This initiative aims to course-correct centuries of historic scientific harms by shifting research power and accountability away from big academic institutions and putting it directly into the hands of South Los Angeles residents. We bring together neuroscientists, social researchers, philosophers, students, community-based organizations, and South LA residents as equal co-conceptualizers of knowledge.
The initiative focuses on addressing the mind/brain health concerns of underserved South LA communities using the creative arts as a healing modality. Stemming from various collaborations including the Songwrights’ Apothecary Lab and the LA Music Center, this working group is adapting a proven ethical framework to ensure future research prioritizes community self-determination, shared authority, and mutual respect.
The initial workshops focus on Relational Trust Building. Participants use collective engagement in the creative arts as “embodied medicine.” Neuroscientific research shows that the arts activate the brain’s limbic and cortical regions, promoting emotional regulation and co-regulation to build authentic trust and connection.
Upcoming workshops will guide the team through the remaining three structural phases:
Phase 2 (Equitable Research): Exploring how systemic racism impacts health equity and defining what research justice looks like to the community.
Phase 3 (Risks & Benefits): Establishing a community review process where residents act as gatekeepers to ensure studies actively benefit local norms.
Phase 4 (Accountability): Co-constructing a final blueprint to document lessons learned, build long-term research capacity among community members, and sustain the partnership.
Past Events: