In their welcome letter Our Journey to a Consciousness of All, Michael McAfee and Ashleigh Gardere explain the thought process that some might have experienced when PolicyLink decided who the “all” encompasses. They mention,

Some among us were troubled by the implication that PolicyLink would name a target population (the 100 million [living in or near poverty]) that seemed to undercut our focus on racial equity. Should we focus on the needs of the roughly 50 million people of color within that group? This discomfort was not unreasonable. For Black and Brown people who have lived with structural racism, the frustration and fear that they might be asked to sacrifice or suspend their hard-won visibility is understandable (Par 15).

In other words, the “all” should include ALL people experiencing poverty in the United States, of which half of the population is white and might live in rural areas. It is understandable that not focusing on uplifting the voices, stories, faces, and experiences of Black and Brown communities, but rather creating spaces for white communities to share their experiences feels like taking a few steps back when it took so much work to create these spaces for POC.  

Under the law, everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. However, due to slavery and systemic and structural racism, communities of color often cannot enact on these rights. As someone from an indigenous Mexican background and as someone who grew up in a family with mixed immigration statuses, I saw how families were deported and separated when they have lived in the United States for most of their lives. I saw children be put in cages, and I saw police brutality at peaceful marches in support of an immigration reform.

I have seen my community physically, emotionally, and economically fight for visibility to create change in immigration policy and to create change in how all human beings are treated in places like the border. I have also seen how politicians use the word “all” by making empty promises that under their presidency an immigration reform will finally be achieved for “all” families to remain together only for executive orders to be created to deny asylum claims, a human right.  

I think the word “all” scares me a bit, because of the way it has historically been used to hurt, exclude, and murder communities of color. However, I know that I cannot lose hope for change. Perhaps this is an opportunity to work with immigrant and undocumented communities from European descent. By demonstrating that immigration issues not only affect communities of color, maybe those with more conservative views will look at this issue differently. This strategy might work, only if those with more conservative views are open to listening though. Many lives are at stake, and I hope we can move forward.

As a social worker, I am very aware that my chosen career has a remarkably high burn out rate, and I have personally felt the symptoms of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma at different points in my career.  To be in community with others that are in the fight for social justice while we are engaging our minds, and our spirits was truly a unique and fulfilling experience.  I was able to engage in dialogue with my collegaues about “all means all”.  We shared hopes, worries, and questions we have so that we can move forward in this direction. The intentionality of the summit created a safe space were we could discuss in real ways.

Listening to them speak felt like a call to action, a reminder that we are living within a system we did not build, but one we have inherited—and now bear the responsibility of fixing. One quote stood out to me, and though I’m paraphrasing, the essence was this: We didn’t build the house, but we bought it, and now we inherit the structural problems, which means we also bear the responsibility of fixing them. This was a powerful metaphor for America—its policies, structures, and systems that continue to harm marginalized communities.

As I listened to Hannah-Jones and Wilkerson discuss the history of America’s policies and governance, I realized how much responsibility we have today, even though we may not have created the injustices we face. Their words were a stark reminder that the systems of oppression and inequality embedded in our democracy are our responsibility to address and repair. The foundation may be flawed, but the keys to rebuilding it lie in our hands.

This concept of responsibility flowed seamlessly into another profound session I attended: a conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on the future of multiracial democracy. His message was clear: America’s story is far from finished, and we are the ones responsible for writing the next chapter. Kendi framed the conversation around the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States, emphasizing that this milestone offers an opportunity for us to reflect on our nation’s past, acknowledge its contradictions, and imagine a future where everyone can thrive.

Dr. Kendi used the analogy of a house to describe structural racism, similar to what I heard from Hannah-Jones and Wilkerson. He explained that racism is like the foundation of a house—it’s deeply embedded, shaping everything built on top of it. We didn’t create these systems, but we live in them, and as such, we must confront and dismantle the policies and practices that perpetuate inequality. We are now the stewards of this house, and it’s up to us to repair the damage.

Both sessions reinforced the idea that our democracy is still being written. We can’t simply sit back and wait for someone else to fix it. As Wilkerson and Hannah-Jones stated, we may not have built this flawed structure, but we are responsible for making it better. And as Kendi emphasized, creating a multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive requires us to actively participate in shaping our future.

