We All Have A Heritage Campaign by The Culture C.O.-O.P.
The Story of the Culture C.O.-O.P. and United in Unity
Our Mission
The Culture C.O.-O.P. and United in Unity are sister organizations that were designed to promote systemic change, inclusion, equity, cultural competency, diversity, literacy, and a quality education for all. The acronym “C.O.-O.P.” stands for Caring, Optimistic, Open-minded People and reflects our organizations’ platforms of peace, love, and compassion for a diverse populace.
Meet Our Founder
The two organizations were founded by Sandy Lynne Holman, who has over 35 years of experience in education, research, and advocacy. Sandy has worked closely with countless organizations and individuals to employ a holistic approach to systemic transformation. She has also served on the Board of Directors for multiple agencies and been formally recognized for her commitment to the community, notably receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City Of Davis as well as an induction to the International Educators’ Hall of Fame, among others.
What We Do
The Culture C.O.-O.P. and United in Unity affirm that supremacy ideology operates through historical greed, caste, eugenics, chattel slavery, the need for cheap or free labor, and the genocide of First Nation peoples globally.
In order to deconstruct supremacy ideology, our organizations have created a mindshare of interventions that encourage a foundational understanding of the global, national, and communal causes of inequity. We use the following fundamental tools to build healthier systems, communities, organizations, and people:
the paradigm for transformation
a foundational learning system
cross-generational work/relationships with youth and adults
the arts
life skills/survive-thrive tactics of learning
special events and strategic partnerships
The paradigm for transformation is one of the most critical ways for transforming individuals, communities, systems, and beyond. It is based on hands-on work in the field as well as extensive research of the best practices for change and direct impact. A prime example of the paradigm is our documentary The Cost of Darkness, which focuses on at least seven institutions and explores how supremacy ideology and inequity have manifested. These seven institutions include the systems of politics, healthcare, the media, criminal justice, education, the economy, and the environment. And, the documentary particularly grapples with the compounded institutional impact of color bias and racism along with the distortion of African diasporic histories.
Other applications of the paradigm are:
the tenets of oppression/key precepts (e.g., historical greed, caste, and eugenics)
the “Have/Have Nots” powerpoints
the “Four Zones to Come Out of Your Comfort Zone” paper
Our cross-generational approach highlights ancestors, elders, ourselves, and those who are younger than us as pivotal sources of knowledge. It additionally cites past lessons as significant in preventing present and future mistakes that hurt people based on who they are. Therefore, we advance nuanced understandings of histories that have been sanitized or suppressed as part of maintaining the inequitable status quo. And, through customized work, we support youth and adults in envisioning better systems and ways of serving themselves.
The arts are used to engage people in powerful learning about different cultures and to motivate positive actions. This is accomplished through music, books, plays, and the likes.
Life skills and survive-thrive tactics of learning are a series of strategies to navigate life when doing anything feels impossible; once surviving feels attainable, they nurture thriving. The Culture C.O.-O.P. and United in Unity provide youth and adults with survive/thrive bags that contain items to help them navigate tough times, to support their mental health, and to inspire them to stay the course.
Special events are organized in collaboration with other creative organizations in order to create spaces to come together in solidarity. We have united people through multicultural celebrations and public gatherings such as the African American Youth Leadership Conferences.
Strategic partnerships are also orchestrated under our We All Have A Heritage initiative, a national campaign to promote diversity, cultural competency, and quality education through reading and culturally relevant responsive activities.
Get Involved
Join the Culture C.O.-O.P. and United in Unity in taking a stand for justice. We understand that we all must do our part to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a vibrant life and appreciate any support you can share. To help us make a difference, consider a one-time or monthly donation and getting involved as a volunteer.