a Better Community
Jerome Underwood
Mr. Jerome Underwood is an activist and leader. He employs over 400 staff who work with the community to achieve self- sufficiency. He holds an MBA in Finance from Rochester Institute of Technology and a BS in Accounting from St. John Fisher College.
Action for a Better Community is a Community Action Agency that promotes and provides opportunities for low-income individuals and families to become self-sufficient.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Avalon Carver
Jamico Elder
Mr. Jamico Elder earned degrees from Tuskegee University and Harvard University. Under his leadership, ACCC has doubled its size and expanded programs, including an on-site Youth Build High School and a transitional age youth shelter with 150-beds.
Avalon Carver works to care for the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of individuals and families through education, community outreach and empowerment.