Commitment Statements

Commitment statements act as dynamic guides, helping us define our priorities and connections with the communities we engage with. These 'living documents' not only outline our actionable plans for restorative justice but also represent our dedication to transparency, inclusivity, and building long-lasting relationships and partnerships. As we strive to decolonize spaces of knowledge-building and foster history-sharing equity, these statements become a pledge—a way we hold ourselves accountable to the values of our research.

IN CONDUCTNG OUR RESEARCH,

Decolonial Praxes

We will emphasize inclusivity, prioritize the voices of African American community members, and challenge class injustices.

Community Engagement

We will regularly consult, support, and prioritize consideration of the community in all efforts to facilitate, gather, and present our research on the Brush Arbor/Starkville Colored Cemetery.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

We will restore and preserve any information on cultural, historical, and social ties of the cemetery and African American community members in Starkville, for community learning.