What struck me most in these discussions was the balance of acknowledging the deeply rooted problems we face while also holding onto hope. Kendi’s message was one of both challenge and optimism. He reminded us that history is filled with examples of seemingly impossible transformations—from the end of chattel slavery to the Haitian Revolution. These moments in history, which seemed unachievable at the time, show us that change is not only possible—it’s inevitable when we commit ourselves to the work of justice.

As I left these sessions, I felt a deep sense of responsibility. We are the authors of America’s unfinished story, and while we didn’t create all the systems of inequality, we are the ones who must repair and rebuild them. It’s a daunting task, but it’s also an incredible opportunity. We hold the keys to creating a better, more just democracy—one where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Mitch Little, one of the panelists, shared his work with the Housing Security Working Group in Philadelphia, which focuses on preventing evictions and improving housing quality for low-income residents. His approach to relationship-building within communities stood out to me as a powerful example of how housing justice isn’t just about policies—it’s about trust and collaboration. Little’s focus on working alongside the people most affected by housing insecurity was a reminder that real change happens when we engage directly with those impacted by the crisis.

Cashauna Hill highlighted the connection between housing and broader economic outcomes, such as employment, education, and health. Hill challenged the idea that only certain people deserve housing and made it clear that access to safe, affordable housing is a right for all. Her words hit home for me because they tied housing justice to so many other aspects of life. When people have stable housing, they can thrive in every area of their lives—from their jobs to their children’s education to their overall health.

The panelists also emphasized the importance of collective action and innovative solutions in addressing the housing crisis. They pointed to successful models like community land trusts and social housing as examples of what’s possible when we prioritize equity over profit. These models, which prioritize community control and long-term affordability, offer a blueprint for how we can begin to address the housing crisis on a larger scale.

As the session ended, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The barriers to housing justice are significant, but the solutions are within our reach. We must continue to advocate for policies that prioritize equity and work together as communities to create systems that serve everyone, not just the privileged few.

One of the things I’ve been learning is that trauma is often stored in specific areas of the body, particularly in the hips. I’ve read studies and books like The Body Keeps the Score, which explains how our bodies hold onto trauma, but understanding it intellectually and experiencing it firsthand are two very different things. This session was my opportunity to put that knowledge into practice.

During the experience, we engaged in movements that were specifically designed to open the hips and release the emotional tension stored there. As I moved through the exercises, I felt an immediate release of emotions that I hadn’t expected. It was intense and raw, and for a moment, I felt overwhelmed by the depth of the release.

At first, it felt strange to experience such an emotional response in a room full of strangers. But as I looked around, I realized that I wasn’t the only one going through this. Many of the other participants were having similar reactions, and there was a sense of shared vulnerability in the room. It reminded me that healing isn’t something we do in isolation—we need community and connection to fully heal.

Kresge did a phenomenal job in ensuring that we, as a group, came together at the summit. The sense of community was such a vital part of this experience for me. I loved connecting with my peers and sharing the healing I felt, as well as how rejuvenated I was to continue this work. Each of us participated in different excursions, and when we came together to share, it felt like we all had a chance to benefit from what the others had learned. It was so moving to hear about how everyone fed their souls in the way they needed.

One moment that was especially meaningful to me was when Tyler Yutzy, recently engaged, shared his joy with the group. It was a beautiful reminder of the personal milestones we all experience alongside this work. Cristina Martinez and Arelis Dilone brought their crystals, sharing their meanings and what they use them for, and even gifting a few of us with their personal crystals. It felt like I was able to attend their sessions as well, absorbing the energy and knowledge they gained. That act of sharing was so intimate and powerful, and I felt so connected to them in that moment.

I was also overjoyed for Will Vilas-Novas, who is expecting a new addition to his family. Celebrating his joy with the group added another layer of connection that made the experience even more profound. That moment with my Kresge cohort was something I’ll never forget—it was beautiful and deeply needed. Sharing these moments with them made the Aerial Experience and Soul Day so much more meaningful, and I don’t think I would have been able to expand and open myself in the way I did without it.

Prentiss Hemphill’s words about healing as a life orientation echoed in my mind throughout the entire day. Healing isn’t something that happens all at once. It’s a process that takes time, and it requires us to be present with our bodies and our emotions. The Aerial Experience helped me see the connection between my physical and emotional selves in a way that I hadn’t before, and it reinforced the importance of staying connected to both.

