Season 5, Ep. 11 - Trauma Informed Activism & Radical Self Care with Kimberly Brazwell

Kimberly Brazwell

As activists and folks of faith, particularly in these challenging times, we must simultaneously commit to inner revolution and collective liberation. Prioritizing healing from these oppressive systems is also “the work.”  bell hooks reminded us often: "Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion." Last year I sat down with Kimberly Brazwell, a two-time TEDx speaker, author, CEO and founder of KiMISTRY for our Move It Forward Monday IG Live series to discuss trauma-informed activism. And it feels like a powerful moment to revisit this conversation.  

We delved into healing as deeply connected to the work, softening around emotions instead of pushing past them, and guiding intentions to center for ourselves and others (grace, acceptance, and forgiveness). Kimberly worked with organizers in the wake of George Floyd’s murder to create a healing container that still thrives today as they continue to build community. She calls us to remember: “We have to war for our wellness,” and be intentional about calling these practices into our lives! 

One of her latest offerings (which is a series of books) -Jotnal Book (The Phoenix Edition), grounds us in this practice. Created by KiMISTRY, Jotnal Books offer trauma-informed approaches to reflection and restoration, and aids folks through processing emotions while passively teaching how to journal.  The Phoenix Edition offers brief writing prompts, questionnaires, wellness information, activities and exercises to inspire its owner to think, feel and grow. This Jotnal edition also highlights inspirational quotes and vibrant original artwork highlighting lifecycle stages of the mythological phoenix character. Its design especially embraces challenges faced by BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) women/femmes. 

KiMISTRY is a story strategy consulting firm, which specializes in the art of storytelling to address the unique intersection of justice and holistic wellness for a trauma-informed experiential application to human engagement. Kimberly Brazwell is also the creator of the Nine Asks and KiMISTRY Labs.

Move it Forward Monday is a bi-monthly series @PrayWithOurFeet where we uplift conversations with folks working to make a difference in the world - activists, creatives, theologians / ministers and more.