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"All that you touchYou Change.All that you ChangeChanges you.
The only lasting truthis Change.
Godis Change."-Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower
Art is, by its very nature, healing. To speak of "healing arts" is to state the obvious—like saying "chai tea" when "chai" already means tea 😵💫. The phrase is redundant because the inherent essence of art is arguably restorative. Every brushstroke, movement, melody, and word carries the potential to nurture, transform, and connect us. Yet, in a world where systemic oppression and exploitation threaten both individual and collective wellbeing, we must actively recognize and protect the healing power of the arts.
A poem offering a spiritual and communal affirmation to the author’s Neurokin (neurodivergent kin). Published in STIMPUNKS, a leading neurodivergent-led platform focused on collective survival, access, and fighting systemic ableism.
TL;DR 🙂: This article discusses how I, inspired by the documentary "Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy," realized that our culture's fear of death is connected to our capitalist system's focus on planned obsolescence rather than sustainability. I also explore the concept of regenerative disobedience and how it can be applied to cultural production and consumption, particularly during the holiday season. The article concludes by encouraging readers to make intentional choices and support organizations that prioritize impact over excess. The article is approximately 3,300 words and takes about 4-5 minutes to read.
TL;DR: The author attended a screening of the documentary "SURVIVOR MADE," which explores survival, resilience, and systemic transformation through art and entrepreneurship. Inspired by the film, the author reflects on their own experiences as a multiply-neurodivergent Black woman navigating entrepreneurship and creative activism. They discuss the intersection of gender-based violence, reproductive justice, and economic independence, highlighting the importance of people-centered business models and equity-based relationships. The author also emphasizes the need for workplace wellness and equity, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and shares their work on the Well-Being Toolkit, a resource designed to support artists and arts administrators. Ultimately, the author underscores the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and the importance of collective liberation.
Dear First Gens,
It is premiere day for The First Gen Madrina podcast featuring special guest Kristine Leslie! 🎉
As first-gens, many of us weren’t taught how to advocate for ourselves—we were taught to push through, to sacrifice, and to put others first. But advocacy isn’t just about speaking up for others—it’s about reclaiming our own voices, too.
In this episode we explored:
✨ The connection between the arts & mental health
✨ How movement can be a healing tool
✨ The power of self-advocacy in education, the workplace, & beyond
✨ Unlearning the belief that we have to work in a way that doesn't serve us
Advocacy is woven into our stories, whether we realize it or not. So, how do you advocate for yourself in spaces that weren’t built for you? Check out Kristine's episode out now! 💜
The Compassionate Creative is the podcast that shares the stories of creative leaders who work to pave a path forward in their industries and do so with compassion, authenticity and integrity. I ask guests about their struggles and challenges, what tools and skills they use to enhance creativity, and how they stay inspired to continue to work from a place of compassion.
In this episode:
-why she decided to use the words “Metamorphosis - Simplified” on the landing page of her website
-how the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method has helped her with her small business and a self-proclaimed ‘overthinker’
-why we need to understand our audience and community; we don’t need to over explain when we find the right people and target the right audience
-how she has fused her wealth of experiences and share her knowledge across many different methods of communication (dance, language, writing, consulting)
-what is creative placemaking and how her background in dance introduced her to this work
-how she helps entrepreneurs through ‘Consult with Kristine’ and the outsourcing work she does
-how she helps businesses and entrepreneurs to ‘reclaim their time’ and how this also encourages more self-compassion
-why building up your community is so important
The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University's journalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly through the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Communication.
The Tower is an independent, laboratory newspaper of Kean University's journalism option in the communication major program. It is published monthly through the regular academic year and supported by advertising and the Department of Communication.
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