Home for Activism: Rooted in Action
HOMEPLACE IN PRACTICE
Home for Activism was born from bell hooks’ concept of homeplace as a foundation for collective power. As she reminds us, “when a people no longer have the space to construct a homeplace, we cannot build a meaningful community of resistance.” When the world makes us feel destabilized, it’s important to have a home where our community can rejuvenate and gather. Sadie Nash is often the first space where young people begin to name power, justice, and their own leadership. No matter how long they’re with us, we want Nashers to know they are part of a greater network of change, and Sadie Nash to remain a place they can always come back to. Home for Activism is a small way that we invite Nashers and our community home, to reconnect with where their leadership journeys began.
This year, we wanted to return to the core of what connected us together– activism. We heard from community members that they didn’t just want a space to come together and celebrate but also one where they could take action. We recognized the importance of offering community and action, in a world that increasingly wants us to be isolated and despondent. Therefore, in addition to our traditional reception party, we hosted A Day of Action as well.
THE RECEPTION
On January 15th, we hosted our Home for Activism reception at The Center. Guests arrived at the venue and mingled under the sparkle of the disco ball, while eating some delicious bites.
Our program began with short speeches from Alumni Joanna Chan, Alum 2003, and Tunisia Morrison, Alum 2005. Joanna led the audience in a centering and visualizing exercise while reminding people that they can always find a way to come home to themselves. “With what’s in the news out there. Home is essential for us,” said Joanna.
“Sadie Nash didn’t give me a script. They gave me a compass.”
After, Tunisia spoke about her experience first coming into her activism at her grandmother’s brownstone to then expanding on it at Sadie Nash. “Sadie Nash didn’t give me a script,” She said. “They gave me a compass.”
Left to Right: Tunisia Morrison and Joanna Chan give opening remarks
Then our Director of Programs, Kadiatou Tubman, and Assistant Director of Programs Luisa Caridad, led attendees in two activities to get to know each other more. Through laughter, conversation, and movement, attendees explored what home means to them, the legacy they wanted to leave, and what brings them joy.
Guests participating in Concentric Circles activity
The evening proceeded with toasts from our two Alumni Board members, Julianna Durrant, Alum 2012 and Ashley Abid, Alum 2013. They shared their experience of transforming from Nasher to Board member, and the impact that Sadie Nash has had on their lives. For Ashley, Sadie Nash taught her that caring for yourself is essential to showing up for your community. Julianna reflected on how rare and meaningful this community truly is, sharing:“Sadie Nash Leadership Project is a name that tells a story of changed lives. I’ve traveled the world and I have yet to find another space as rare and sacred as this one,” before raising a glass.
Left to Right: Alumni Board Members Ashley Abid and Julianna Durrant
Our Executive Director Tené Howard, closed the programming by thanking guests. and by pulling the winners of our raffle! Prizes included a $100 gift card from Magnolia Bakery and a variety of Glossier goodies.
The night ended with some incredible dancing courtesy of DJ Shell Spin, a former SNLP staff member turned DJ. Our photographer was Laila Ann Stevens, a Sadie Nash Alum. You can see the entire photo album here.
“Sadie Nash Leadership Project is a name that tells a story of changed lives. I’ve traveled the world and I have yet to find another space as rare and sacred as this one.”
THE DAY OF ACTION
On Monday, January 19th, on Martin Luther King Jr Day. SNLP staff gathered at our Newark office to host our first ever day of action. In memory of Dr. King, a group of Nashers, alumni, and community members gathered to pack more than 100 winter care packages for trans and gender-expansive youth. Attendees also created personalized notes of affirmation to add into each care package.
We are overwhelmed by the generous donations we received from community members and were inspired by those who came together to make this possible. We will distribute the care packages in collaboration with The Black Trans Liberation Kitchen.
Day of Action participants posing with 100+ packed winter care packages
HOME IS ONGOING
As Sadie Nash, we know leadership is sustained through return, relationship, and shared action. In moments of uncertainty, home becomes a place where we remember who we are and what we owe one another.
We invite alumni and community members to continue building home with us. Learn more about Home for Activism, and how you can stay involved as an Alumni here.