breaking silence, ending slavery
Akonadi is the oracle goddess of justice in Ghanaian mythology and an archetype of who I'd like to be. Akonadi Freedom Project fights for liberation, healing, justice, and joy. The philosophy behind Akonadi Freedom Project is that speaking the truth about the horrors of child abuse, child slavery, and all other forms of violence and oppression is key to freedom. Survivors of trauma need to be a part of, if not the leaders of, the movement for change.
Telling our truth and sharing our thoughts about legislation, service provision, legal ramifications, and other aspects of working with victims, survivors, and perpetrators is CENTRAL to our individual AND community healing. Survivors know first hand what it's like to be dehumanized and violated - should we not have a strong hand in determining and influencing laws and social services?
Launched in 2010, Akonadi Freedom Project is currently focusing on education and advocacy in order to inspire young people (primarily 18-25 year olds) affected by trauma to take action. In the future, AFP hopes to provide leadership development for survivors of trauma to become strong advocates and service providers. In addition, I hope to develop a model for a mental health intervention for survivors that promotes healing through leadership and community action.
Akonadi Freedom Project is deeply informed by many people, organizations, theories and experiences. To name some of them:
- People: bell hooks, Audre Lorde, June Jordan, Paulo Friere, Judith Herman, Daniel Siegel, Allan Schore, Bessel van der Kolk, my dear friends and partner
- Organizations: Adult Survivors of Childhood Abuse, Youth Engagement Advocacy Housing (YEAH!), Cal Corps Public Service Center
- Theories/Schools of Thought: black feminism, critical pedagogy, liberation psychology, attachment theory, interpersonal neurobiology, community-based participatory research, experiential education
