Three years after the police killing of George Floyd, a Los Gatos-based social justice nonprofit is hosting a first-of-its-kind day of remembrance and community healing.
The event is one in AWO’s slate of summer events to bring people of all backgrounds together to learn about each other’s similarities and celebrate differences.
“It’s a moment to see how to move forward; it’s a moment to check how we’re healing. It’s a moment to discuss the work that still needs to be done,” AWO founder Folake Phillips said.
“Breath. Forward. You are not Alone,” will take place May 25 at 6 p.m. at Town Plaza Park. The event will feature interfaith prayer, healing circles, community speakers, an open mic forum, storytelling, poetry and music.
AWO hosted a virtual memorial in 2021 that drew about 40 people, Phillips said.
“Bring your blankets, chairs and community spirits as we come together as diverse like-minded people for an afternoon of remembrance, healing and honest dialogue,” the event listing reads.
AWO gets its name from Nigeria’s Yoruba language and means “skin” and “color.” Phillips said the organization aims to discuss intersectionality and foster community engagement.
The nonprofit will also host the HUEmankind FEST 2023 on June 4, noon-7 p.m., at Congregation Shir Hadash, located at 20 Cherry Blossom Lane. The event is free and open to the public. Short films made by students in AWO’s Stories in Schools program will be screened at the Los Gatos Theatre during the festival.
The youth-led festival will feature workshops on music therapy, drumming, dance and making indigenous beads, necklaces and arts and crafts.
Phillips said there will be a DJ and a magic show, food and drinks, and lots of music. The goal, she said, is to bring everyone together to recognize their similarities and understand and celebrate their differences.
Town leaders have been focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the past few years following a series of incidents, including a group of right wing extremists disrupting council meetings and verbally attacking councilmembers.
In 2021, the town council started working with a consultant to develop a Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion report that audited the town’s current policies and procedures and surveyed residents.
The report includes goals to develop safe spaces in town, fund a committee to tackle JEDI efforts, engage schools and the youth commission and build more affordable housing.
Phillips founded AWO in 2020 in response to Floyd’s death and the national protests that followed.
“I’m trying to make sure that in our community here, we work together and do this work of change–real change, social impact–do it together as a community, get all stakeholders together and see how our collaborative process can have true and maximum social impact,” Phillips said.
Source: www.mercurynews.com