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Manifesting Humanity with Kwabi Amoah-Forson's Peace Bus

drjamie@brooksdentalstudio.com (Jamie Brooks) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 18:22:08 GMT

Kwabi Amoah-Forson is a man on a mission. If you live in the Tacoma area you have no doubt spied his baby blue, 1988 Mitsubishi bus cruising the streets. It’s hard to miss with “Peace Bus” emblazoned on the side.

Photo courtesy of Chris Daniels. IG: @ ChrisDanielsArt

Tacoma native, Amoah-Forson is quick to flash an easy smile and wave hello while on the road. As a self professed peace ambassador he’s campaigned for peace and unity in a number of ways, including but not limited to distributing cereal to families in need, gifting children with toys during the holiday season, providing necessities like socks to those who need them most and even producing and starring in a kids’ tv show with a cast of diverse characters, human and muppet, alike.

With his upcoming campaign, Manifest Humanity, Kwabi plans to drive across the country to meet with President Biden himself to have a conversation about what it means to come together as a nation. During this trek he will hit up numerous cities along the way to distribute free books about peace, community and inclusivity.

When asked what inspired this journey, Amoah-Forson replied “The discordance, the division that we’ve witnessed, in the past certainly, but in 2020 more than ever, has left us feeling as polarized as ever. This sort of inflamed nature that we’re seeing currently, it’s been inspiring me to use my own platform to mend us together. To create a new movement embedded in understanding.”

“When I was growing up, my mom did a really good job of educating me and my brother on leaders. Especially on leaders of color who work in the community in order to better the country from Martin Luther King to Thurgood Marshall, Bayard Rustin, people like that who really inspired to do good work.” Attending grad school for business, doing his thing, but still feeling unfulfilled Kwabi began to ask himself, “why am I here?” and after reaching out to an old professor of his for guidance he came

away with the advice “Try to figure out who you want to be. Not what you want to be.”

At the base level for me as an individual I love seeing different people of different walks of life, different creeds, different races, different religions, coming together for a good cause. It puts goosebumps on my arms. So that’s what I’ve dedicated my life towards.

He said, “At the base level for me as an individual I love seeing different people of different walks of life, different creeds, different races, different religions, coming together for a good cause. It puts goosebumps on my arms. So that’s what I’ve dedicated my life towards.”

While contemplating the quest to connect with President Biden, Kwabi woke up one morning with Jonny Appleseed on his mind. The legend of a pioneer apple farmer, planting seeds to create abundance. Why couldn’t he do the same with peace? “We can plant the seed and as they grow older children would have a heart to help each other and have more of a culture of peace.”

With this in mind, he curated a Peace Reading List that includes titles for all ages, from toddlerhood to college-aged readers with special attention to themes like poverty, community, culture and others that encompass inclusivity and understanding, as Amoah-Forson says, “Understanding is the bedrock of peace. Us setting aside our differences, or better yet having respect for our differences and coming together.”

Photo courtesy of Chris Daniels. IG: @ ChrisDanielsArt

Those interested in supporting the vision can make monetary donations online on the Peace Bus Go Fund Me Page or by selecting a book or two and having it delivered directly to the Peace Bus PO Box prior to their departure. August 22 launches the Manifest Humanity campaign with a going away gathering happening here in the south sound prior to the Peace Bus embarking on its 27 day

voyage to Washington DC.

Side note: the Peace Bus is also on the lookout for host families along the way, who may be interested in opening their homes up for the Peace Bus squad to rest their weary heads along the way. If this might be you, Kwabi encourages you to reach out!

I’ll close with a little motivational thought from Amoah-Forson, “We can never downplay the importance of giving to people because it is always something we can do.”

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Brooks Dental Studio is energized to support The Peace Bus and Kwabi's Manifest Humanity Campaign through the ongoing Duggan, Brooks & Books partnership. Learn more about the project and how you can be part of it here.

Hindsight 2020: Art Show Opening

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 13:41:17 GMT

As Dr. Jamie thought about what art should grace Brooks Dental Studio at the start of 2021, she wanted it to reflect individual triumphs and struggles of 2020. “Hindsight 2020” showcases reflections from seventeen local artists as each details a personal experience from the year. Curator Tori Fields asked contributors to think about the unprecedented, and to submit a piece that in some way broke with each artist’s usual body of work or process. With an emphasis on spontaneity and experimentation--who hasn’t had to rely on a bit of both in 2020?--the show focuses on story and discomfort, featuring a wide range of backgrounds and specialities.

Each piece is presented beside a statement from the artists that details the intention of the artwork and the experience of making it, allowing viewers a throughline of connection with each artist, seventeen windows into seventeen individual 2020 stories.

The offerings in the show cover a gambit of emotions, though a few particular themes stand out. Four pieces address the life and legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: artist Nori Kimura’s statement explains how he chose four female middle school students to paint the piece with him, to honor RBG's work towards women's rights. Another piece, Michaela Eaves’s “Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a cat,” was created to raise money for "organizations aligned with the impact of [Ginsberg's] life."

