What does it mean #ToBeFree?
As our landscape continues to bring stories of the Black community into the light of civic witness, we honor the story of Hope Hyder.
Watch the film below & join the campaign to share Hope’s story.
Synopsis: In 1980, Hope’s father Steve Harvey, a talented jazz musician, was beaten to death in Kansas City, Missouri in a racially motivated crime. At the time Hope was six years old and wasn’t able to grapple with the emotional complexity of losing her father. Years later, Hope began a healing journey in which she faced the truth and opened her heart in self-forgiveness as well as in forgiveness for the man who killed her father.
We’d love your help. Take action.
By sharing Hope’s #ToBeFree story you are supporting
Hope Hyder’s healing journey as a vehicle to spark possibility for grappling with trauma and freeing ourselves
The honoring of Steve Harvey’s life and music, and the justice in seeing the truth of his death
A celebration of the Black community and steps towards justice for those who have died through the violence of racial discrimination
A celebration of the roots of jazz music in the Black community as profound artistic contributions to the world
A way to approach social change that is deeply rooted in healing, forgiveness, and restorative justice
A shift from divisive narratives to restorative narratives through community reflection and sharing our personal stories
Listen to Steve Harvey’s song Sax Supreme (Island in the Sky):
Community Engagement
“After watching To Be Free, I realized that if we don’t merge personal responsibility with activism we will continue to externalize our inner conflicts as war.”
William
“While I was watching this film, I realized that I’ve spent the last twenty years disconnected from the younger part of me who was bullied in school. I had never actually felt her helplessness. Perhaps self love is just showing up now for this part of myself? ”
Doris
“Hope calls me into compassion for those I’ve judged. We’re all humans grappling with the stuff life throws.”
Lonny
“Honestly, if my father was murdered I would want revenge. Hope is showing us a way to stop cycles of hate as well as restorative solutions to racial tensions.”
Jordan
“Recognizing my freedom means opening to my grief.”
Suzie
“Hope's story is a beautiful testament to show if we're brave enough to face our early wounds, we can achieve post-traumatic growth, freedom and joy even from the most painful of experiences. Her courage to face the traumatic loss of her father and be able to share her prolific story and healing journey gives me hope in both my healing and for society in what feels like a dark time. Thank you, Hope, I hear, appreciate and was emotionally moved by your honest, courageous story.”
Lindsay
