Perhaps the most impactful part of my education has been the hands-on, experiential learning. Through my project Beyond the Lines: Uniting Black and Indigenous Voices for Justice, I was able to apply my academic knowledge in a profoundly meaningful way. This project, which utilized spoken word poetry and visual media, was a form of public education and advocacy. By exploring the shared histories of colonialism and oppression faced by both Black and Indigenous peoples, I moved beyond a theoretical understanding of injustice to actively creating a platform for dialogue and unity.
This experience underscored the vital importance of alternative knowledge dissemination and the power of creative expression. My work on this project provided a firsthand look at how art can be a tool for decolonization and how it can bring diverse communities together to address systemic issues. It was a tangible way to engage with current human rights discussions, including the Black Lives Matter movement, intersectionality, and Indigenous struggles for land and justice. Grappling with these topics through creative expression sharpened my critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing me to be an active participant in the ongoing fight for equality.