When I was first assigned the project to take portrait photographs at the Sound Your Truth event, I didn’t know what to expect. One thought I had was that it would be a rally against social injustice chants and signs stating types of injustice, which there is nothing wrong with that. But what I found was very peaceful, inviting, surroundings. People were so receptive to me taking their photo and answering the question “What is your truth? Almost every statement was positive or self-healing. The college sculpting class made some fantastic self-expression pieces on their body and around the plaza. Riley sculpted branches with glass leaves around her called “Grief is a Garden” and her truth was “Cycles of grief and healing”. Emily’s sculpture is called “Cloud Rain over Garden” and her truth was “Everything happens for a reason”. There were many more people with sculptures on or around their bodies and they also gave great positive truths. So did other people who attended this event. There were also very powerful statements given on stage through song, scripture, poems, and more as the drum beating from each side of the stage emphasized the dramatic power of the event. There was one woman who recited a poem about her father and that hit me very close to home and opened feelings of vulnerabilities I had shut down decades ago. Let me not forget about all the tables set up with activities to express yourself through clay, bingo, printmaking and so much more. My favorite part was the empanadas, they were delicious. Honestly, this event was very well done and spoke volumes about individual truths. I am so glad I got to experience it.
October 2023