As the fullness of spring blossoms— bringing beauty even in these challenging times— I find myself reflecting on the persistent progress of our work here at the Braxton Institute. I think of its richness, its fervor, and its steady emergence from the shadows of history into the transformative light of repair.

In honor of Black History Month, we reflect on the power of remembrance— both as a means of honoring and also as a force for justice.

At what is yet still the beginning of a new year, I greet you with Joy and Hope, in the name of all that is Holy.

As we enter Advent, a season which in the Christian calendar marks a time of preparation and renewal, we also approach winter solstice, the longest night of the year.

Make no mistake about it, the work of repair is difficult and exhausting. Most of us repairers come to the work from a place of our own injury, or from our awareness of having seen systemic harm and injury and been unable to prevent it.

It has been an incredibly rich time for the Braxton Institute as we live fully into our purpose: “to co-create collective strategies to repair and heal harms and traumas of historically oppressed communities and to lift up legacies of resistance and joy.”

Did you know it was once the custom of many African American communities to celebrate Independence Day on the 5th of July?

Welcome to the Braxton Institute’s Inaugural Newsletter!