The Collection is an annual virtual arts showcase that uplifts the voices of gun violence survivors, people with disabilities and their allies.

This wheelchair life is not a game
ever since I got paralyzed, my life hasn't been the same
But I will never be ashamed 
to let the whole world know my struggles and pain
Life is an adventure, I am an inventor
in the midst of chaos, I am calm in my center
Coldest than the throes of the winter, 
yet so warm, I could stove up November
You know who I am bruh, betchu didn’t know 
I’m a world class orator, wheelchair warrior

from This Wheelchair Life
by Micah Harris

I met the Reality Poets back in the Fall of 2019. They are a dope group of artists and activists, in their words Wheelchair Warriors, who share their stories to inspire change in their communities. Being able to work by their side was an honor I’ll never forget. Before I started working with these incredible artists, I believed in the power of art; but the Reality Poets took that power to a level I had never seen before.

The transformative and healing power of art should be available to everyone. Especially during the times of COVID, it’s important we come together and share our stories through art, so that we may better understand how to navigate these unpredictable times. That’s where the idea for The Collection started to form. For our inaugural issue, we wanted to create a place where all people were free to share their stories of realness, resilience, and healing through poetry, essays, visual art, video, music or other mediums. It is when we share our stories that we can begin healing and inspiring action for safer and more just communities.

— Andres Alvarado, The Collection Co-Founder

Open Doors would like to highlight other Wheelchair Warriors sharing their stories of realness, resilience and healing:

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