Traditions Reimagined in Modern Spaces

Cultural traditions are often seen as fixed in the past, but for bicultural artists, they are living sources of inspiration. Across communities, ancestral practices like calligraphy, weaving, or folk dance are finding new life in contemporary art forms. A brushstroke once reserved for poetry may now appear in street murals, or a textile pattern once worn at ceremonies may inspire modern fashion designs. By reimagining these traditions in fresh ways, artists show that heritage is not static—it evolves with each generation.

When bicultural artists reinterpret traditions, they do more than preserve them—they make them accessible to wider audiences. A performance that blends traditional instruments with modern beats can resonate with young people who might not otherwise connect with cultural history. Similarly, a gallery installation that incorporates ancestral symbols into modern digital media can spark conversations across cultures. These creative reinterpretations allow traditions to thrive outside their original contexts, ensuring that they remain relevant while honoring their roots.

The beauty of reimagining traditions is that it proves culture is both timeless and adaptable. Bicultural artists show us that innovation doesn’t mean abandoning heritage, but expanding it. In modern spaces—whether on stage, in galleries, or online—traditions are not only remembered, but transformed into tools of expression, healing, and connection. By blending the past with the present, these artists ensure that traditions remain powerful, inspiring, and deeply meaningful for generations to come.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Honoring Wisdom Across Generations

In BIPOC families, elders hold more than memories—they carry the stories, traditions, and practices that root us in who we are. Learning from them means gaining access to a living archive of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. Whether it’s through oral histories, recipes, music, or rituals, elders pass down traditions that remind us of our collective strength and the journeys of those who came before us.

When we sit with our elders, we aren’t just hearing lessons—we’re experiencing culture firsthand. Simple acts, like learning to prepare a family dish, hearing a lullaby in an ancestral language, or practicing a craft handed down through generations, become moments of connection and continuity. These traditions are often survival stories wrapped in beauty, showing how communities endured and thrived despite hardship. They remind younger generations that culture is not just preserved in museums—it’s alive in daily life.

The beauty of learning traditions from our elders is that it gives us the tools to shape our future with roots firmly planted in the past. For BIPOC families, this knowledge ensures that identity is not lost but carried proudly into new spaces. By listening, learning, and practicing these traditions, we keep our cultures vibrant and evolving, honoring the sacrifices of our elders while building bridges for the generations to come. In this exchange, we discover that tradition is not just about the past—it’s a gift for the future.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Strings of Identity: The BIPOC Experience Through the Guzheng

As a Black guzheng artist, I live at the intersection of multiple identities. The guzheng, with its thousands of years of history rooted in Chinese culture, became my voice. Each performance is a reminder that identity is layered: I am both carrying the traditions of an instrument not born of my culture and expanding what it means to represent Black artistry in America. My journey has been about more than music, it’s been about reclaiming space, creating belonging, and showing that culture is not a wall, but a bridge.

The BIPOC experience is defined by resilience and adaptation. For me, learning the guzheng meant stepping into rooms where I was often the only Black person, asked again and again to explain my choice of instrument. At times, the pressure to “justify” my art was heavy, but that very tension also shaped my perspective: identity is not confined by expectation. The guzheng’s voice—at once delicate, powerful, and infinite—mirrors the complexity of BIPOC existence. We carry histories of struggle, yet we transform those stories into art, sound, and healing. My fingers on the strings are not just playing notes, but weaving together threads of ancestry, survival, and hope.

To be BIPOC in the arts is to confront stereotypes while also rewriting narratives. Every performance is my way of saying: we belong everywhere art is made. The guzheng in my hands represents possibility—proof that boundaries can be crossed, cultures can be shared, and voices once silenced can be amplified. As a Black guzheng artist, I don’t just play music; I embody the resilience of my community, the shared dreams of BIPOC artists, and the promise that our voices whether spoken, sung, or strummed across strings, will continue to shape the world.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Creating a Culture of Kindness in Schools

Violence among students is a serious issue that affects not only the individuals directly involved but the entire school community. Acts of bullying, fighting, or intimidation create an environment of fear that hinders learning and personal growth. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported when they walk into a classroom, and stopping violence starts with recognizing the problem and committing to change.

One of the most effective ways to reduce violence in schools is by building awareness and providing strong support systems. This includes teaching students about conflict resolution, empathy, and emotional regulation at an early age. Schools can also encourage open communication where students feel comfortable reporting problems without fear of retaliation. In addition, involving parents, teachers, and counselors ensures that students at risk of engaging in violence are identified early and given the help they need.

