Coming HOME: Legacy Bases Loaded
What is your artifact of heritage?
“This is my grandfather’s baseball bat, and he grew up in the same house that I was raised in until the age of 11 years old. He was the only father figure that I’d really ever known and was a huge instrument and archetype in who I am as a person today.”
In this inaugural portrait of our “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” digital series, we embark on an extraordinary journey with Christopher Redd, a proud native of San Francisco. He shares his heritage through the artifact of his grandfather’s baseball legacy.
Christopher’s grandfather was a trailblazer in his own right, the first African-American baseball and basketball player for the University of Arizona. He became the first chief investigator for the city of San Francisco, earning a day of commemoration in his honor.
“All the conversations I had with him as a kid really did stick with me,” Christopher continues, “and I feel like a lot of the man that I am today has come from his influence.”
What do you wish to remember about time?
“ I feel like the biggest thing that I wish to remember about this time is how much love this world is kind of really realizing it needs. I feel like love is kind of more of an asset that we’ve ever really recognized.”
What myths have died since 2020?
“I felt like the biggest thing, for me that has changed is thinking I had time to not pursue my passions. Before the pandemic happened, people thought there was more time to not pursue things, to mess around for a while, then go after what you wanted…we kinda recognized [that] life can change on us in a quick moment.”
At Conversations by Courage, we believe that who we are is a tapestry woven from stories, myths, and experiences that we lovingly call home. To unravel the essence of our identity, we need not search far — it’s carried within and with us. Our belongings, especially cherished keepsakes, offer a glimpse into our relationship with the past. They reveal what we honor, what we miss, and what we hold dear, with enduring love. What artifacts hold the keys to your heritage?
As the nation approaches its historic 250th anniversary in 2026, we embark on a profound digital storytelling journey — “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” Our mission is clear: to help people heal through remembrance. We’re dedicated to capturing 250 heartfelt stories by 250, documenting the vibrant tapestry of America’s past, present, and future. In this remarkable project, we celebrate the power of stories. Each narrative is a thread woven into the fabric of our shared history, reminding us of our resilience, our diversity, and our unity. Together, we explore the rich tapestry of heritage, healing, and hope. Join us on this transformative journey as we pave the road to America’s 250th anniversary, one story at a time. Follow us @conversationsbycourage on Instagram and TikTok.
For information about Coming HOME: Restorying U.S., please contact Conversations By Courage.🌠🏡✨ #ComingHOMEseries #HealingThroughRemembrance #America250 #HeritageStories #HopefulFuture #DigitalStorytelling
Team Credits:
Featured Curator: Christopher Redd
Michelle Kamau, M.A, Co-Creator, Photographer
David Brose, Co-Creator, Videographer
Victiashea (Tasha) Matthews Co-Creator, Facilitator