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. 

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 said, "they will bump their heads, however, they will get up again. If you want to know how I know, my daughter has spent the last 12 weeks pouring all of the wisdom that she has learned from life experiences and school into you. I am very proud of my daughter, Tree, and each one of you."

Rooted in relationship, redemption, and restoration, this moment recognized the courage, commitment, and collective practice of the men who are trailblazing a new path as SAGE Practitioners. What we honor here is not an ending, but a living continuation; an embodied practice of healing, accountability, and restoration that extends beyond this moment and into the world through each person who carries it forward.

This work is very present, powerful, & generational.