The Arts

The Humanities

The dynamic Maya Angelou once said, “All great artists draw from the same resource: the human heart, which tells us that we are all more alike than we are unalike.” What better way to build community than by connecting at the heart—through the arts? Every culture is defined, in part, by its unique artistic expression. The arts shape our lives in powerful ways, and Higher Ground Society draws on this resource to strengthen community bonds.

From Odetta and Nina Simone’s songs of resistance to Alvin Ailey’s storytelling through dance, Elie Wiesel’s haunting words in Night, and Picasso’s Guernica, the arts have always helped us confront truth and build understanding. Higher Ground Society continues this legacy by advocating for arts access in underserved communities—helping people find beauty in themselves, in each other, and in the world around them.

The humanities—history, literature, philosophy, religion, languages, ethics—play a vital role in fostering empathy, critical thinking, and shared understanding. At Higher Ground Society, the humanities are foundational to our mission of building community and promoting dialogue. By encouraging reflection on diverse experiences and social issues through storytelling, discussion, and artistic expression, we create space for cross-cultural understanding and engagement with one’s self and the world around them. This work strengthens local identity, promotes mental wellness, and equips individuals to actively shape a more inclusive and just society.

Community Building & Civic Engagement

Higher Ground Society believes that everyday people are the true engine of the world, and that building a better future requires collaboration among neighbors. Our lives are deeply interconnected, yet outdated ideologies and fear-driven mindsets often keep us divided. In a time when division is more popular than unity, we hold onto hope. We believe the path forward begins with honest, inclusive dialogue—centered first on those most marginalized: people of color, women, queer folks, and the poor. By confronting injustice together, we work toward mutual liberation. Through conversation, understanding, and collective civic action, we aim to mend communities, identify obstacles, and hold leaders accountable. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about returning to shared values and striving for a just, peaceful future.