Roxy Manning

My passion for nonviolent social justice emerged from my struggle to transcend the boxes in which I was placed. I learned how a diversity of truths can be present and valid at the same time. After moving to Harlem, NY from Trinidad, WI as a child, I lived new, often divergent, realities: the neglect I and other Global Majority students often experienced and the privileges of being labeled gifted and attending well-resourced schools where most students didn’t look like me. This sparked my commitment to work towards a society in which every person is truly valued and supported in their gifts, one where we all can belong.

Although my early work as a psychologist nurturing people’s personal development was deeply meaningful, it was not totally satisfying. Through Nonviolent Communication (NVC) I realized what was missing - me. While supporting other people’s wellbeing, I fell into the trap of caring only for others. NVC enabled me to include myself in my circle of care. It also connected me to a strategy for compassionate systems change and interpersonal relationships that left no one out and celebrated the unique gifts everyone can offer in the creation of a Beloved Community.