Reclaiming Our Stories:
From Our Ancestors to Action

For generations, our ancestors have passed down stories that shaped our identities, preserved
our wisdom, and ignited our sense of purpose. From the songs of liberation to the dances that
told the rhythms of our resilience, their stories were etched into our very bones. These stories
illuminated paths, carried truths, and mapped out futures for those who came after. Today, it is
our turn to tell stories that will ignite change, heal wounds, and reshape the world around us.
As mental health practitioners, we carry the stories of our communities in our hearts and minds.
As educators, we turn these stories into lessons that guide the next generation. As researchers,
we dig deeper, uncovering the truths hidden beneath the surface—the stories erased, buried, or
silenced. These stories, though often overlooked, are the key to transformation.
Our purpose for The Summit is to reclaim these stories, to honor the past, and to transform
narratives that have long been shaped by others. Our stories are not defined by oppression or
destruction, but by love, joy, strength, and the boundless possibilities of the future. Our stories
are not filled with vengeance or punishment; they are full of gardens, of growth, of renewal, and
of hope. They are stories of survival, healing, resistance, and liberation. Our stories speak life
into the next generation. Whether through the words passed down, the tattoos that adorn our
bodies, or the protests that echo our demands for justice, our stories are everywhere.
At this conference, we will explore how we can turn our stories into healing practices—tools to
dismantle systems that seek to erase our stories. We will reflect on how our stories align with
our values, how they lift our spirits, and how they hold the generational truths that continue to
guide us. We will create a space to honor the stories of emancipation, freedom, and the strength
found in the face of adversity. Join us as we weave the threads of our ancestors' wisdom with
the vision of a future that honors all that we are and all that we will become.