In the fall of 2021, I stepped into something truly special—the Urban Core Collective’s Transformational Leadership Program (TLP), where my journey with Cohort 8 began. Fast forward to May 2022, and voilà: The And Project was not just an idea but a vivid reality. Picture this: a spirited group of five TLP participants and one brilliant community filmmaker, all brought together under the theme of ‘Intersectionality.’ We were a mix of tech enthusiasts, human rights advocates, and all-around changemakers, each of us ready to sprinkle a little magic into the world of intersectional education.
The Birth of The And Project
The And Project took root from a vibrant brainstorming session. As individuals, each navigating the complex intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and more, we came together with a shared vision. This project sprang to life through our combined passions and a profound commitment to justice, aiming to revolutionize how our community understands and interacts with the layered realities of human identity.
We envisioned The And Project as a dynamic toolkit designed to break down complex themes of intersectionality into engaging, accessible, and relatable elements. Our goal? To educate and inspire, turning abstract concepts into tangible understanding that resonates across our diverse community. Want to learn more about our team? Meet the minds behind The And Project here.
Empowering Through Education: The And Project Lessons
Through videos, discussions, and personal reflections, we invite our community to journey through the complexities of identity with us. Our structured lesson plan serves as the backbone of The And Project, guiding participants through the nuances of intersectionality:
- Defining Intersectionality: We lay the groundwork by exploring what intersectionality means and why it matters.
- Mapping and Defining Your Identity: Participants engage in introspective exercises to delineate and understand their unique identities.
- Personal Intersectionality Journey: We encourage a deep dive into how intersecting identities influence personal experiences.
- Intersectionality in the Workplace: This session tackles the practical implications of intersectionality in professional settings.
- Beyond the And Project: We look ahead to how this understanding can be applied to foster broader societal change.
Each lesson is crafted to be an introspective and transformative experience, supported by a curated selection of resources that enhance learning and personal growth.
The Impact of TLP and The And Project
Through The And Project, we illuminate the pathways of intersectionality, creating a dynamic space for exploration and growth that reflects the core values of the Urban Core Collective’s Transformational Leadership Program. As TLP continues to nurture and elevate leaders of color, The And Project stands as both a vital community resource and a testament to the extraordinary outcomes achievable with the right support and resources. It showcases the transformative power of uniting diverse voices to educate, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
You can check out The Tea Podcast, another group project from Cohort 8, and other community resources in the gallery.