Circles In Da Hood is a folklife-centered Participatory Action Research Project facilitated by Laura Ramirez, Kimiya Factory, and Madelein Santibanez. Circles build the capacity for young leaders to develop a healing justice analysis and embody the radical love needed to create and sustain collective wellness spaces in their homes and communities. This project occurs in occupied Somi S’ek territories, known as San Antonio, Texas. 

In a city with systemic over-policing that disproportionately impacts youth of color, Circles In Da Hood reimagines how social relationships are woven into the fabric of our community to create alternative patterns of accountability and care. 

Circles are rooted in the wisdom of nature and indigenous human experience, with no beginning or end. Circles create a space for people to contribute the wisdom of their life experiences and listen, learn, grow, and heal within a shared, brave space. Documenting our process was a key aspect of our project. It’s what folklife is all about.

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