Sandy Holman encourages youths’ passion for change

PHOTO: Sandy Holman, Culture C. O. -O. P. founder

By Alex Maduros

Sandy Holman aims to better the community, not just through her own work on systemic change, but also through her support of young people.

For a long time Holman noted that social issues were being handled poorly in the country. Her worries arose from the “bandaid” approach that she felt most people and organizations were using to solve issues, specifically issues of anti-blackness and racism. 

Holman believes that it is instead better to look at the root cause of a problem and make changes to the systems that further the problem. “Systemic change is important if you really want to see a better world,” Holman said. 

Deciding to take matters into her own hands, Holman began the Culture C.O.-O.P. in 1991. The Culture C.O.-O.P. educates individuals and communities about how systemic change is crucial for developing healthier communities. 

To achieve these goals, the organization creates strategies such as their model for transforming individuals, communities and systems. 

Holman’s organization also creates research-based presentations and a variety of art forms. Examples of Holman’s past work include the Culture C.O.-O.P.’s documentary “The Cost of Darkness” and book “We All Have a Heritage.”

Holman’s work does not stop there, however, and another large aspect of her work is the responsibility she feels to help others in the community discover their own gifts. 

“We should all optimize our gifts and work with others,” Holman said. With their gifts, Holman believes that everyone has the ability to make a difference.

Holman helps people of all different ages and backgrounds get in touch with their gifts, but she feels that it is especially important to help youth discover their ability to make change.

“Young people to me represent saving our present and our future,” Holman said. “They deserve all the help to make sure they live in a healthier world.”

Xochitl Armién, a recent Davis High graduate who began interning for the Culture C.O.-O.P. in July 2022, appreciated Holman’s mentorship.  “It was an opportunity to take my passion for writing and social justice to the next level,” Armién said.

Armién has continued to work closely with Holman through writing blogs for the organization. “She [Holman] puts so much into the community, and it truly makes a difference,” Armién said.

Looking towards the future of the Culture C.O.-O.P., Holman is focused on systemic change, using the arts to address issues, empowering the youth and supporting others trying to make changes in their community.