The Sawubona Series is about racial healing. Not racial advocacy, racial justice, or racial reconciliation, but racial healing
The term Sawubona is an ancient Zulu greeting which means: “I see you, you are important to me and I value you”. It’s a way to make the other person visible and to accept them as they are. The term is meant to ensure that both parties are completely engaged and participating in this space at this time. The response to Sawubona is Sikhona, “I’m here to be seen”.
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The Sawubona Story Series builds on the concept of being seen, by flipping the traditional racial engagement model. Instead of a group of people gathering to hear from one person about how to better advocate or reconcile racially, the group gathers to help one person begin/continue/or accelerate their journey of racial healing.
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The Sawubona Series is unique because both the story teller and the audience have a responsibility during the event. The Story Teller's responsibility is to share their story openly and honestly, sharing their hurt and emotions. The audience's responsibility is to participate in a healing response for the story teller at the end of their story. This response is identified by the story teller and the Sawubona Healing Team. Whether that be listening in silence, holding a follow-up discussion, making a statement of affirmation, recreating a situation, etc.