Rooting in Radical Self Care In Honor of Sonya Massey, Sept. 15, 2-4pm, Virtual MeetUp on Zoom
BIPOC women are invited to register here.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9
Sonya Massey remains in my spirit, not unlike Sandra Bland, Breonna Taylor, Ataiana Jefferson, India Kager, Korryn Gaines, and so many lost to us because of horrific police violence.
I carry those last words from Sonya as I step out into the world - and perhaps many of us do (whether spoken or unspoken): “Please don’t hurt me.” We, who are awake, know our Black bodies are often met, not with with help, but harm.
Some folks on social media said Sonya’s last sentence before bullets battered her body didn't make sense - “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” But we understand this is spiritual warfare as much as it is physical; white supremacy is not only a system and ideology, but a spirit deeply embedded within this nation.
As a woman of faith, Sonya walked with this understanding: “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
The work of collective liberation is ongoing - and it’s why Audre Lorde’s words, too, are a guide: “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Tending to us is an act of resistance because these systems are built upon grinding us into silence, exhaustion, apathy and indifference.
When we intentionally slow down and tend to ourselves - mind, body and spirit, we are fortified to continue working towards the kinds of lasting shifts which will benefit our children, and future generations. Women of color are carrying a lot in this moment - attacks on social media, the news, and our day-to-day lives. We need (and deserve) soft spaces to land.
Photo via Unsplash
All of this is what inspired Rowana and I to open us a space where BIPOC women can exhale, a virtual well-being gathering, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2-4pm EST, register here; we will uplift radical self and community care in the tradition of Black and brown activists and creatives. Enjoy meditation, journaling and being in a sacred community as we recharge together. In loving memory of Sonya Massey, Sandra Bland, all our sisters and gender expansive people killed by state violence. As Mama Audre Lorde told us: “ I am not free while any woman is unfree even if her shackles are very different from my own.”
This event is presented by Spoken Black Girl, Pray with our Feet and When Motherhood Looks Different, LLC and sponsored by Broken Hearts Restored, Inc, founded by my dear friend Kayla. Kayla is leading a beautiful initiative through Broken Hearts Restored, Inc. - The Black Love Letter project. Letters are written by volunteers to others who may be in need of a boost of love to restore or empower their hearts. She wants people to know they are not alone. When attendees register for the event, they can receive their letter from The Black Love Letter Project.
Allies are encouraged to support the work of organizations like The African American Policy Forum, founded by Kimberlé Crenshaw (who is known for her development of “intersectionality,” “Critical Race Theory,” and the #SayHerName Campaign, and is the host of the podcast Intersectionality Matters!), Spoken Black Girl (SBG), Healing Entrepreneur Podcast (produced by SBG), check out this recent episode: “Breathe for Sonya Massey,” note that it mentions the previous date of our event before rescheduling), Pray with Our Feet, When Motherhood Looks Different, LLC, and Broken Hearts Restored, Inc.