Stopping violence is not just about responding to incidents—it’s about creating a culture where respect and kindness are the norm. When schools actively promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and provide safe spaces for students to express themselves, they reduce the likelihood of conflict turning into violence. By working together—students, educators, families, and communities—we can replace fear with trust, build stronger relationships, and make schools places where learning and growth thrive free from violence.

Jarrelle (杰遨) Barton

Friendship Over Fear: Building Kindness and Ending Bullying in Our Schools

Friendship is one of the most important foundations of a positive school environment. When students feel connected to their peers, they are more likely to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. A good friend can make school feel safer, more welcoming, and more enjoyable, creating a sense of belonging that every student deserves.

On the other hand, bullying damages that sense of belonging and can leave lasting emotional scars. Being excluded, teased, or targeted can make students feel isolated and fearful, which impacts not only their confidence but also their ability to learn. Bullying undermines the very spirit of community that schools work so hard to build, replacing trust and safety with fear and division.

That’s why it is so important to encourage kindness, empathy, and inclusion in every classroom. By promoting friendships and teaching students to stand up for one another, schools can create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected. Each act of friendship—no matter how small—has the power to change someone’s day, and together, students can create a culture that says no to bullying and yes to kindness.

Inspiring Words for Students

  • Show kindness every day, because even small acts can make a big difference.
  • Treat everyone with respect, no matter how different they are from you.
  • Include others so no one feels left out or alone.
  • Practice empathy by trying to understand how others feel.
  • Be courageous and stand up for yourself and for others.
  • Support your friends and classmates when they need help.
  • Remember that everyone deserves to belong and feel safe at school.
  • Work together in unity to build a school community that cares.
  • Celebrate friendship—it makes school brighter for everyone.

Friendship has the power to transform schools into safe, supportive, and joyful places for everyone. When students choose kindness over cruelty and inclusion over exclusion, they help create a community where no one feels alone. Bullying may cause harm, but strong friendships can heal, uplift, and inspire. Together, students can build a culture of respect and unity—one where every voice matters, and every person belongs.

If you are in need of crisis support contact the text line by texting MN to 741741

Jarrelle ( 杰遨 )Barton

What Is Acute Stress? And How to Tell If You’re Experiencing It

Traumatic experiences can leave lasting impressions far beyond the initial moment of impact. Whether it’s a sudden car accident, a violent assault, a serious injury, or another life-threatening event, the body and mind often respond with shock, confusion, and a flood of emotions—or in some cases, a complete lack of them. While some people feel their reactions immediately, others may notice the effects days later in the form of numbness, sleepless nights, or persistent anxiety. These kinds of intense, short-term reactions to trauma are not uncommon, and in many cases, they may point to a condition known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD). Understanding what ASD is, how it shows up, and why it matters is an important step toward recognizing the hidden effects of trauma and supporting recovery.

Key facts to know about ASD:

  • Timing: ASD symptoms last from 3 days up to 1 month after a traumatic event. Beyond that, symptoms may indicate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Prevalence: Studies show between 11–40% of people experience ASD after violence-related injuries.
  • Symptoms: Signs can be emotional (numbness, irritability, distressing memories), physical (rapid heartbeat, panic, nausea), or psychological (nightmares, hypervigilance, detachment).
  • Risk factors: Prior trauma, existing mental health conditions, avoidant coping strategies, or trauma from assault can increase the likelihood of developing ASD.
  • Impact: ASD can interfere with work, relationships, and overall health—sometimes leading to negative coping behaviors such as substance use.

While acute stress is a natural response to danger, untreated ASD may lead to more severe conditions like PTSD. Professional support, trauma-focused therapy, medication (when necessary), and understanding from loved ones all play an important role in recovery.

Traumatic events can shake anyone’s sense of safety and stability, but recovery is possible. Recognizing the signs of acute stress and seeking timely support can help turn a painful experience into the first step toward healing and resilience.

Reference:https://www.verywellmind.com/acute-stress-8736065?hid=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&did=19433671-20250915&utm_source=verywellmind&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=verywellmind_newsletter&utm_content=091525&lctg=9da7c9b8a1c14056d0b1170abc613280ce8d3716&lr_input=c24f0f82324dd205a457b795567a3fcc0905f5476a12d769963bdac7cec1fc7a