For many people, February 2023 was a time to learn about Black history by uplifting important figures of the past and present-day times. At I Am Why our Justice Initiatives team decided to give reverence to Black culture by taking time to acknowledge the past while...
In honor of Indigenous Heritage Month Trusting one another, Respecting what is being shared, A teaching moment, Direct from ancestors that were forced Into institutions, That created friction and diminished our cultures. Initiating our heritage and being Open to...
Part 2: Modern day genocide, they are doing this all over again to us. The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed in 1978 because Indigenous children and youth were being removed from their homes at far higher rates than other children and youth. Research from the...
Part 1: Modern day genocide, they are doing this all over again to us. ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) helps us fight to preserve the connection between a child and his or her tribe. If it is overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, the children stand to lose so much...
A path begun and ended A journey of a life wondering what is the truth to forgiveness She watched through the glass of her eyes To sprinkle glitter and wear pretty bows Or Throw a ball and wear the marks Without a fight or war but left with scars Dreams of being a...
I start getting ready It’s the baby’s first doctor's appointment today I hadn’t slept at all You are sound asleep I take a picture of the two males in my life that I “love” more than anything He flips over in his sleep and almost hits the baby I get in between I’m so...
Morning Thoughts Movement building through my lens got me stressing I am stressed because my youthfulness won't last forever I was told my voice is power, My leadership will lead others to empowerment My passion wishes and dreams will come true just be consistent...
Vivid Overturning, Samantha Cortez Although this wasn’t a positive inspiration, the first 24 hours of a post-Roe world is what gave me the spark to paint. When creating this piece, I couldn’t help but think of my son. I love my son and would do anything in my power to...
Now Now what What is being a woman Nearly 50 years of growth Nearly 50 years to be proud of Nearly 50 years gone How do I define myself now What is a woman I am courageous I will fight I won’t back down I won’t let Nearly 50 years go to waste When I was born I had...
...Mental Health... Who you or me/ Yea they come in waves/ They come in stress or tears/ They come when I try/ My fears, my doubt, my past, I hide/ ...Mental Health… We are in a world where if you don't grind/ You get left behind/ Who you or me/...
