Written By: Dr. Sonya Alise McKinzie
Once upon a time—not in a faraway land, but right here in our own neighborhood there lived a constellation of brave souls. They were not cloaked in capes or armed with shields. No, their armor was invisible, forged in silence, resilience, and survival. These were the warriors of survivors of trauma, of systems that failed them, of nights too long and days too heavy. And instead of swords, they exerted something far more powerful, their voices.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, those voices will rise like a chorus of phoenixes at the Healing Thru the Arts event, hosted by The K.A.S.S.I.E. Project. This year’s theme, “My Voice, My Truth, My Power,” is more than a title, it’s a declaration, a reclamation, a revolution wrapped in rhythm and rhyme.
The K.A.S.S.I.E. Project: Where Healing Finds Its Voice
Founded by the indomitable Khrys Styles, The K.A.S.S.I.E. Project, short for Keeping All Survivors Safe In Every Way, is not just a nonprofit. It is a sanctuary. A movement. A heartbeat in the dark for those who have felt unseen and unheard. It is where pain meets purpose, and where survivors of sexual and domestic abuse are invited to transform their stories into art.
The mission is simple, yet soul-stirring, to empower survivors to reclaim their narratives through creative expression. Whether through spoken word, music, dance, or visual art, The K.A.S.S.I.E. Project offers a platform that is raw, real, and radically inclusive. It is a place where healing doesn’t always come from a couch, it might come from a canvas, a microphone, or a stage.
A Night Like No Other
Imagine this: a softly lit venue, the scent of lavender and liberation in the air. The walls whisper affirmations, “You Are Enough,” “Your Story Matters,” “You Are Not Alone.” The room hums with anticipation. Then, silence. A spotlight. A breath. And a voice.
At first, it may tremble. But then, like a river breaking through a dam, the words flow,
“I survived.” “I’m still here.” “I am a thriver.” And just like that, the room transforms, tears fall, hands clasp, and hearts open. This is not just a performance, it is a sacred exchange between speakers and listeners, survivors and the community, and pain and power.
Why This Matters
In a world that too often silences survivors, The K.A.S.S.I.E. Project hands them the mic and says, “We believe you. See you. Tell your story.” This event is not just about art; it is about activism and humanitarianism. It is about breaking generational cycles, dismantling stigma, and building a culture of compassion. It is about creating a world where survivors are not just heard but celebrated, empowered, and activated to not only survive but to Thrive! And there is something undeniably magical about watching someone step into their power. It’s like witnessing a sunrise after a long, dark night. On July 12th, the stage will be ablaze with that kind of light.
What to Expect
This evening promises more than just poetry—it’s a full-sensory experience of healing and joy:
• Live Music to stir the soul
• Giveaways & Swag Bags filled with love
• Lite Bites to nourish the body
• Local Vendors showcasing community talent
• Live Artist capturing the spirit of the night
• The Iconic K.A.S.S.I.E. Couch—sign it as a pledge to healing and growth after abuse
How to Attend (Yes, It’s Free!)
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EST
Location: The APEX Museum, Atlanta, GA
Admission: FREE (Registration Required)
Register Here
Support the Movement
Even if you can’t attend, your support can still make a difference:
• Donate to fund survivor-led programming
• Sponsor a survivor’s participation in future events
• Share the event with your network
Every dollar, every share, every act of support helps amplify voices that deserve to be heard. This Healing Thru the Arts event is not just a night of performances, it is a rising, areckoning, reunion of souls who have walked through fire and emerged with stories etched in gold. So come. Bring your open heart, your listening ears, and maybe a few tissues. Because on July 12th, the stage won’t just be lit, it will be on fire with truth, courage, and the kind of beauty that only comes from surviving the storm. This is a celebration, a homecoming, and a love letter to every survivor who has ever felt alone.
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