Together we will create brave space
Because there is no such thing as a “safe space” —
We exist in the real world
We all carry scars and we have all caused wounds.
In this space
We seek to turn down the volume of the outside world,
We amplify voices that fight to be heard elsewhere,
We call each other to more truth and love
We have the right to start somewhere and continue to
grow. We have the responsibility to examine what we
think we know.
We will not be perfect.
This space will not be perfect.
It will not always be what we wish it to be
But
It will be our brave space together,
andWe will work on it side by side.
by Micky ScottBey Jones

Bag&Baggage is pleased to present BRAVE SPACE, a new equity, diversity, and inclusion initiative with a focus on creating a space where we can all listen and learn.

BRAVE SPACE is different from other programs; the focus is exclusively on being present, listening to voices that have been silenced, and welcoming the opportunity to hear and learn from those whose lives and stories should inform our social justice efforts.

BRAVE SPACE is not a discussion group; it is not an opportunity for Q&A. Rather, it is a program that seeks to create a new kind of space, one that involves a group of invited, dedicated, passionate individuals who are ready to listen to the stories and voices of people who have traditionally been silenced.

How Does BRAVE SPACE Work?

Over the course of the next season, B&B staff will be reaching out to a wide range of individuals and inviting them to The Vault to share their stories. Of specific interest to us are those people whose stories and voices have been systematically silenced. They may include people of color, activists, social justice workers, members of displaced communities, immigrants, sexual and gender minorities, and many, many more.

BRAVE SPACE will take place on Sunday mornings, often before regularly scheduled Sunday matinees, from 11:00am – 12:30pm. Our speakers will be welcomed to The Vault, and offered the chance to tell us their stories, to lift their voices, and give us all the benefit of their lives and experiences. The will also be promised that The Vault will remain a safe place for them to tell their stories without judgement or the chance of argument.

Our audiences are asked to do one thing only: LISTEN.

To give these voices their full attention, to be present, and to listen with love, respect, and kindness. There will not be discussion or an opportunity to engage in questions and answers with the presenters. Instead, the intention is to give our space over 100% to hearing and listening; what we do with what we hear is up to us. We encourage our invited audiences to gather together after BRAVE SPACE to reflect, together, on what they have heard but, during the BRAVE SPACE sessions, all we ask you to do is listen.

Simply listening is an act of bravery, too.