Purpose: (1) To break and transform cycles of intergenerational and interracial trauma (2) To develop healthy identities through refreshing shared ritual practices. (3) Reimagining public safety through developing healthy identities

During the pandemic, we hosted Chuseok Korean Harvest Moon Festival at Skid Row People’s Market, practicing rituals for intergenerational and interracial healing through prayer, thanksgiving and collective grieving. We honored and remembered many ancestors from friends, family and customers who have transitioned during the year.

Community members and staff brought special foods and pictures of their ancestors for the memorial rites ceremony, which was followed by a group writing activity, reflections from the community, and some homemade chicken and dressing with banana pudding by Southern Blessed and Skid Row Coffee.

The purpose of this gathering and communal function is (1) to break and transform cycles of intergenerational and interracial violence and (2) to generate community safety and strengthen interpersonal and intergroup relations by nurturing social connections through reclaiming shared ritual practices.