From Campfires to Community: A Day of Healing Strives to Transform Generational Trauma Among D.C. Youth

August 6, 2025

The Crowned In Resilience Collective (CIRC) held its 2nd Annual Community Healing Day at Contee AME Zion Church in Northeast DC, showcasing youth initiatives including their Roots & Resilience Summer Camp. The event featured activities, performances, and presentations highlighting CIRC's mission to address trauma and violence in underserved communities, particularly in DC's most vulnerable wards. Founded in 2023 by Jeanine Henderson Arnett and Robin Lawson Atcherson, CIRC focuses on prevention and addressing root causes of trauma through programs like the Youth Leadership Academy, Janitorial Maintenance Training Program, and Community Healing Garden.

Who is affected

Youth of color in DC's underserved wards
Families and children participating in CIRC programs
Community members in Northeast DC, particularly Ward 7
Young people exposed to violence and trauma
Student leaders (Amaya Foster, Kevin Johnson, Kaleil Munford)
8-year-old participants like Deidre Gantt's son

What action is being taken

CIRC is running the Roots & Resilience Summer Camp free of charge
Organizations like Blueprint Development and Catholic Charities' SHARE Food Network are providing resources on food security
CIRC is operating various youth initiatives including the Youth Leadership Academy and Janitorial Maintenance Training Program
CIRC recently unveiled a Community Healing Garden with a new mural co-created by youth and local artists
Local leaders are providing mentorship and support to youth participants

Why it matters

According to data shared at the event, young people of color in DC are nearly twice as likely to be exposed to violence compared to the national average
Exposure to trauma affects mental health, academic achievement, and future opportunities
The programs provide safe spaces, skills development, and healing opportunities
The initiatives help build self-esteem, leadership abilities, career pathways, and community connections
These efforts address root causes of trauma including unaddressed grief, limited economic opportunity, and lack of safe spaces

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer