In these trying times it’s easy to get wrapped up in feeling powerless. However, there is a sense of urgency present that invites individuals to participate in community activism on a local, state and national level.
This week we’ll be hearing from two tellers who’ve engaged with Ex Fabula through our various community collaborations about their passion and fight for justice. However way you fit on the spectrum of humankind, you may be compelled to stir up conversation about the complexities of experience, identity and how to advocate for marginalized communities after hearing these stories.
Amanda Panciera is an Ex Fabula Fellow who met her best friend through their AmeriCorps service year. She explains in detail their soul-affirming friendship and events that turned their lives upside down. Their unconditional support for each other is only strengthened when Amanda joins her best friend in Charlotte, North Carolina to march for Black Lives Matter after Keith Lamont Scott’s death. This story was told at an Ex Fabula Fellows event, “Embracing Cultural Differences” at Tosa All City Read in February of this year.
Back in November Ex Fabula collaborated with Project Return, a local non-profit that aims to support recently incarcerated folks as they transition from prison to their respective communities. As part of Marquette’s Mission Week, tellers from Project Return took the stage to share very complex stories about their experiences.
Mark Rice was a participant from that night, and his story focuses on his time while incarcerated and the racial discrepancies he witnessed. His time after incarceration is filled with advocacy, activism and education around prisoner’s rights:
If you are interested in getting involved with organizations similar to those shared in this week's stories, Ex Fabula is having a volunteer orientation on Tuesday June 27th at the Washington Park Library from 6-7pm.
