On February 28th. BBDP held the second pilot story circle at Charles Street A.M.E. Church. Trina Jackson facilitated and another amazing space was created to share, listen and learn. As Trina, Meghan and I were debriefing we couldn’t help notice how different the stories are depending on location and those present.
In Brighton, a theme of immigration and of how ethnicity/nationality among white people shaped and impacts our history emerged. At this one in Roxbury, stories of activism, of the impact of loving teachers and of the power of strong community were themes.
Another interesting thing, was hearing people tell stories who had attended the first one and returned for this one. Each circle evokes different stories for the individual and for the collective and coming more than once can only deepen the experience.
If you, your organization or community is ready to sponsor a story circle, let us know. Not only will you help BBDP but we’re convinced it will enrich you individually and collectively as well. Below are some of the short stories from the 28th (the first group includes stories of those who weren’t involved in the busing/desegregation crisis due to age and/or location. The second group is those who were here and involved):
So my experience in the BPS was having a community that taught me that it was okay to resist and rebel. Lisa Owens
There was a Black teacher and I’d never expected to see a Black teacher in this white school. Trina Jackson
I learned English in six months because I was surrounded by complete love and I was completely focused on learning how to speak to my teachers. Sayra Pinto
Her first experience with prejudice was here in teh NOrth. According to her experience, Boston was supposed to be the epitome of American ideals. Will Henry, Jr.
I would describe our experience as one of political activism. Dolores Goode
It almost didn’t matter where you were. There was a level of activism that was going on every where. Jacqui Lindsay
For me, the story was the level of Black activism there was in terms of resisting certain kinds of changes that were happening around integrating the schools and the real commitment to us taking control of the education of our kids’ education. Curdina Hill
Truth, Learning, and Change 