The Rhapsody Project’s MARCH Framework underpins the work we do as educators, community builders, and artists. First articulated by Briar and Joe Seamons in 2020, the acronym stands for:
Movement. Acknowledgment. Renewal. Collaboration. Heritage.
Here in spring of 2025, we are practicing and sharing each of these five tenets over several weeks. This week: Heritage!
Heritage
Every identity is formed of layers of Heritage, and all layers are not created equal. Explore a few of the layers that make up your realities as a human being:
Where Your Body Comes From: Your DNA
If you know your biological parents, what ethnic identities did their forebears possess? What can you learn about that part of yourself, and what resonance do you feel with the identity, practices, or evolution of those ethnic groups?
Who Raised You
What were the cultural practices of the communities we grew up in? Did we experience indigenous ceremonies? Sundays in the Baptist church? Gatherings to bake cookies in anticipation of the winter holidays? What are routines and rituals that reflect our community’s ethnicities? What music did our parents or guardians listen to, how did that help shape us?
The Land You Are Raised On (& Its History)
What is the history of the place you call home? How does it compare to the place you were raised, or your ancestors were raised? If you are not indigenous to your birthplace, what is the history and current status of its indigenous peoples? What lessons and survival skills can you draw from the nature of the land’s flora and fauna?
Your National or Cultural Identity
In America, this would be the songs on the radio, and the national pastimes you engage(d) with. This identity is not only defined by the values like liberty and justice for all–but also the cultural social pressures that sway us to engage or disengage, and work to embody the promise of a more perfect union.
More to explore
This is just an introduction to the layers of your Heritage. We encourage you to purchase our digital Layers of Heritage workbook (sliding scale!) to dig in and explore more, and join us for any of our programs where heritage is always part of the conversation.
Forcible Acculturation
Many Black Americans and Indigenous nations in America are compelled to navigate cultures and religions that were forcibly imposed upon their ancestors. “Tragedy” is not a strong enough word to reflect the magnitude of this violence. The ongoing failure of both our society and government to address this injustice is the reason we agitate and demand actions that establish cultural equity–equality of opportunity is necessary but insufficient for justice.
By joining The Rhapsody Project, you commit to addressing that injustice in both our work and your life.
Mariah Roberson at the microphone at the 2024 Heritage Ball, backed by Tate Linden, Ben Hunter, Enzo Komada, and Joe Seamons.
Choice: Most of us ultimately get to choose what cultures we are surrounded by. The family you forge for yourself, the communities you choose to raise that family in. This also includes the cultures you wish to respectfully absorb.
Celebrate all that we are and could be by learning about your history, identifying what resonates with you.
Written by Joe Seamons and Briar. Adapted to this format by Liz Castillo.