The wildfires this past fall also feature in multiple works. Sierra Hartman of Grit City Magazine created a photo collage of scenes from Tacoma ablaze, while Kris Crews photo of sunset on September 11th, fires in full view, captures an unnerving scene.

“Hindsight 2020” features work across media ranging from photography to assemblage.

There’s even an interactive piece--Mindy Barker’s “Whatchamahugit”--that addresses Barker’s experience of the isolation caused by the pandemic. Playing on the sentiment of our times, it’s truly a must-see-in-person experience!

Don’t forget to check out the show online via our hashtags, and please tag us if you’re able to visit!

#hindsight2020

#BrooksDental2020artshow

6 Tacoma-centric Ideas for a Healthier You in 2021

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 12:38:31 GMT

This is the time of year we typically try and double-down on getting fit and healthy--but with COVID-19 cases on the rise, spending more time at the gym isn’t an option. Don’t let all-important social-distancing guidelines turn you away from making positive changes in your life, though: now, more than ever, we need to turn to exercise and overall healthy habits to lift our spirits. With gray skies overhead, it can be hard to motivate to get outside, so we’ve done the legwork: see our recommendations for six local places/practices that will help you bring a healthy mind and body into 2021.

Take a Walk in the Park (or bay, or bridge, or vista)

Despite its urban appeal, Tacoma has no shortage of scenic spots to walk, run, or even hike. Point Defiance may be known for its zoo and aquarium, but you’ll find it easy to socially distance on the wooded trails that weave through Five Mile Drive. There’s truly something for everyone here--not up for a hike? Head down to Owen Beach and see if you can skip a stone all the way to Vashon. Dune Peninsula, a former superfund site-turned-gorgeous-park, is all sky and Sound, with paved, accessible walkways and plenty of open space for small gatherings.

Online Yoga

Sometimes we need the company of others to motivate ourselves. With gyms closed and in-person classes often a high risk, local studios Expand Yoga and Source Yoga are offering online sessions, fostering a sense of community with necessary practicality. For those looking for a more personally-tailored experience, Expand is even offering the option of private, 1-on-1 yoga instruction (both hot and non-hot).

Expand Yoga Online Classes: www.expandyoga.com/streaming-classes

Source Yoga Online Classes: sourceyogaonline.com/classes/

Juice Up!

The resolution to eat better doesn’t have to be a lonely one, and though we can’t properly “gather,” Gather Juice Co. has the supplies--and the treats--to fuel you post-workout, post-meditation, post-walk, post-dentist appointment...Check out their spot on 6th Ave for walkup ordering (or order ahead, online!). From customizable smoothie bowls to hearty chipotle avocado toasts, locally-made kombucha and Hu chocolate bars, there is truly something for everyone and every mood. The folks at Gather are ready to help you plan a juice cleanse or pick up some bulk spices; best of all, many of their ingredients and products are locally-sourced and support small-batch makers of Tacoma.

Another local favorite is downtown Tacoma's Happy Belly. They offer smoothies, fresh juice,
and a globally-inspired menu in Downtown Tacoma. We especially love their Daybreak green juice and the Nona salad.

Gather: https://gatherjuiceco.square.site/

Happy Belly: https://www.happybellytacoma.com/

Watch the Sunrise

The monotony of the pandemic is undeniable, and it can feel challenging to shake out the wintertime, stay-at-home slump. If we can’t go long-distance for a change of pace, what about embracing a different time of day? Set an early alarm and go watch the sun come up, in all its beautiful, reliable glory.

Climb Tacoma Hills

For those looking for a physical challenge, there’s no need to pine over CrossFit--multiple Tacoma neighborhoods feature steep inclines that give you views and an endorphin rush all at once. N. 29th, 30th, and Carr streets in Old Town, as well as the main streets of Downtown Tacoma, will leave your calves burning and your heart pumping (and your appetite ready to head to Gather Juice Co.!). For a more traditional workout scene, head to the stairs at Stadium Bowl, or the bleachers and track at the University of Puget Sound.

Pause and Reflect

Health and wellness doesn’t only refer to physical fitness; especially during the stress of the pandemic, our psychic fitness needs to be maintained, as well. Consider a gentle walk and reflection at one of many beautiful, local parks, and take the time you need to maintain connection with yourself and those in the community. Take a moment to reflect, and to learn some vital local history, at the Chinese Reconciliation Park. After Tacoma’s Chinese population was forced out of their homes in 1885, it took over 100 years for a proper apology and landmark establishment; now, any and all visitors to the Old Town waterfront can learn about this vital corner of Tacoma history. Despite the heaviness of the park’s establishment, it’s also just a beautiful place to spend some time by the water, and is open to all, every day.

And consider strolling through Wright Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also designed Central Park). With over 450 labeled species of trees within its 27 acres, it’s an ideal place to humble oneself in nature’s presence. The conservatory’s plant collection contains over 250 individual species from around the world; check back in on January 4 to see new COVID-compliant hours.