I was drawn to both the "Composting Shame as Love for Self in a Whole-Body" workshop and the Aerial Experience. Ultimately, I chose the Aerial Experience—and it ended up being exactly what I needed.

I’ve been on a journey of self-healing, using talk therapy to process my emotions. I’ve realized that I tend to intellectualize my feelings instead of feeling them. I rationalize my emotions rather than allow myself to fully experience them. The Aerial Experience offered a chance to break away from that pattern, reconnect with my body, and begin healing on a somatic level.

Before the Aerial Experience began, we had the privilege of hearing from Prentiss Hemphill. Her words resonated deeply with me, especially as I’ve been working on healing. Hemphill emphasized that healing is not a destination, but a life orientation. It is a way to repair, connect, and create a safe space where we can truly belong. Healing, as Hemphill described, requires a vision—something we long for or desire.

After hearing this, I took a moment to reflect on what I deeply long for. For me, that longing is to be an emotionally safe place for myself and those around me. I want to be able to show up, even when I’m not at my best, without fearing that I’m unlovable or unable to give the best of myself. I long for the security of knowing that I’m genuinely cared for, just as I care for others. I know that to receive this from others, I first must unearth what I’m asking of them. I must become emotionally safe, to fully know and love myself before I can ask others to do the same for me.

This reflection was a perfect precursor to the Aerial Experience, where I would confront my own emotional patterns and allow myself to fully inhabit my body in a way I hadn’t done before.

The Aerial Experience was more than I could have hoped for. It was designed to help us connect with our bodies, release stored trauma, and create space for healing. For me, this was a chance to deepen the work I’ve been doing in therapy and explore the connection between trauma and the body.

As he spoke, tears filled his eyes, and I was struck by the depth of his empathy and passion. This wasn’t just a speech about policy or strategy—this was about humanity. McAfee spoke about the real people behind the statistics, the real struggles and hopes of individuals whose lives are shaped by the policies we create.

His vulnerability made me reflect on my own emotional connection to the work I do. I’ve always been deeply invested in the people I serve, but sometimes that emotional connection feels overwhelming. McAfee’s words were a reminder that it’s okay to feel deeply—that empathy is essential in this work. Without it, we lose sight of why we’re fighting for equity in the first place.

One of the most powerful moments of McAfee’s speech was when he talked about healing. He urged us to think about the role of healing in the work we do, not only for the communities we serve but for ourselves as well. He framed leadership as an expression of love—love for humanity, love for justice, and love for the world we want to create. His words were a reminder that the fight for equity is not just about changing policies—it’s about healing the wounds that have been inflicted by those policies.

McAfee’s vision of All Means All was clear: we cannot leave anyone behind. We must ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they come from, has the opportunity to thrive. And to do that, we must lead with love. He ended by saying, “I am giving it all I’ve got, and that is all of it”. That was one of the most beautiful quotes I have heard spoken.

From the somatic healing of Soul Day to the powerful conversations about equity, housing, and multiracial democracy, this summit challenged me to think deeply about my own role in the fight for justice. The words of leaders like Michael McAfee, Prentiss Hemphill, and Dr. Ibram X. Kendi will stay with me as I continue this journey.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was the reminder that healing, and justice are deeply intertwined. We cannot achieve justice without first addressing the wounds that have been inflicted by systems of oppression. Whether it’s through personal healing, like the somatic work I experienced on Soul Day, or through collective healing, like the efforts to redesign the housing system to prioritize equity, the work of justice requires us to heal ourselves and our communities.

This summit also reinforced the idea that change is possible. It won’t happen overnight, and it won’t happen without effort, but it is possible. The stories of grassroots movements like Moms for Housing and the powerful insights from leaders in social justice reminded me that systemic change often begins at the community level, and we all have a role to play.

As I move forward from this summit, I carry with me a renewed sense of purpose. The fight for equity, justice, and healing is ongoing, but it’s a fight worth committing to. We are the authors of America’s unfinished story, and it’s up to us to write the next chapter with love, courage, and a relentless pursuit of justice.

