Radical Reimagination: The Role of Dreaming in the Fight for Racial Justice (Part 1)

A few months back, I hit a creative wall. The constant challenges and daunting barriers made me question if my work was truly making a difference. It became clear that I needed to hit pause, refocus, and rest. Through my rest, I found myself on a journey of rediscovery that not only revitalized my creativity but also reignited my passion and purpose. Breaking free from the cycle of frustration and fatigue required allowing my mind to run free and embrace a new form of imagination.

Radical imagination is a way of thinking that is both visionary and transformative, challenging the paradigms, norms, and structures that make up our everyday lives. It is a way of thinking that asks us to look at our current social, political, and cultural systems and say: What if the equitable and just society we crave was our reality? What would that look, taste, sound, and feel like? This idea isn't just about daydreaming or fantasy; it’s about getting creative and rethinking how we connect, set up institutions, and value things in society. It takes us beyond a visual and asks us to embody what we imagine and to use that embodiment to fuel our work. Radical imagination encourages us to dream beyond the inequitable structures we experience today and asks us to envision a new way of being, a world we have not seen yet. We cannot fight for a more equitable future if we cannot imagine it, and we cannot fight for something we are not deeply connected to.

Radical imagination encourages us to dream beyond the inequitable structures we experience today and asks us to envision a new way of being, a world we have not seen yet. We cannot fight for a more equitable future if we cannot imagine it, and we cannot fight for something we are not deeply connected to.

When searching for examples of those who dared to dream, I was reminded of one of my favorite authors, Octavia Butler. Butler is known for blending Afro-futurism, historical fiction, and science fiction. Her work invites readers to reimagine history and envision alternative futures where racial justice and equality are realized. Using various elements from time travel to dystopian futures, she gives new life to her characters to ensure underrepresented voices are heard. She has a gift for highlighting the enduring effects of systemic racism while challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths about America's past and present. Inspired by Butler’s work, I began my journey to reclaim my identity as a dreamer and remember why it’s important to dream. 

1. Dreaming teaches us that justice is incomplete without multiple voices at the table.

When we allow others (and ourselves) to show up in our full authenticity, we bring together a mix of experiences, values, and insights, creating this beautiful mosaic of diverse viewpoints. Each perspective adds its own unique piece to the collective dream, giving it depth and richness that we just can't get from looking at things from only one angle. It's in this diversity that the real magic of radical imagination happens. By blending all these different outlooks, we spark innovation, build resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of the dreams we're all working towards together. Each voice contributes to the bigger picture, shaping our shared vision in ways we couldn't even imagine on our own. Embracing different perspectives breathes life into our collective dream. 

2. Dreaming encourages us to step out of our comfort zones. 

Imagine a workplace where creativity and playfulness are not just suggested but are essential elements that drive us beyond our comfort zones. It can be powerful for adults to unleash boundless imaginations, drawing inspiration from children's curiosity and flexibility. Children effortlessly embrace a level of creativity that is fearless and innovative, using the resources available to create new worlds. Using their imagination, a child could transform a basic cardboard box into an incredible spaceship, complete with everything they need for exciting intergalactic missions. Something ordinary becomes an extraordinary adventure fueled by boundless imagination. Reconnecting with our inner child's imagination can reignite joy and freedom in our work. Our creative side has the power to produce innovative solutions and foster collaborative breakthroughs that support racial equality. By blending imagination and play in our professional environment, we infuse a vibrant energy that dismantles familiar barriers. In an inclusive and playful atmosphere, revolutionary ideas flourish, nurturing a workplace that is open to endless possibilities. 

3. Dreaming teaches us to appreciate the realized dreams before us. 

The ongoing quest for racial justice requires that we draw inspiration from both the triumphs and tribulations of our past, guiding us towards a future anchored in justice, equality, and respect for diversity. History is a testament to the unwavering belief that transformation is within our reach when fueled by our collective empathy and dedication to dismantling oppressive systems. Confronting the injustices embedded within history, including the scars of slavery and segregation, deepens our understanding of the need for reparative action and systemic change.

Consider this: the rights we have today were once mere dreams of those who came before us. Freedom fighters who dared to envision a world beyond the constraints of their time, sparking collective action and imagination to make the seemingly impossible a reality. Our existence is a dream realized, and when we are empowered by that truth, we can inspire ourselves to dream bigger to continue to confront racism. Racism, ever-evolving and insidious, continually seeks new means to perpetuate old ideologies. It demands innovation and creativity to combat effectively. By carving out space for imagination, we access the tools within us needed to challenge the status quo and forge a path toward a more equitable future. Let's work together and use our collective imagination to face racism directly, shaping a world where justice and equality are the norm.

About the author: Jordan Sanders is a dynamic Storyteller, Womanist, and Innovator. She advocates for the transformative power of creativity and healing justice as catalysts for building a more equitable society. She serves as the Engagements Manager at The Equity Lab.