Interactive Photo Exhibitions

“ I was raised by a community of old Black women in Jackson, Tennessee. I called them “the grand-women.” Among many things, they taught me the healing power of sweet potato pie, the sacred desert of Black culture. As a child, I felt protected and loved. I was surrounded by the richness of being Black. It was shocking when I learned later the history of things. Anything could have happened. When I visited my dad in Minnesota, I discovered some startling contrasts. Racism was less overt as it was in the rural south.

As I became an adult, I was held by community through some difficult times, including a fight for justice to save my home and the death of my beloved husband Billy. When I heard about Michael Brown Jr, an unarmed Black man being shot by a White police officer, I knew I had to do something. I hopped in my car with my son and 30 sweet potato pies. The Sweet Potato Comfort Pie Approach was born.” Now, as a community of over 250 volunteers , we have delivered thousands of sweet potato pies honoring community leaders and comforting individuals and communities facing tragedies.- Rose

“When I first learned my twin girls had Rett Syndrome in the early 90’s while living in South Africa, it was like a death. I went through a grieving process, I lost my life as it was. I lost the hopes and the dreams that I had for my girls. Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects all the fine motor skills of the body. This includes seizures, broken bones, digestive issues, losing all purposeful use of their hands, reduced to no mobility, curvature of the spine, inability to verbally communicate and ultimately 24-hour care. Clearly devastating from a material lens. Spiritually, it has been a greater gift than I could have imagined.

My husband Ludfi and I were their primary caregivers for over 30 years. Our marriage was tested through the windows of race, racism, apartheid, biracial marriage, different cultures, moving continents, and many health challenges. A recent widow and now single mother, I’m grieving again. This time I’m grieving the loss of my beloved husband and best friend. Even knowing Ludfi’s soul continues on and we will meet again, the first year after his death was excruciating. Slowly, I’m rediscovering who I am now. I remain devoted to serving the girls and helping them fulfill their purpose in this world.” –Teresa

“I’ve lived many lives within this one lifetime. My childhood was filled with unpredictability, abuse, and neglect – in my family, school and community. From an early age, I did not fit in. I was a sweet, creative, social kid, and I was met with constant corrections, punishment, and scorn. As a result, I hated myself. At times I still struggle to be kind to myself. I have made mistakes. I also have much to be proud of. The mental and emotional scars as well as sexual abuse led to shame and silencing my voice. It also continues to stunt my sense of agency. Still, I managed to graduate from college.

I vowed to give my own kids a much more loving childhood and I have. I got through a divorce with shared custody. I barely got my kids through their teen years during the pandemic. I'm still working through the trauma of it. I now have a loving husband, and a peaceful home life. I have always had a spark within me that has kept me going. I have a strong sense that all my experiences, good and bad, are leading me toward a life of joyful service. I just need to make sure I don’t get lost taking care of others. I am beginning to connect with my little girl self, and plan to talk to, love, and listen to her for the rest of my life.”  -Jodi