The Purpose of Power
Let's begin this cohort by reflecting on the importance of how systemic change can truly move the needle on the drivers of health. Framing our work as part of a larger movement helps to provide a critical contextual lens. In The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart, Alicia Garza, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Movement, powerfully outlines the lessons she has learned over the years being an organizer and bringing people together to create change. She adeptly points out, "to understand where each of us fits in a movement...we must first situate ourselves inside a context that makes it make sense.” She focuses both on those who are already “woke” to the issues as well as those we must inspire and activate to fight for change, just as we must do as we look to expand our circles of influence and stakeholders in our communities. “Our wildly varying perspectives are not just a matter of aesthetic or philosophical concern. They also influence our understanding of how change happens, for whom change is needed, acceptable methods of making change and what kind of change is possible.”
The book takes you through the trenches of her and her family’s story as well as the Black Lives Matter movement and other large movements of our time. In the latter section of the book, she delves into laying the groundwork for sustained change by referencing that for true change to be sustainable, the culture and the policy must change. We can focus on the stories and lessons learned from Garza to build and sustain a movement that will support our connection to sustainable systemic change.
More information about Alicia Garza and The Purpose of Power:
NPR Interview with the author
Forbes interview with the author
Alicia Garza on the Purpose of Power Chicago Humanities Festival interview
Alicia Garza: The Purpose of Power Commonwealth Club interview
Image from bookshop.org