They
Did
It!!!

Introducing the Class of 654 Ways to SAGE as a Practitioner. 

Standing And Guiding Experiences

I am so proud of these young men that stayed the course no matter what challenges brought along the way. They not only leave footprints of hope to those who will follow but speak with a voice of encouragement to those who are passing the baton to. There were several other individuals who assisted in building the Come-unity Center located at 654 SAGE Way and Healing & Transformation Avenue. They were commited to a lifestyle change without seeking a certificate or credit. They understood that the real credit is being able to apply restorative principles, upholding their values, and being the character that a certificate could never fully describe or contain.

Our surprise guest speaker Mr. Ronney Moses, formerly incarcerated (three times) as a young father with a 3 year daughter, shared insights that he learned and that has kept him out of the system for over thirty years. He also shared the devastation and guilt of his absence that factored into his daughter ending up with a life sentence at 23 years old. Nevertheless, this message of hope landed as a second wind to the many fathers, brothers, and uncles that was represented in that moment, signifying that their choices are not automatically passed down to their children. He stated something rare inside this men's prison, "I'm sensitive; I melt like butter." Speaking truth to the power of vulnerability, transparency, and strength. My father and I, aim to dismantle the parent to child prison pipeline one family at a time.

Rooted in relationship, redemption, and restoration, this moment recognized the courage, commitment, and collective practice of the men who dared to build a neighborhood that represents the best version of themselves through: Safety, Self (identity), Accountability, Grief and Empathy. 

This work is very present, powerful, & generational. We are all born into a neighborhood without choice, influenced by neighborhoods with limited exposure, and often stunted by neighborhoods that cultivates pathways that lead to harm. So, what neighborhood shaped you?

What would you build, who would you be, and who would you invite to the built?