© Rob 'Problak' Gibbs

Shared Narratives disrupting INSTITUTIONAL

Collectively building visions of liberation and success

Shared narratives impact institutions by shifting culture. These stories paint alternative pictures of what could be, should be and is. They are constructed collectively, not held by one person alone, and put people of color at the heart of liberated futures. Our shared narratives celebrate successes and share joy. 

This can look like:

  • Visions of alternative models
  • Narratives built collaboratively
  • Stories and examples of success
  • Recognizing that Black and Brown people hold the origins of innovation, arts and culture

Consider:

  • What is our liberated vision? 
  • Does our vision of liberation hold ourselves next to a white norm or does it dream freely?

Assessment Questions

Is this an area of priority for you?

How important to your organization is collectively building visions of liberation and success?

This is less important to our mission
This is of growing importance to our mission
This is very important to our mission

How strong is your organization at collectively building visions of liberation and success?

We're not strong at this yet
We're building strength here
This is a clear strength

Examples:

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Art: A painter and graffiti artist whose work continues to inspire.

Designing the We

Design group focused on community storytelling, including that of redlining across communities in the United States.

Shani Crowe’s Work

An interdisciplinary artist whose work centers Black innovation.