International Day in support of Victims of Torture

Today is International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. Many of the participants in Lamp Lifeboat Ladder have survived torture, violence and trauma. To celebrate the power and strength of survivors around the world,  we wanted to share some more excerpts from authors in the writing group, 'Tomorrow's Hope: Modern Creativity Group' about family and ancestors.

Frasie

I am in a new place now. 

Amin

Some identities are a reflection that comes from behind us in an image that we did not choose. We do not see in our ancestors anything but a reflection of our identity. Shall we break the mirror, then, we men, so that we may see ourselves without fear? Fear of the other side of ourselves? Where our face appears without being us…or without matching what we think is our image to ourselves. Maybe.

Anonymous

My ancestor’s ideas were different. Where I came from, we gave each other strength and community and I draw on this today.