“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde

Hi everyone! My name is Jamila and in my work at Make-It Springfield I am passionate about the way our space connects creativity, connection, healing and empowerment. Lately I have been thinking about the connections between Make-It Springfield and the Healing Justice Movement.

The Healing Justice movement is deeply rooted in Black feminist thought, particularly in the work of southern/rural queer femme activists, healers and thinkers of color who have long recognized the connections between systemic oppression, personal well-being, and community care. Visionary leaders such as Audre Lorde emphasized the essential act of tending to our own and one another’s well-being as a political tool, while organizations such as The Kindred Southern Healing Justice Collective formalized the framework to address the intergenerational and intersectional trauma experienced by marginalized communities. Healing Justice integrates restorative practices, art, and community to foster resilience and transformation, and its ethos resonates strongly with the creative, inclusive work happening at Make-It Springfield.

The Healing Justice movement teaches us that creativity can be a powerful tool for addressing harm and imagining new possibilities. It’s a movement rooted in the understanding that systemic oppression impacts our bodies, minds, and spirits—and that healing those wounds requires care, community, and courage. It invites us all – across race, class, gender and culture to explore the concept of liberation, understanding and collaboration.

Create, Heal, and Transform at Make-It Springfield

When you walk through the doors of Make-It Springfield, you’re not just entering a space to make things—you’re entering a community where creativity and healing intersect. Our mission is simple: to encourage you, collaborate with you, and remind you that you are gifted. We all are. This belief isn’t just about art; it’s about transformation. The Healing Justice framework calls on us to repair, create, and reclaim our stories through intentional practices. Making something—anything—is a way of claiming agency over your life. It’s a way of saying, “I have value. My ideas matter.” And when you do that in a community like Make-It Springfield, the impact is amplified.

Healing Justice reminds us that creativity and care are revolutionary acts. They help us reimagine a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. At Make-It Springfield, our community reflects the vibrant tapestry of humanity. Recent refugees, creative elders, families, teens, neighbors seeking connection, makers, creators, dreamers, teachers and learners all find a place here. Our work is rooted in the belief that creativity is not only a tool for personal expression but also a bridge to collective care. In crafting, building, and making, participants reclaim agency over their stories while contributing to a shared vision of transformation.

So come in. Let us encourage you. Together, we’ll create, heal, and transform—not just for ourselves, but for each other.Together, we’ll carry forward a vision of liberation, one project at a time.