PECHA KUCHA
#1
Truthfully, I had no idea how to answer this 1st question, so I had to go embarrass myself and ask some of those closest to me what they would say. Here’s some of what I got… Relational, intentional, a little heady but its because your deeply concerned with showing up in the world in the best way. Intentionally observant – picking up on things other people don’t. Adaptable and deeply committed to your people, steady and present. Tenderly, meticulously resourceful – making cool things out of what others perceive as junk or worthless, in more ways than one.
#2
I wasn’t if this question meant the sphere that I have influence over or that which has had influence over me…I went with the latter in how I answered this question. So what is my sphere of influence – it is hip hop and punk rock. It is a multitude of writers, artists, thinker and poets. It is my family, my partner, my lil brother and lil sister. It is many prophetic and spiritual teachers such as John Trudell and Cornel West. And I would say one major influence in my life has been my proximity to Native folks and friends and to the life ways and spirituality of indigenous peoples. I’m borrowing this quote from a friend and fellow white boi, but he said “ it wouldn’t be a stretch at all to say indigenous thought, spirituality and friendship spared me from being a casualty on the rocks of American Christianity.” I don’t think I could have worded it any better, and that speaks to me not only for American Christianity but for much of what makes up American culture and society.
#3
What fuels my leadership – I would say its my kids, Odinn and Jordy. But equal to them and what they represent also is the fuel and commitment I have for all future generations. This ties back for me to the influence indigenous culture and native folks have had on me because I have done work with youth off and on for much of my life. But it wasn’t until I engaged with youth in the context of native culture and native organizations that I was opened to a new importance and a deeper ethos in how to treat, care for and raise our youth. I now see how we care for and raise our youth and our future generations can be one of our most important acts of resistance and rebellion, and truly is one of the more important ways of seeding and establishing impactful and lasting change.
#4
I have so many pressing questions right now, many of them large and existential and challenging to answer like this one. But one big question I have is…what is -or- is there an effective way to shake and change societal, cultural, spiritual values and understandings that are embedded in this country…and do we have time to do it? I know this is a broad and multifaceted question, and with the “do we have time to do it?” element makes it seem like the concern of the question is primarily around the earth and our environment, which is a huge concern of mine and of our time. But this question is concerned about more than just that, but about the many psychological, social, economic, environmental, etc. issues that so many of us face in this country and what is most effective in dealing with these issues. Is it focusing on trauma and how individual and collective trauma has so impacted so many of us? Is it dealing with class struggle and the incredible wealth and material gap between rich and poor in this country and globally? Is it through returning to forgotten ways of what it means to be a human being, turning toward indigeneity and a more balanced way of living on this earth? So many questions…
#5
Why JOH? Why Now? I would say Im always looking for opportunities to learn and grow, I’m always needing to refine my heart and actions towards justice, and am also always looking for ways to sharpen my intellect and critical thinking. But on top of all this, I also feel I’m at a point in life where I am more readily recognizing some of my responsibilities in this life and I was to pursue new a creative ways to engage in bringing wholeness and healing to my family, my community and this world. And I’m looking forward to how JOH will help me define, refine and forge forward with some coherent and direct strategies of how I can act on my responsibilities and act on the healing and wholeness I want to bring in my own journey and context.