The Tree Remembers What the Axe Forgets

There is a proverb reminding us that those who bear the weight of harm often remember long after those who inflict it have moved on. This wisdom underscores the importance of historical understanding, as past harms continue to perpetuate present tensions, erode institutional trust, and legitimize those whose experiences are recognized or marginalized in equity-oriented work. In today’s climate marked by heightened anti-immigrant sentiment—and immigration-related fear, as evident in Minnesota and across many parts of the country—this reminder carries particular urgency. Viewed through a historical and organizational power lens, the proverb suggests an ethical responsibility for institutions to recognize, protect, and support those who carry the burden of equity labor. Advancing equity requires more than good intentions; it calls for humility, reflexivity, and awareness of positionality and power. I have been on sabbatical during the fall of 2025, and much of this time has been devoted to reflecting on what it means to advance the values of our profession in this moment shaped by deep division, uncertainty, and collective fatigue. More than a break from my faculty and administrative responsibilities, this period of leave has created sustained space for me to spend time in communities in ways that restored my energy, sharpened my perspective, and renewed my motivation to contribute meaningfully to teaching, scholarship, and professional practice. These engagements deepened my reflections of how past harms leave enduring imprints on people, institutions, and places, and why historical awareness is foundational to justice-oriented practice within systems of power. At the same time, witnessing community resilience and hearing stories of renewal and hope have strengthened my commitment and resolve to continue this work.