"The Violence of Masculinity" Peterson-MSP 8/17/08

Galen Peterson is a community artist who has been doing social justice work for over 10 years. Galen started doing writing projects in youth prisons when he was nineteen, and from that point on he has worked with many different organizations and community groups to address violence happening in society. He began organizing rap battles between rival gang members at Atlantic Street Center in Seattle, and soon after was working with gang members through the Urban Habitat Project in South Central, Los Angeles. A lot of Galen’s work has involved using art as a way to express and heal wounds surrounding issues of violence and oppression. For many years Galen has co-facilitated anti-oppression workshops, and led youth programs in high schools to address racism and white privilege. In Oakland, CA, Galen started Cov Records, a youth media arts training program, at a community center and homeless youth shelter. As the project expanded, Galen helped create the youth component of the Silence the Violence movement in the Bay Area, and coordinated the Turf Unity Project with rappers from rival neighborhoods. Galen has also worked with the Art in Action collective for over 8 years, where he has led trainings for young men on ending sexism and homophobia. Galen is currently a music producer, media arts trainer, and community organizer.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Masculinity
• Men
• Male
• Patriarchy
• Gender
• Equality
• Storytelling
• Monologues
• LGBT
• Healing
• Violence
• Justice
• Peace
• Love
• Truth

[KnowJesusKnowPeace]

That is an amazing and encouraging story. Thank you for sharing.

[WuBuBu444]

truly moving. It makes me feel sooo good to see stories like these.

[pingpongpaul72]

thanks for your courage. we need more stories like these, everyone is a gem.