What is Healing Justice?

A Radiant Roots: Healing Justice Summit Teach-In

Imagine a lively community center filled with the aroma of dumplings and the sound of laughter, Asian Pacific Islander survivors and allies gathered with a powerful mission: to end gender and power-based violence. Many had faced the harsh realities of domestic violence, feeling isolated and unheard. But together, they found strength in their shared experiences and a determination to heal and mobilize their communities, building a network of support that would empower everyone to thrive in safety and solidarity.

This is the vision we’re working to bring to life at DVRP’s 2nd annual Healing Justice Summit: Radiant Roots on Saturday, August 16 at the Festival Center in DC. The summit is a free, half-day gathering dedicated to fostering collective care and resource-sharing within our communities.

Leading up to the summit, DVRP Outreach and Training staffers Jess, Shayna, and Avantika hosted a virtual teach-in and shared insights into what Healing Justice really means, why it matters, and how it connects to our collective movements.

Watch the recording of the What is Healing Justice teach-in here.

What is Healing Justice?

At its heart, Healing Justice is an evolving political framework that is informed by economic, racial, and disability justice. As Avantika put it, “there is no justice without healing, and there is no healing without justice.” This connection highlights the need for weaving healing in our social movements. 

Cara Page, a Black Southern organizer and co-founder of the Kindred Southern Healing Justice Collective, played a key role in shaping this framework. “Healing Justice seeks to transform, intervene, and respond to generational trauma and violence within our movements and within our communities,” Kara said in a recording. Many organizers feel emotionally and spiritually drained from the weight of systemic oppression, making healing an essential part of any movement for change.

The Role of Community in Healing Justice

The importance of community in the Healing Justice framework cannot be overstated. As Jess pointed out, our movements need to center healing to be effective. She stated, “We really aim to put Healing Justice into practice because what we care about most at DVRP is really bringing the community together.” 

On getting involved, Shayna expanded on the upcoming DVRP’s Healing Justice Summit theme Radiant Roots, “Just as roots anchor a plant, we anchor each other in our communities. By showing up to the summit, you’re showing up for each other. By volunteering, you’re making sure this space is safe and supportive for everyone.” Strong community connections provide the support and nourishment we need to tackle the challenges domestic violence survivors face. 

Interested in volunteering at the upcoming summit?

Register to Volunteer

Principles of Healing Justice

Healing Justice aims to create spaces where we can heal together and collectively work towards liberation.

1. Healing as a Lifelong Process: Healing is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey, especially when faced with systems of supremacy and violence.

2. Holistic Justice: Justice should address the whole person, including mind, body, and spirit. This is particularly important for marginalized identities, including those with disabilities.

3. Trauma-Informed Care: It is crucial to acknowledge how trauma impacts individuals and communities, creating lasting effects that need to be addressed.

4. Resilience as Strategic: Resilience should not be about merely enduring hardships. As highlighted in the conversation, it should be a collective effort rooted in community support.

In reflecting on the principles, we asked teach-in attendees to take a moment to journal about them. 

Radiant Roots: Healing Justice Summit

The upcoming 2nd annual Healing Justice Summit serves as a vital platform for discussing these principles and exploring how they can be used in action. As the summit continues to grow, it remains committed to providing a space for communities of color to engage in dialogue about healing and justice. “We really believe that we are wiser together,” emphasized Jess, reinforcing the importance of community input in shaping programming. 

Attendees at the summit can look forward to: 

• Art Vending: Discover unique creations from talented local artists, featuring henna, printmaking, ceramics, and zines.

• Community Education Workshops: Learn essential skills like conflict resolution and pod mapping, and engage in arts-based workshops to express experiences creatively.

• Healing Our Bodies Workshops: Participate in dance and movement sessions for self-expression and body awareness, along with land-based healing practices.

• Youth Activities: Enjoy fun and engaging art activities designed for youth.

• Resource Sharing: Connect with local organizations providing crucial support and resources to survivors.

• Community Space: Mingle and build connections with fellow attendees.

Radiant Roots: Healing Justice Summit 

Saturday, August 16 at 6pm 

Festival Center 

1640 Columbia Rd NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20009

🚌Street parking is limited, public transportation is recommended. 

🎟️Tickets are limited. All attendees must register.

RSVP Here

✉️Questions? Email healing@dvrp.org 

Moving Forward

“Healing shouldn’t be happening in a vacuum,” Avantika shared. It is through our shared experiences and connections that we can truly heal and work towards a more just world. The journey of Healing Justice is ongoing, and it invites each of us to contribute our voices and experiences to create a brighter future for everyone.

So, as we embrace these principles and engage in community events like the Healing Justice Summit, let's focus on fostering a culture of healing, resilience, and liberation together. We hope to see you there!