We hosted multiple interviews and conversations with restorative justice facilitators in our Oakland community. As a collective, we are always in circle. We are in a learning space to embody RJ as a way for our parenting, friendships and community work. What’s possible when we listen? Can we check ourselves on control? How can we solve problems without punishment? The results could be transformative for ourselves and for the systems around us.
lyrics
VERSE
First things first I show up ready to be in circle
Here to actively listen and be openly verbal
This type of cypher that serves like a meal
We’re here to solve problems and hopefully heal
I start by telling the group a little bit about me
I want to get to know you curiosity is mounting
We’re here to build trust so we can speak facts
A heartfelt response for the best impact, see-
PRE-CHORUS
The circle is a space to grow
Connecting us to a collective glow
Candles get lit, reflect our light
Illuminating how we’re here to do right
CHORUS
Where are we left without
Respect
A little bit of
Honesty
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Healing
A little bit of
Empathy
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Love
A little bit of
Courage and Care
That
Trust is there
Where are we left without
Truth
And facing it
Whenever it confronts us, without that
Ain’t no restorative just us
Spoken:
Alright y’all we came together to hear every person's side of the story so you’re up next.
VERSE 2
Pass the object, it’s my turn to speak,
To share what’s on my heart and the truth we seek
I hope they understand where I’m coming from
What harm was caused? What can be done?
We can’t move forward ‘til we take the pause
Examine all the hurt we
might have caused
When it’s your turn, can’t promise I’ll agree
But maybe there’s perspective that I did not see
PRE-CHORUS
The circle is a space to grow
Connecting us to a collective glow
Candles get lit, reflect our light
Illuminating how we’re here to do right
CHORUS
Where are we left without
Respect
A little bit of
Honesty
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Healing
A little bit of
Empathy
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Love
A little bit of
Courage and Care
That
Trust is there
Where are we left without
Truth
And facing it
Whenever it confronts us
Without that
Ain't no restorative just us
VERSE 3: REFLECTION
We heard each other out; we’re owning up to our parts
Healing doesn’t end here, this is a start
How we hold this defines us, as we leave and take care
We’re in this together like our ancestors’ prayer
We’re leaving here today with community tactics
And RJ is a constant and continuous practice
We restore fairness We make peace
We are community finding relief
PRECHORUS
The circle is a space to grow
Connecting us to a collective glow
Candles reflect our light
Illuminating how we’re here to do right
CHORUS
Where are we left without
Respect
A little bit of
Honesty
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Healing
A little bit of
Empathy
That
Restorative Justice
Where are we left without
Love
A little bit of Courage and Care
That
Trust is there
Where are we left without
Truth
And facing it Whenever it confronts us
Without that
Ain't no restorative just us
credits
from The Movement,
released September 9, 2022
Written by: Kaitlin McGaw, Samara Yvonne Atkins, Tommy Soulati Shepherd, Geoff McCann
Lead Vocals: Tommy Shepherd III, Maya Fleming, Kali de Jesus. Backing Vocals: Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Soulati Shepherd, Samara Atkins. Teacher Vocals: Ashanti Branch
Producers: Geoff McCann, Kaitlin McGaw, Tommy Soulati Shepherd, Kabir Sehgal.
Addt Production: Synths Guitar and Programming - Geoff McCann. Vocal Production: Kevin McCann. Engineer: Kevin McCann. Mixed by: Reto Peter. Mastered by Bijan Sharifi.
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