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Patrisse Cullors waseffecting changein her hometown of Los Angeles long before she became internationally known as aBlack Lives Mattercofounder.
Ryan Pfluger/Amanda Bailey
Last year she was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize.
SELF: Historically, the wordabolitionisthas been associated with slavery.
What does the term mean in todays context?
Its the culture that were trying to produce.
And so the work of an abolitionist is creating a new culture.
Im really calling for all of us to envision a new system.
And yes, that means we have to get rid of theold systems.
In the chapter about imagination, you write, Imagine the structure you want and build it.
How can our imagination help us make meaningful changepersonally and within our communities?
I think this really is about power in numbers.
It works every time when we do it collectively.
And I am living proof of that in the organizing and artistic work Ive done for 20-plus years.
And now what its like to be working alongside them to change that very system.
What does using imagination to make change in the world look like practically?
It looks different for different people.
I believe in prayer, so a lot of my imagination comes when I pray.
I also usemeditationas a time for challenging the constructs that Ive built in my head.Journalingis another great tactic.
Nature really captures our imagination; it allows us to remember theres so much more than us.
Im also a fan of talking to my friends and family about my dreams.
As an artist, how do you envision using art to challenge people to think differently?
I was actually an artist before I was politicized.
Much of my art is not political art.
Why are joyful stories important?
I think one of the reasons whyInsecurewas so effective is because it was a comedy based on Black folks.
And allows us toseehuman beingsBlack human beings, specificallyas worthy of care, love, and tenderness.
First, try not to have these conversations on social media.
Its a recipe for contention.
Thats what social media is for!
I have a bunch of trans friends and family, and I talk to my mom abouttransphobiaall the time.
Thats what it takes sometimes.
You say we have to take care of ourselves before we can go out and change the world.
Do you have any advice for setting boundaries?
Boundaries are such an important tool as an abolitionist.
But boundaries are a form of care.
They offer us the possibility of taking care of our emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being.
I have to remind myself, Im here for meespecially whensetting boundariesmakes me feel guilty.
When we have happy human beings, we have a happier world.
When we have joyful human beings, we have a more joyful world.
What brings you joy that helps you in your toughest moments?
My friends and family are so funny.
We all have such a great sense of humor.
Im a big fan of comedy, and joking, and laughing.
My kid is hilarious.
Hes my comedic relief, trulyhes constantly joyful, constantly laughing.