Day 2

Plenary: All Means All

The second day of the PolicyLink Equity Summit was an outstanding one. We opened the day hearing from Michael McAfee in the “Plenary: All Means All.” He opened us with powerful statements and connected with us. He explained that “all” has been only promised to a few and not really ALL. He spoke about the faults and promised to do his part in trying to take ownership of the nation and supported us in doing the same because it cannot be done by one person. After Michael’s powerful speech, the roundtable started which included Michael McAfee, Crystal Hawk, Jeff Bradach, Linda Sarsour, and Manuel Pastor. This was my favorite part of the PolicyLink Equity Summit. Each individual was able to share their experiences and motivated the audience. I could have listened to them for hours on all of the things they had to say. I truly felt motivated to have more changes and push the boundaries to a new level!

Redefining the Future of Business & Investment in America in Turbulent Times

I chose this session because it seemed to be something I have always wanted to learn more about and get a sense of what others thought on this. This session started off with a roundtable where everyone was able to share their story on why they do what they do. They spoke on how to catalyze the power, resources, and effective strategies to pave the way towards an equitable approach! Gillian was the speaker who stood out the most to me, she spoke on not being considered for so long and it was time for a change. Gillian was speaking mostly on the fight for good and the work that is needed ahead. It made me feel that I needed to educate myself on the levels of the degree of freedom. Capitalism was also a topic of this conversation and one of the speakers stated that “Capitalism has a 400 year history, and the United States has the highest form.”

Water Affordability for All

This session was something that when I first saw it, I instantly jumped on the opportunity to go hear about what the speakers had to say. In my agency, I worked a lot with Wayne County to try and assist as many people as possible with water affordability. In this roundtable, the speakers connected with us using their own stories and sharing what they have done to fight the good fight of ensuring everyone receives the opportunity to have water running in their home. With this, they also shared touching stories of what has happened in their areas with the issue of getting water assistance to everyone. They were all passionate about helping their communities in building a fair and equal opportunity for ALL. This goes back to the Plenary in the beginning of the day where Michael McAfee spoke on this topic. It made me feel that we could all do more as individuals to help our communities thrive and have equal opportunities!

Plenary: We Hold the Keys: Rebuilding Our Democracy to Work for All

In this roundtable, we had three speakers who spoke on recognizing the broken structures of our democracy and how to make the necessary renovations to change the way things are. It all came back to the roundtable we had earlier in the morning and they built on what each of the individuals had to say on this topic. Isabel Wilkerson also shared the book that she wrote which I ended up ordering for myself to get a deep dive into what she was speaking about. The main thing that came with this was to make sure that we build a democracy that worked for ALL.

Day 2

Highlights

Starting out the event with the soul day activities was really inspiring and was a great way to level set for the days ahead. Oftentimes similar events are quick to jump in and can feel very busy, being able to get in the right headspace to receive the rest of the event was incredibly beneficial.

I also really enjoyed the variety of topics that were offered and my only wish is that there had been more time to attend more sessions! One of my favorite discussions was the “Plenary: All Means All.” I really loved the honesty from the panel about the reality of equity in the human service industry and the conversation that followed, which really challenged me to think harder about the service delivery model that I have built for my organization as well as the barriers to programs that we may not have previously acknowledged. This session really inspired me and reignited the fire to continue to argue for better service models and more equitable and inclusive access to services. This directly aligns with the work I am currently doing which further inspired me to continue thinking about how to bring resources together and provide a better wrap around service approach for my community.

Food for Thought

I attended the Water Affordability for All session as this session also directly relates to my work and is something that the State of Michigan has really taken a direct interest in. I really enjoyed the discussion and the points made about the lack of safe and affordable drinking water in our country and how that is such an overarching issue in many communities. I loved the passion and the conversation around the need for a federal water affordability program and the stories from each of the speakers that impacted their focus on water. I did find it particularly interesting though that the subject of pilot programs was painted in a somewhat negative light, rather than talking about how working together, collecting detailed data, and maximizing outcomes during these pilots could be used to further argue and ultimately prove the need for long term federal programs. I think this is a powerful conversation and that all avenues of advocacy, voices, action, and data are needed to effectively promote policy change in our country.

Final Remarks

I truly enjoyed this summit and the experiences I have gained from it. The attention to detail and powerful voices in attendance really reminded me why we do the work we do and reignites the passion for creating systems within our community that work for the people, are inclusive and equitable for ALL people, and address the root causes of the poverty cycle.