Sunday May 18th, 2025 from 1-4PM

Join Layla Azmi Goushey and Kyle Brandt-Lubart for a teach-in and creative reflection gathering centered around Palestinian and Native American stories.

After brief introductions, Layla will lead the group through a talk on the following subject matter: President Harry S. Truman of Lamar, Missouri, was a pivotal figure of the 20th century due to the significant decisions he made during his presidency. One of his most widely known decisions was his authorization of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, to force a Japanese surrender during World War II. However, his legacy also includes mandating the desegregation of the U.S. military, facilitating the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Palestine, and implementing the Native American Termination Policy, which sought to end the federal government’s recognition of Native American tribes and assimilate tribal members into U.S. society.This presentation will review scholarly sources on these historical events and invite discussion and reflection. We will also read literary responses to these moments in history.

Then Kyle will facilitate a guided expressive arts experience. Participants will have the opportunity to respond to the content of the presentation through their choice of visual artmaking, journaling/writing, and/or somatic movement. Through creative expression, we can collectively re-imagine alternative ways of being in relationship to history, the current sociopolitical landscape, and how we shape our shared future.

All of the creative works generated during this workshop will be eligible for publication in Baladi Magazine (https://baladimagazine.com/).

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. There is a suggested donation of $10-$50 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. 100% of proceeds from this event will be donated to HEAL Palestine (https://www.healpalestine.org/) and Native American Rights Fund (https://narf.org/).