The Power of the People Heals
Interview with Sarah Nuñez by Kelly Hayes
Kelly Hayes
“There's a lot to be said about faith and trust in who we are as people and who we are as humanity,” says organizer Sarah Nuñez.
Sarah Nuñez invited us (Stephen Pavey & Shailly Barnes) to come to Asheville, NC a few weeks after the devastating Hurricane Helene wrought death and disaster not seen in that community for over 100+ years. She wanted to us to come listen to stories and bear witness to the healing power of mutual aid and community organizing in the aftermath of the disaster. There was much to grieve as we witnessed the loss of homes, businesses, livestock, and the infrastructure to provide safe water, food and housing. But we also found hope in the ways communities come together to take care of one another. We have so much to learn and grow from their example as so many others across the U.S. struggle against the ongoing storm of corporate greed and political selfishness.
Consider following and supporting the work of Dr. Sarah Nuñez who lives in Asheville and is a founding member of the Aflorar Herb Collective.
Images of Hope and Mutual Aid
Asheville, NC -- October 19-22, 2024
Images of Hope and the Healing Power of Mutual Aid and Community Organizing – with Aflorar Herbal Collective, Beth Trigg & community, Poder Emma, Tierra Fértil Coop, Asheville NC SURJ, and the local community showing up to the first city council meeting to protest and stop the dumping of toxic disaster waste in the poorest neighborhood of Asheville
Those life-giving connections, like the herbs Sarah and her friends grow, need to be cultivated and nourished. “Get to know your neighbors and organize with them,” she said. “Gather your people, trust that we have each other, and the resources and support will come.” (from interview by Kelly Hayes)
