the unlearning series:
applying the unlearning framework
with the Unlearn Team
The Unlearning Series which introduces participants to the journey, power, and Majik of each person in our Unlearn Team. The Unlearning Series offers a ‘taste’ of what the Learning-Unlearning process is like when integrated, and offers practical tools for participants to use for their own radical transformation.
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Spread your Light (Idea curated by Mar + collaboration and grand opening of Spread Your Light Studios)
Often times, surviving this world feels as if we are being forced to dim our light. That in order to fit in, we are told to hide essential parts of ourselves that do not fit the status quo. Or we are convinced that we must obey and submit to oppressive systems, at the cost of our authenticity, dignity, and integrity.
But, our light is a sacred part of who we are because it guides us back to our true selves, and is also a beacon to others. Our light shares and shows our spirit, soul, and humanity.
The Unlearning Community School wants to witness and spread your light with you. We want to illuminate one another, so the path to collective liberation becomes brighter.
"Spread Your Light!" is our next Unlearning Series event, as well as collaboration and grand opening of Spread Your Light Studios - an accessible community space in Downtown Oakland for events, workshops, and creative projects.
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‘Somatic Abolitionism + Spirituality’ curated by Alaia Z
The limitation you perceive is often the gateway to the next level. From stuck grief to information overload, finding the way back to yourself can be a difficult yet is an essential practice for all peoples in liberation centered work.
Come be in nature with us as we utilize somatics to deepen what it means to experience the interconnected nature of reality. In this workshop we will explore the critical point in which alignment with abolition means to embrace universal truths.
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‘Poetry as Transmutation Device’ led by Maio Buenafe
A central belief in the Unlearning Community School is in the power of storytelling, spoken word poetry, and interactive critical discourse to confront and transmute personal and collective trauma towards healing and liberation. This first workshop in this virtual series will integrate this belief and practice specifically around immigration experiences, colonial violence, and belonging.
We are offering free tickets to this workshop for those who identify as Undocumented immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers.
reflections on somatic abolitionism
“Somatic Abolitionism is a living, embodied philosophy—a way of being in the world. It is a return to the age-old wisdom of human bodies respecting, honoring, and resonating with other human bodies. It is not an attitude, a belief, a strategy, a movement, or a political position. Somatic Abolitionism is the resourcing of energies that are always present in your body, in the collective body, and in the world. Somatic Abolitionism is an emergent process, it is a form of growing up.” - Dr. Resmaa Menakem 💞
In practicing abolition, destructing and creating happen more simultaneously than we often discuss. Letting go of old cycles, ideologies, or systems means replacing and committing to stronger ones than we once knew. In this event, we explored the critical point in which alignment with abolition means embracing universal truths. 🌌
The Unlearning Team guided collective reflection on how we navigate this world in alignment with universal truths, which is an act of surrender and commitment to abolition within and throughout all aspects of existence. Like many since the beginning of time, the deep reckoning of this work requires returning to the complex beauty of mama nature or God's creation, even in a world where we suffocate ourselves and the land with human-imposed death from colonial violence to our bodies, and towards more-than-human relatives, land, and waters. 🏞️
Spread your light & share your light
“Through this experience I was able to identify that each and every one of us has the ability to make an impact on another person by simply sharing their reflection of life onto the world. In addition I’ve had the privilege to learn such beautiful concepts and perspectives that are gold when it comes to self care, finding yourself, and navigating this world within these times. ”
“It’s pretty special that the event coordinators held space for each of us in community spaces where the artist aren’t just given the platform to share their [work] but also to feel safe enough to be vulnerable and connect to the audience”
“I believe everyone has a light to share but only some are willing to find that light and share it with others. I have light to share and there are people out there who will be receptive of that. I also learned that I love being surrounded by others who love to share their light as well.”
“The sense of community and the awkward/not so awkward lulls during the in-between times where we got to converse with the random person cuddled on the pillow and blanket next to us is really what made the event so special.”