CaShawn Edwards Great idea, great time, and experience! It was my first paint party. Social Justice thru art is out of the box. And always about being hands on and movement. About community and you have something amazing to have a masterpiece to show for it after. Keep going PW!! Congratulations again!

 

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Richard

The Social Justice Paint Party was a new and exciting experience. It was a little intimidating to channel my youth, and the artistic side. But just like social justice, once you become involved your dedication and focus can create something beautiful!

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Deb

Instead of our usual Week of Action activities of meetings, rallying, and marching to protest at school board, we had a "paint for social justice party." It was also a celebration of Portland Parent Union's 10 year collaboration with Dignity in Schools Campaign. It was a nice gathering of students, parents, and elders. We listened to the kids talk about their ideas of what they would like to see happen to make them feel safe and cared for at school. Creating the painting was cathartic. Good food, music, and art made the time pass way too quickly. Everyone painted. It was great to have the kids there. By the end of the evening, we each had a painting to share with others to remind us of why we do this work. Our chants of "Lift Us Up, Don't Push Us Out!"; "Solutions Not Suspensions"; "Counselors Not Cops"; Educate Students, Stop Arrests" were visible everywhere.

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