“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.”
– Harriet Tubman
To not only transform individual lives, but to radically change the trajectory of lives for generations. Many families living in poverty today have been so for generations. Our vision seeks authentic, holistic transformation by utilizing restorative justice and impacting the whole person (physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially). Included are financial literacy and assistance because historical injustice and oppression have been systemic, impacting these key areas. This gives individuals a real chance at sustainable change across generations.
Physical health must be addressed because of the historical health disparities manifest among people of color relative to the rest of the population, i.e., lower life expectancy, high maternal & infant mortality rates, and a litany of chronic health issues.. This disparity is due to the stresses of racial discrimination, inequality and restricted access to quality food and healthcare services under the auspices of redlining.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
The body and the mind are inextricably linked, so as we address physical needs through routine exercise, sleep, nutritiously dense foods, water, fresh air, sunlight, nature, and meaningful work, we at the same time address many of the mental/emotional health issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, which negatively impacts executive functioning. When this is combined with competent, person-centered counseling that also incorporates the individual’s spiritual beliefs and practices, we increase the likelihood of success. The spiritual and social dimensions are closely linked to people of color. Healing happens within the context of the community. For many, leaving dysfunctional families for a time, for a chance to become healthy is a necessary step. It is important that the aforementioned dimensions precede the financial dimension as they provide a strong foundation to build on.
ECONOMIC RE-ENFRANCHISEMENT
Justice in the United States cannot be honestly treated without consideration of economics as a tool. It is easy to look at ethnic economic disparities in our time and conclude that people of color are simply less motivated or less savvy, thereby not taking into account the systemic economic disenfranchisement over generations that have informed the present mindset and condition. One way this has played out is through redlining and its latest iteration: gentrification. Economic re-enfranchisement will not only have to provide opportunities to those affected by these previous policies, but also provide the capital and means that were actively stolen and passively withheld.
Our innovation provides access to real estate via a community land trust that will afford the opportunity to build the generational wealth that was previously out of reach. All these factors considered, this model is radically comprehensive because it is addressing the effects of longitudinal systemic oppression.
Our focus is on the DC metropolitan area, which includes Baltimore and northern Virginia. Specifically we are targeting individuals from communities impacted by redlining, urban blight and displacement due to gentrification. Our program location is in rural Maryland.
Our team believes in the vision of Soul Cultivators and are passionate about seeing it come to fruition. Our team is motivated by solution based results, and are therefore volunteering their time, expertise and energy in order to materialize our innovation.