There Is Hope

A sample of artwork from Life Pieces to Masterpieces

In these times of hate, violence, and cruelty I try to find glimpses of hope. If you look, you can find it too. Because There Is Hope! One place I have found hope is in DC, at an organization called Life Pieces to Masterpieces (LPTM). I had the pleasure of volunteering at LPTM a few years ago. I was in DC as a traveling nurse, and a friend told me about it. I only spent a few months with these fine young people, but they have made a lasting impression on me. I receive their newsletter and updates. Their latest newsletter really touched me, and so I wanted to share it with you as I tell you more about this wonderful program. 

LPTM was started 25 years ago. It was co-founded by Mary Brown, Larry Quick, and Ben Johnson. They have created a safe place for young black men to come and be creative. Creative with art, and ideas to change the world. Below is a quote I took from their mission. It speaks volumes to me.  

Our vision is that our boys and young men will be catalysts for positive change in the world.

Sadly, change doesn't happen quickly. And, a single person can't make the changes for everyone around them. However, anyone can be a catalyst for positive changes! This is what LPTM is creating. Catalysts!

I love that concept! We can ALL be catalysts for positive changes, so let's work on that! 

Below are some thoughts from some young men who are in the LPTM program. There are also thoughts from a teacher, who is part of the AAPI community. Read their words. Listen to them. These young men, and this teacher have a lot to share. They can teach us if we listen. Our world is blessed to have them in it. 

David Adams: "At Life Pieces To Masterpieces we strive towards creating a future of shared humanity. Creating a world where all people can live in peace and unison, where people aren’t judged by their race, religion, gender, sexuality, or social class. We believe in providing all people of all backgrounds with love, warmth and compassion, making them feel valued and appreciated. With this love comes security: when people are treated with love, they find comfort and a sense of belonging with the setting they are in. After the love and security comes expression: when people are placed in an environment with love and security, they are able to be themselves, share ideas, and express feelings. This is our premise here at Life Pieces To Masterpieces, a premise that we want to put out to the world. It is our duty to make people of the AAPI community, and communities all across the globe to feel valued and safe, and allow them to be free with who they are."

 

With people like David in the world, There Is Hope! David's message is so strong. We can all live in peace and unison. We should be creating a world where people aren't judged by race, religion, gender, sexuality, or social class. And I especially love how David says "It is our duty to make people of the AAPI community, and communities across the globe to feel valued and safe, and allow them to be free with who they are". Whew! That is powerful. It is our DUTY! Everyone should be allowed to be FREE with who THEY ARE! Thank You David!!!

"I appreciate Life Pieces To Masterpieces as a safe space not only for children, but for the staff as well. Both my coworkers and the boys we work with have made me feel truly a part of their family, which I'm especially grateful for during times like these. Life Pieces has been an oasis of love in a world divided by hate and fear." - Minami Hofmann, LPTM Kings Lead Teacher & LPTM Art Teacher

With teachers like Minami in the world, There Is Hope! I love how she acknowledges that LPTM provides a safe place to children, and for the staff. It is sad to me that people need a "safe" place to be. But until the world changes completely, that is our reality. I also love it that she says LPTM is an oasis of love. Let's all get rid of the divisions in the world and come together on an oasis of love. Thank You Minami!!!

Below is an excerpt from the LPTM newsletter. I feel it really speaks to the core of the program and what it is all about. In the most basic of terms, it is about showing the world that black men are NOT the problem, but are actually the Problem Solvers! They are and always will be part of the solution! We should all keep that in our minds and hearts as we navigate our futures. 

At Life Pieces To Masterpieces, we believe that
Love + Security + Expression = Life

Despite the hate and violence that plagues our nation, our boys and young men every day provide love, security, and expression for one another and give thanks. Each time they do, they change the narrative pushed by so many in our country who seek to define Black males as “problems” instead of an understanding of them as “problem-solvers.”

But in acknowledging our struggle for the world to discover our shared humanity, it is clear the hurt and pain felt by so many Asian American people, especially Asian American women, in the wake of yet another senseless hate crime that has left eight people dead. A few of our Brothers In Power - our high school and college Apprentices - wanted to share a message. These are their messages to Sister Minami, to the many outstanding volunteers of AAPI backgrounds that have served at LPTM, and to the world.

Cateo Hilton: "Life Pieces has been a home and a safe place from the harsh reality for everyone ever since I was young. It hurts everyone whenever a certain racial group is targeted, and it especially hurts when it affects someone like Minami, who is a part of LPTM and who has had a phenomenal and strong impact on my life and others as well. We need change, and we need to show respect for anyone of any race, color, shape, or size."

With people like Cateo in the world, There Is Hope! I love how Cateo says it hurts EVERYONE whenever a certain racial group is targeted. That is so true. He says we need change. I am with him on that! We all need to listen more to people like Cateo.  Thank You Cateo!!! QueSton Bell: "My message to the Asian community is that I see your individuality. I know how easy it is for them to overlook your humanity like we are not all a part of the same family. I know what it's like to not be seen, because far too often I am only seen through a lens that distorts and destroys my individuality for a White man's fantasy. But we are in this together."

With people like QueSton in the world, There Is Hope! I love how QueSton says he sees the individuality of the Asian community. We are all definitely individuals! There are over 7 billion people on this planet, and no two are exactly the same! Each person is their OWN person and should be allowed to BE that person. None of us should distort or destroy someone's individuality for Our fantasy. We are in this together. Thank You QueSton!!!

Tory'elle Coleman (who sat down to write his statement of solidarity during the evening of Monday, March 22): "Writing this right now while watching the Colorado shooting..all this violence is shocking. Although violence has spiked nationwide, I will continue to provide as much love, security, and expression as I can in this world, no matter who the individual is, because we all are family."

     

With people like Tory'elle in the world, There Is Hope! I love how Tory'elle works through the shock of another violent act in our country to express love. He will continue to provide as much love, security, and expression as he can in this world. And I will continue to do that with him. Will you join us? After all, as Tory'elle has so eloquently put it... We all are family. Thank You Tory'elle!!!

As I close this blog post, I want to encourage each of you to listen to the young men and women around you who express love and kindness. They will be our catalysts to a better future. LPTM only works with young black men for their own personal reasons, but there are as many young black women, asian women, hispanic women, and white women out there to change the world as there are men. We just need to take their cues, listen to them, and pass on the torches of love and kindness!!!

If you are in the DC area and are looking to work with amazing people who express love and kindness to all, I highly recommend that you check out LPTM. Their website is below. They welcome all people who want to make the world a better, and more loving, equal place!

                                                                     https://lifepieces.org/

         Now Go Out and Hug Someone Today and Everyday!!!