Faces of Resilience Panel Discussion

The “Faces of Resilience” panel discussion at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center will take place during our Holiday Community Day on December 14, 2024, from 12-2pm. Faces of Resilience is an impactful, transformative workshop that took place at the August Wilson Center with 3 workshops where participants, also survivors of gun violence created masks of self-expression, healing, and empowerment. During the workshop, participants were also engaged in dialogue around the impact of gun violence and the importance of responsible firearm ownership.

Engaging in artmaking serves as a powerful therapeutic outlet for gun violence survivors, offering a unique and expressive avenue to navigate the complex terrain of emotional healing. Art provides survivors with a non-verbal means to process and externalize their trauma, allowing for the exploration and release of deeply buried emotions. The act of creating art fosters a sense of agency and control, enabling survivors to reclaim narratives that may have been disrupted by violence. By transforming pain into tangible expressions of resilience, artmaking becomes a catalyst for empowerment, self-discovery, and a pathway toward building a renewed sense of identity and hope amidst the aftermath of gun violence.

Join us for this enlightening discussion featuring a diverse group of panelists who will share their stories and insights. You will also be able to visit the Faces of Resilience exhibition located on the first floor where you can learn more about the participants and the story behind their mask.

Panelists:

Dr. Lois Dabney Smith- Psychotherapist and Faces of Resilience facilitator
William McMurray -inventor of The American Rac Gun Lock
Fred Smith- Faces of Resilience participant
Jazmyn Rudolph-Faces of resilience participant
Julius Boatwright-Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Moderator Tia Baker Founder, Executive Director, Project Safe Storage.

The first 50 participants will we receive a free RAC, valued at $120.00 and a RAC demonstration by the inventor.

Pledge to use the RAC: https://forms.gle/rDiurB5xp8aC2r8v5

Make sure to join us for this impactful event!