Release, Resist, Renew

The courage to imagine something different

Author

The CORRE Collective
April 04, 2025

THE CORRE COLLECTIVE

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a growing collective of artists/activists responding to all forms of oppression through community-based production, especially by and for marginalized groups.

Together we are creating a space to process the growing fragmentation of our world, so that we can cultivate new futures liberated with the courage to imagine.

Base Creators

WHO ARE WE

(S) - I am an undergraduate at the University of Mississippi, majoring in Political Science and English with a minor in Gender Studies. Currently, I’m working on a thesis project that emphasizes art as a resistance practice during the AIDS epidemic, connecting queer and trans communities during the 1980s and 90s to the modern rise of fascism, surveillance, and anti-LGBTQ+ ideology. Outside of school, I love writing poetry, cooking, singing, and thinking about all things lesbian.

(O) - I am a Black & Queer undergraduate at the University of Mississippi. Currently, I’m going the B.F.A. (bachelor of fine arts) route with an emphasis in Graphic Design/Web Design. I enjoy all mediums honestly, but I’ve really taken a liking to painting, ceramics, and printmaking! Most of my art focuses on being authentic and unapologetic about one’s identity, sexuality, morals, beliefs and views. Outside of school I love music, dancing, getting grounded in nature, trading, being with my partner, and SWEETS! (Shoutout Nothing Bundt Cakes) P.S. SUPER excited to share our baby, The Corre Collective, and our initiative with the world!

(D)- I am an artist devoted to the exploration and understanding of our relationship to the natural world, to each other and to our Selves.

(A) - I am a mixed-media artist and writer from the Deep South. Since I can remember, I’ve been caught up in the beauty of this world and finding ways to express/understand it. This is one of the many ways that I am learning to do that. Soon, I’ll be pursing my PhD while continuing to create art and put my feet in the grass.

Literary

COMMON READ

Artwork by: Makeba Rainey

A Litany for Survival

Audre Lorde

Blurb

“A Litany for Survival” by self-described Black  “lesbian, mother, poet, warrior” Audre Lorde voices the urgency of ‘speaking’ in the face of systemic oppression. For marginalized people–queer, POC, trans, disabled, poor–our lives have been structured by the imposition of state-sanctioned violence, fear, and shame. What point is there in remaining silent in the face of institutions that will never grant us human rights and dignity? Resistance and self-naming, where the community is the site of care, is the only sustainable path to liberation. Our voices and our art are powerful tools to dismantle “the master’s house.”

Soundscapes

release.resist.renew

We’ve cultivated a playlist based on this month’s theme of Release, Resist, Renew. Three songs that evoke the feeling of release. Three songs that embolden you to resist. Three songs to remind you how to renew.

Alt News

Let’s Get Local

Artist Submissions

Camp Sister Spirit - A Love Letter S's personal essay on redefining Southern queerness as a native Mississippi lesbian through the lens of Camp Sister Spirit's history 101.59 KB • PDF File

O’s graphic design reminding us to Stand Up for What We Believe In

All-nessA poem by A on humanness and becoming more together.47.71 KB • PDF File
Unprecedented Normal ZineA zine submitted by local artist Emily McDougal 208.98 KB • PDF File
Thank You, I Love You, I am LearningAnother incredible local zine by Emily McDougal 1.40 MB • PDF File

cheeky letters of resistance sent straight to the white house

Community Care Corner

Ways we’re caring for ourselves and each other this month,

Tingsha cymbals & old singing bowls

Yoga Nidra / Breathwork

Yoga Nidra by Ally Boothroyd

Rest Well Tea Blend

1tsp skullcap

1tsp lavender

1tsp chamomile

*boil 2 cups of water, then pour over loose tea leaves. steep for 15-25 minutes. add honey or agave. Rest Well.

Plates of herbs

Ways we unplug + Things that are bringing us joy this month

O’s love of painting

Early days of logo sketches w/ S, A, and O :)

S handing out zines at the local queer and feminist bookstore Violet Valley

Queer and trans expressions of joy and community at CODE Pink

Shopping at New Orlean’s Black owned independent bookstore Baldwin Books

Our beautiful Earth

A’s love of playing cozy games to wind down and bring a little whimsy/fantasy into their every day routine.

A meal enjoyed at the CORRE family potluck

Call to Action

We would love to see more contributions from artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, scholars, and individuals looking to make a difference through voicing, imagining, or staging resistance. Our next issue theme will be announced on our website soon! Help us to grow this space and foster deep community ties!

Join protestors across the country and in our home state of Mississippi in resisting the Trump administration’s devastating, tyrannical policies tomorrow April 5th. Here are a few safety tips for protest actions drawn from seasoned activists:

  1. Disable GPS location tracking

  2. Disable face/fingerprint unlock

  3. Use Signal or other private server phone messaging systems to communicate with other protestors safely

  4. Keep your phone in airplane mode at the protest at all times

  5. Do not share photos or videos of protestors with identifiable faces

  6. Cover up any identifiable/distinguishing marks such as tattoos, facial hair, parts of face, piercings, etc.

BUY LOCAL - PROTEST WITH YOUR POCKETBOOK

Where to shop for food: Chicory Market and Oxford Community Market for Groceries - Support local farmers and use the link below to apply for MS SNAP program that can be used to significantly offset grocery costs

Directory for Black-owned businesses in the Memphis area

Highlighting MS based Mutual Aid Funds:

DO NOT BE AFRAID. RELEASE. RESIST. RENEW.

Shoutout to one of our artist’s cute kiddos for the doodles :)