Healing Through the Arts: Zion Rose Telling the Stories of Marginalized Communities

My journey began in 2011 on the streets of Brazil, documenting life in the margins and inviting these remarkable individuals to share their stories with me. Over the next five years Brazil would play a staring role on the world stage as they hosted the Olympics and World Cup. During this time, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact these mega-events had on the lives of marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. This same global spotlight holds the potential to elevate the voices of women in trafficking, children on the streets, and those living in deep poverty. This was the story that I wanted to tell.

The Hidden Narratives Behind Mega-Events & Marginalized Communities

Many watch the pomp and circumstance of the games without considering how the layers of the host nation’s history unfold beyond the mainstream news coverage. The Rio 2016 Olympics opened with stunning aerial shots of the Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the seven wonders of the world. The statue itself was built in honor of Princess Isabella, who is credited with ending slavery in Brazil. She was married to a French prince, and the statue was sculpted in France before being shipped across the Atlantic. However, beneath these outstretched arms, there were relocation issues and conflicts over the favelas, rooted in Brazil’s complex history with slavery. There was controversy around Isabella’s motives for ending slavery – and so it seems fitting that the princess decided there should not be a statue of herself built on the mountain but of Jesus, who she declared “is the true liberator of mankind”.

Paris 2024: A New Narrative

As we look ahead to Paris 2024, the conversation around inclusivity and accessibility has begun again. The official slogan of the 2024 Paris Olympics is “Games wide open”. This event seeks to make a historic change, bringing the event out of stadiums and into the streets in front of the most famous French monuments. The intention is to make the events more accessible to everyone. However, according to many reports, this has not been the case for the homeless and street workers who have again allegedly faced mass evictions. Beyond sports, it is critical to highlight the importance of leaving a positive social legacy for the nation’s most vulnerable and a celebration that resonates with all citizens.

The Power of Storytelling and Education

The Olympic Games have always provided a unique opportunity for unity and education every two years. Education, at its core, is storytelling. As a child, the stories of Olympic athletes overcoming great odds to compete internationally inspired me. They made the world seem more accessible, even in my small rural community in Pennsylvania. Watching the short documentaries between events that depicted the athletes’ journeys, their struggles, and their triumphs instilled in me a deep appreciation for resilience and the beauty of diverse cultures. In turn this inspired me to want to tell the stories of the unseen and unknown side of the Olympics.

An Unconventional Educational Journey

There were two organizations that played a foundational role in helping me carry out this mission. The first was found during my less-than-conventional education journey. Traditional schooling was a lifelong struggle for me, and I decided to move overseas before completing my degree. However, immigration requirements brought back the need for a formal education. This led me to Thomas Edison State University (TESU), which recognized my professional work as life experience credit and launched my Olympic research or, as it is called by the college, my Capstone Project.

In 2017, I began a two-year project documenting the effects of the Olympics on vulnerable populations and marginalized communities. This research culminated in a book, a web exhibition, and a degree in arts and psychology. The project took on new significance during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the individuals I had written about faced even greater hardships. I used the online exhibition to direct funds to an emergency care center in Rio during what would have been the Tokyo Games.

Finding Hope and Support with Capstone Legacy Foundation

During the pandemic, I found myself back in Pennsylvania for a portion of time, questioning next steps. A friend introduced me to Capstone Legacy Foundation, a national non-profit community foundation. In 2021, I established Zion Rose as a Ministry Charity Project under Capstone, focusing on healing through the arts and advocacy through imagery.

Capstone Legacy Foundation acts as an umbrella foundation for startups and new non-profits, Capstone’s support has been invaluable, helping navigate the complexities of paperwork, financial accountability, and providing a community of pioneers committed to making a difference.

The Olympic Anthem Paris: Continuing the Journey

How You Can Support

My hope is that, if nothing else, you will be inspired to participate in the games from behind your TV screen, to dive into the opportunity to stand in the shoes of those who have come from vastly different cultures. This two-week international truce reminds us that unity is possible, but it involves investment. If you would like to support the continuation of this project, The Olympic Anthem Paris, you can do so through the link below.

Support The Olympic Anthem Paris

Donate

You can also view the video I made in Rio on the Olympic Anthem website. Thank you for joining me on this journey of healing through the arts and supporting social justice through visual storytelling.

This article was contributed by Zion Rose, a Ministry Charity Project of Capstone Legacy Foundation.