THE BLACK LITERACY & ARTS COLLABORATIVE PROJECT
CREATING
EQUITY
Our goal is to support, educate and elevate BIPOC in order to create an equitable starting point between them and their white peers.
Currently, BIPOC are supported with disproportionate resources in the areas of literacy and arts. When you compound that with systemic racism and a pervasive, ever-increasing racial wealth gap, BIPOC often lack the fundamental skills necessary to survive, much less thrive in the United States.
Our goal is to support, educate and elevate BIPOC in order to create an equitable starting point between them and their white peers. Through artistic expression and engagement as well as bespoke programs and events, we serve as a connection point and source for underserved BIPOC communities to access the critical education and resources needed to thrive.
WHY THE ARTS?
People with backgrounds in the arts are typically capable of complex thinking skills such as:
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gather information as they explore an idea, composition, or project
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generate imaginative, original ideas that add a new twist
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practice analytical skills to better understand a situation
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gain in-depth understanding of issues and topics
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find structure even within disorder
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recognize challenges and problems
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demonstrate respect for others' concepts and experiences
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are flexible and intuitive when considering possibilities
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use logical reasoning as they weigh alternatives
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explore options for possible solutions
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make decisions confidently
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refine solutions based on outcomes
OUR PROGRAMS
The BLAC Project programs integrate visual and performance art in the curriculum in order to help participants learn in ways that are both appealing and effective.
Through the arts, participants have various opportunities to learn, use, and refine critical thinking skills that will develop them into thoughtful and well-rounded individuals. To ensure the success of our programs, there must be a collaboration amongst program leaders and parents.
Our programs serve as a connection point to educate our communities at the intersection of art, culture, and activism. Through artistic expression and engagement, we will empower our communities, change the landscape, and inspire new realities.
CURRENT PROJECTS
While COVID-19 has brought suffering to all of our communities, studies show the burden of illness, economic devastation and death has fallen disproportionately on Black and Latinx people. And yet, for a range of reasons- including distrust of the medical system- Black and Latinx people are more likely than whites to want to “wait and see” before getting the vaccine.
To better understand this medical distrust, and to improve health outcomes for people of color, this 18-month-long project uses story sharing as a tool to 1) Amplify the experiences and beliefs of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and 2) Strengthen understanding between health providers and community members of color.
“More Than A Vaccine” is a partnership between Boston Medical Center, Everyday Boston, Transformational Prison Project, the B.L.A.C Project, We Got Us and EmVision Productions. We invite you to join us.
Step 1:
Acknowledge and understand the toll that racism within the medical establishment has taken on BIPOC through restorative justice circles
Step 2:
Surface and publish stories of how that racism has affected the way BIPOC view vaccination through a story collecting project
Step 3:
Develop a public awareness campaign and educational materials by BIPOC promoting greater understanding around medical distrust.
HAVE A STORY TO TELL?
We are collecting stories and suggestions from people who have experienced racism in health care, so that providers better understand the scope of this problem, and work harder and smarter to address it. We’re also collecting stories and suggestions from providers who are committed to building trust, and better health outcomes, for BIPOC.