Environmentalism Through Inspiration & Non Violent Action

The Reverence Project was originally created to be a vital education alternative for kindergarten-age children to young adults experiencing disabilities and living in abject environments. Our mission is 'promoting social wellness through positive practice.' It was our vision to develop a model for what peace looks like in a social and an urban war-torn community. It was our goal to erect a national blueprint for introducing an initiative with an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes student-centered education, art, and culture within a framework of authentic dialog. The Reverence Project continues to evolve as a vision-based organizing institute that is working to shift the social and philosophical construct of present world culture rooted in violence, shame, guilt and fear into a more balanced world view rooted in reverence, forgiveness, compassion, and truth.
As a community initiative The Reverence Project has bona fide and a grassroots anchorage in the community of Watts. Founded in 1999, The Reverence Project has provided after school services, disabilities services and referrals, community services, employment preparedness, case management, technology training, youth probation abatement services, peaceful conflict mediation and resolution, arts, recreational, and cultural programming to hundreds of children, youth, and gang members living in various segments in South Central Los Angeles. We reach young people all across the country with accessible art and music showcases, along with supporting self-determination curriculum in the community, in our gallery and within the school district. We consider ourselves ambassadors for Watts' unique style and finesse, with emphasis on interactive play activity, interactive art, and family participation with music, song, and dance. We use art as an entry point to give all children with and without disabilities a genuine launch into all aspects of human endeavor, learning, and exploration. Our Principal staff was the primary architect responsible for negotiating the historic 1992 truce between the rival Crips and Bloods gangs. This and other initiatives have served as a reminder that human dignity and peace are gained through a series of practices and preparatory step, not just by wishful thinking.