ICANTBREATHECHA

Why is the only skill set we have to deal with community violence to call 911? Who do we call when the police harm us? In so many ways, we are incapable of addressing interpersonal disagreements, beef, and disrespect. When the police arrive, the issue is usually escalated by arrest, excessive force, or discriminatory practices. We seek to disrupt the need to perpetuate violence by calling the cops in the first place. Learning how to de-escalate community eruptions will decrease the need for armed response and possible imprisonment. We want community members to build trust and mutual respect for one another and establish peace.

1. Community Healing Circles. The practice is indigenous and creates a safe space where all are equal and can share their pain or frustrations in confidence.

2. We currently have no model for disrupting police or community violence that summons the police. Reimagine public safety should look like community members being trained to handle stress and disagreements healthily.

3. Community members would be allowed to process their trauma without judgment or shame. These practices can also be carried beyond the instructor and placed into homes and schools to deal with conflicts in real-time without carceral measures. 

We have tested community circles for conflict resolution within small teen groups within the East Lake community with seven middle school students. All students are at risk, where getting suspended or in fights on a regular basis. We have a circle every Saturday as a weekly debrief and processing of emotions and events both inside and outside of school. Currently, the co-founder of our organization Cameron "C-Grimey" Williams also joins us in the circle as a positive male figure for our boys.