On Saturday, October 5th, the halls of Sehome High School were filled with the energy of young people, community members, and staff, all gathered for one purpose: to elevate the voices of the next generation and educate the community on the power of art and belonging at our Healing Centered Engagement Gathering. Sunlight poured through the windows, casting a warm glow over an event that felt more like a family gathering than anything formal. The art gallery, featuring powerful works from young artists, greeted attendees with pieces that told deep stories of healing, identity, and expression, setting a meaningful tone for the day ahead.
Young people shaped every aspect of the event. They handpicked each speaker, ensuring that the conversations and workshops reflected their voices, their concerns, and their vision for the future. The gathering wasn’t just about education—it was about elevating the experiences of the next generation and offering the community a chance to learn from them.
One of the most powerful moments of the day came during a panel featuring youth voices. They shared their perspectives on how art is essential to healing trauma and building community. These young leaders reminded us that art isn’t limited to traditional forms like painting or sculpture—it’s woven into everyday actions, from walking to cleaning, to simply being. In their eyes, everyone is an artist in their own way, and every action can be a creative expression.
But they didn’t stop there. They spoke passionately about what they need from the community to continue their creative journeys. They asked for increased funding for school art programs and for more accessible third spaces where young people can gather and create. They urged us to support local art spaces like Makeshift and to let go of rigid ideas about “good” or “bad” art—because anything someone calls art, is art. And perhaps most powerfully, they called for financial support—paying artists fairly, more than they even ask for, whenever possible—and for donations of art supplies, as the high cost of materials often stands in the way of creativity.
Earlier in the day, a quiet, reflective energy filled the room as Tim gathered a small group for a workshop on accountability. Chairs were pulled into a close circle, creating an intimate space where young people and community members could speak openly. Tim began with a question that lingered in the air: “How do we hold ourselves accountable when we’ve hurt someone?” For a moment, the room was silent as everyone considered the weight of those words. Slowly, stories began to flow—personal, raw, and honest. People spoke of times when they had hurt others, whether through words, actions, or silence, and how difficult it can be to own those moments. They shared how healing often requires pausing before reacting, resisting the urge to defend, and instead creating space for responsibility. By the end of the session, it was clear that accountability wasn’t just about admitting fault—it was about fostering growth and opening a path to healing.
Next, JoeHahn took the room on a journey that shifted the energy entirely. With their session on Afrofuturism, they invited everyone to dream big—beyond the present, beyond limitations, into a future where Black culture, history, and innovations are central to reimagining what’s possible. JoeHahn’s voice guided the room through a vision of liberation, where art and technology were not only tools for expression but also powerful forces to dismantle systemic barriers. As they spoke, you could feel the room collectively begin to expand their imaginations, seeing healing not just as an individual process but as a community effort, deeply tied to justice and liberation. The concept of Afrofuturism, with its roots in Black identity and resilience, deeply resonated, offering a hopeful glimpse of what the future could hold when centered around Black experience and agency.
We were then honored to hear from Ayanna, who took the conversation in a different but equally impactful direction with her session on “Juicy Fruit,” exploring fat queer joy. Ayanna brought a warmth and lightness to the room, yet her message was clear and powerful: joy is a revolutionary act, especially for those who are often marginalized. As she spoke, you could feel a sense of release, as though the room collectively exhaled. Her words, full of humor and grace, highlighted how joy can be a form of resistance—finding joy in our bodies, our communities, and our self-expression, despite the world’s attempts to diminish that. She spoke about how joy manifests through representation, accessible community spaces, and unapologetic self-expression. Ayanna’s session left everyone with a new understanding of how joy is not just something to seek, but something to create and protect as a vital part of healing and empowerment.
These sessions, each different in their approach, came together to weave a larger story about healing—one that’s not just about individual growth but about reshaping the world to be more just, creative, and joyful for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support and learn from these brilliant young minds. We’re excited to keep these conversations going as we build a future where art, healing, and community thrive together.
This gathering was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors:Phillips 66, PeaceHealth, Community Health Plan of Washington, WECU, and BECU. Special thanks to Makeworth Coffee Roasters, El Suenito, and Bagelry for providing food and beverages, and to Sattva Photo for capturing the beautiful moments of the day.
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