Becoming Aware

The journey begins with Waken. We use this word intentionally instead of “awaken.” To awaken suggests a finished event, but to waken is an ongoing process, a stirring, a call to consciousness. In this phase, participants name the wounds of racial trauma and begin to recognize how oppression has shaped their bodies, souls, and spirits. Safety is created, silence is broken, and the possibility of renewal comes into view.  The goal of this phase is to become present: to see clearly, to speak truthfully, and to open the heart to Divine Grace.

Honoring Truth and Dignity

The second movement is Remember. Here the word carries a dual meaning: to recall the past, and to re-member or gather together what has been broken. In this phase, participants recall their stories, honor their ancestors, and reclaim dignity from lies of inferiority.

Remembering is both lament and celebration. It is truth-telling in the presence of witnesses. It is the act of binding together fragmented pieces of identity until the soul feels whole again.  The goal of this phase is to weave memory with meaning, and to see one’s story not only as trauma endured, but as resilience carried.

Releasing and Restoring

The third movement is Heal. Healing is not an instant cure but a steady work of restoration. Wounds are acknowledged, dignity is reclaimed, and strength is renewed. Forgiveness, when possible, is practiced. Lies are released, justice is pursued, and the community becomes a source of empowerment.  Healing is both personal and communal. No one heals alone. In this phase, participants learn to embody resilience in daily life, to rebuild hope, and to live from the sustaining power of Divine Grace.  The goal of this phase is restoration, not erasing scars, but learning to live with wholeness and strength.

Testimony and Legacy

The final movement is Share. Renewal is not complete until it is given away. In this phase, participants give voice to their testimony, serve others in family and community, and leave a legacy of hope for generations to come.  Sharing transforms personal healing into communal strength. It ensures that resilience is passed forward, that dignity is protected for future generations, and that oppression’s cycle is broken.  The goal of this phase is legacy. Through testimony, service, and witness, healing becomes not only survival, but a gift.