During the midst of Covid19, I found myself struck not only by the level of cultural and communal dissonance I was experiencing during isolation, but also the stark difference of wellness and wholeness I was experiencing after years of working within community for reclamative cultural expression.

I approached “Aunty” Fran of the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum in Long Beach, CA, and mentioned how I envisioned another way of building community that did not rely on physical proximity. As a writer and a member of the literary community, I also began thinking about the effect and reach of books and story. Working with a number of the many varied artists of PIEAM, this playbook is the project realized.

We, and I, deeply hope that you enjoy.

Noelle Marie Falcis