We unapologetically center
Black people in our work
OUR
mission
Healing Justice Santa Barbara aspires to uplift all Black/African-Americans to affirm that they are deserving of safety, love, equity, respect, and joy.
With particular attention to Black LGBTQIA+ people, Black people with disabilities, undocumented Black people, underserved Black people and Black people that speak in African American English, Black immigrants and Black people of darker skin tones.
impact
OUR
2020
Summer Uprisings
During the summer uprisings of 2020, HJSB led the largest direct action in the history of Santa Barbara at the Courthouse mobilizing over 3,000 people in person and hundreds more on livestream. As an organization that centers healing justice frameworks, we know that Black people can process grief through protest, and through our collective organizing we affirm collective loss.
2021
Melanin Gallery on State Street
HJSB cultivated and maintained a Black-femme owned art & event space on State Street called Melanin Gallery. HJSB organizers leveraged relationships with Black creatives, curators and mentors to establish a space which intentionally centered Blackness and healing. HJSB empowered Black artists to curate shows and exhibitions, while providing Black creatives 100% of their sales.
2022
Santa Barbara African American Historic Context Statement
HJSB has continued work to protect and preserve Black landmarks. These efforts were formally acknowledged by the Santa Barbara City Council, and HJSB were co-consultants and researchers to create the award winning Santa Barbara African American and Black Historic Context Statement in partnership with the City of Santa Barbara and Page & Turnbull.Upcoming events.
about
US
Formed in May 2020 in response to the de-stabilizing impacts of racism and anti-blackness, we aspire to build resilient communities for the African diaspora and other marginalized people along the Central Coast.
