Art by: Mercy Thokozane Minah (ig @IAmAFreedom). Image description: 13 intergenerational Black people relax, read, eat, giggle, do hair, nap, and frolic on a beach beside a palm tree. There are ASL Interpretation logos. Text says, “FREE ONLINE HEALING & JOY EVENTS EVERY SINGLE DAY. FOR BLACK PEOPLE BY BLACK PEOPLE EXCLUSIVELY. ASL INTERPRETATION OFFERED! WWW.BLACKHEALINGOCTOBER.ORG”
All Black Healing October Events are Free for all Black People. If you have the means and desire to financially support this endeavor, please donate here. But remember, donation or not, you are welcome, wanted, and loved here.
Welcome to Black Healing October
Family!!!!
We love you! Welcome to Reclaim UGLY Presents Black Healing October!
We have collaborated with over 55 diverse Black Healers, Artists, Activists, & Educators to create a magical month full of Black love, Black revelry, Black (he)art, Black vulnerability, Black intimacy, Black healing, and so much Black joy planned just for you!
We have events every single day of the week, sometimes two to three times a day – each one offering something unique and special for Black people of all ages, identities, genders, and sexual orientations. All events will include ASL interpretation by the amazing organization, Pro Bono ASL, and offer automated live captioning.
Family, whoever you are, wherever you come from, whatever your experiences are, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE! You are home and you are safe. Join us to connect, heal, grow, scream, wail, cry, laugh, love, learn, imagine, relax, and hopefully fall in deep and sustained love/friendship/familyship with each other. This is a shame free, judgement free, JOY centered, sacred space.
We love you. Let’s Uplift Glorify and Love Ourselves Together – And Create A World Where All Other Black People Can As Well! Thank you SO much for joining us for this gentle, loving, fun, and deeply melanated revolution!!!!!!
Image description: Amira, a Black exogender person, is looking at the camera, angled with a slight smile. They have a red, black, and silver cut crease eyeshadow, matte black lipstick, and silver and black faux locs cascade around their face. A sparkle filter overlays on the picture.
Join Amira Aro for a conversation and gentle reminders about consent, boundaries, and relationship green flags as ways to protect you and your magic. Featuring the words and wisdoms of Black MaGes such as Adrienne Marie Brown and her book Pleasure Activism.
Friday, October 2, 11 AM-12 PM PT
Image description: M’kali-Hashiki, a brown-skinned Black woman, smiles at the camera. She has brown & blue chin length curls that cover her left eye, bold red lipstick, an open denim jacket, and a multilevel chain choker.
In this workshop, we will take some time separating the sexual, the sensual, and the erotic so that we can understand the infinite possibilities and potential that lie in the realm of the erotic. You’ll learn breathing techniques that will allow you to access your erotic energy & circulate it, deepening your relationship to Self, and to The Divine. We’ll discuss how these deepened relationships shore us up providing fuel for & rest from the struggle for justice we are engaged in by our very existence. You’ll learn how to expand your energetic container to inhabit all of the space that is yours by your Divine Birthright that we are often prevented from occupying in order to survive White Supremacy & the kyriarchy.
Friday, October 2, 3-5 PM PT
Image description: Black Registered Dietitian, Dalia Kinsey, leaning on kitchen counter near bowl of apples.
Eating is meant to be a joyful experience. Beauty norms and weight standards with white supremacist origins have undermined how most folx relate to food. You deserve an abundant delicious life. Learn to reject the lies of diet culture and heal your relationship with food and your body.
Saturday, October 3, 11 AM – 1 PM PT
Image description: A collage of words and pictures. Stacia is pictured dancing in the woods with the words “Dancing Mindfulness with Stacia” to the right of her. A pink border outlines the left side of the picture and a pink flower with green leaves is on top of the words.
Dancing Mindfulness allows you to use your movement to achieve a mindful state. Everyone can dance as dance is every move you make. The goal is no judgement of ourselves while we explore movement.
Saturday, October 3, 2-3 PM PT
Artist: Mercy Thokozane Minah
Image Description: 13 Black people of diverse ages and genders lounge on a beach by a palm tree, reading, eating fruit, braiding hair, holding children, napping, laughing, and loving each other. Behind them is a blue sky and ocean. There is an ASL Interpretation logo. The text says, “For Black People By Black People Exclusively. ASL Interpretation by Pro Bono ASL. You Are Loved: Welcome to Black Healing October!!! Opening Ceremony, Saturday 10/3, 4-6 PM PT.
We have a magical evening full of Black love, Black revelry, Black (he)art, and so much Black joy planned for you! There will be song, movement, poetry, ritual, meditation, connection, and a series of Blessings from some amazing Black Faerie Grand Elders! We are so excited to love you and love you good.
Saturday, October 3, 4-6 PM PT
Image description: VanessaSoulXo, a light brown skinned Black woman with long copper curls, a green blouse, floral shorts, and a bright smile, holds a black, red, and yellow Shamanic Drum. She stands in front of a couch and there are flowers besides her.
Join VanessaSoulXo for a shamanic drum journey where she will guide you through this meditative practice as you will explore deep and powerful questions for personal transformation. The questions will require courage, however you will be in a safe and sacred space. This offering will begin with a guided meditation. Vanessa will then speak about this ancient shamanic practice and what having your power animal means in shamanism. Then she will facilitate an interactive conversation about being black right now in America. This will then lead to a shamanic drum journey where you can gain guidance to powerful questions that may arise in conversation. This offering will conclude with a sacred ritual that you can take with you.
Sunday, October 4, 3-4 PM PT
Image description: Photo of African-American women standing behind a microphone in a blue dress behind a microphone on stand getting ready to speak and sing.
Physical distancing does not have to equal social distancing. How do we authentically show up for ourselves and others with compassion and transparency with so much uncertainty surrounding us? You’re invited to come as you are and welcome others with (NO SHADE/NO SHAME) as we intentionally buildup our community and hold space for one another with empathy, human connection, and refreshing dialogue. There will be interactive fun, self- reflection, group sharing, dancing and a musical performance featuring GoodLOVE- a husband and wife duo comprised of Latriece Love-Goodlett & David Goodlett. You’ll also get sneak peaks of the littles wfh with kids. 🙂
This will be a safe space where we can share and provide support for one another in response to experiences of oppression in academic or professional environments.
Monday, October 5, 6-8 PM PT
Image description: Photo of Max Pearl, Black man with very short gray hair, smiling, wearing brown glasses with trees in the background.
Self-love and self-compassion are key qualities of a resilient being. These qualities are especially important for us to cultivate, given all of the negative messages in society.
Tuesday, October 6, 6-8 PM PT
Image description: image of Ellenie, an afri indigenous woman wearing a black dressed covered in big yellow flowers. She is filled with joy, dolled up laughing with her head thrown back standing in front of a huge green leaf that is larger than she is.
In this workshop Ellenie Cruz will teach and explain the history of flower essences and demonstrate how they impact the body energetically. You will learn plant listening and how to make and use flowers to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, connect with self, flood your self with positivity and more with the energetic properties of flowers.
Wednesday, October 7, 11 AM – 1 PM PT
Image description: A black and white photo of Goddess Carroll, a Black person with long regal earrings, a bald head, a nose and labret piercing, and a wide, warm smile.
What stories and narratives have your ancestors passed on to you? What ones do you wish to carry/release? Join Goddess in unpacking how generational trauma and anti-Blackness is stored in our bodies and minds, and deepen the process of repairing what has been stolen. Through mediation, writing, and discussion we will come back to our soul.
Wednesday, October 7, 4-6 PM PT
Image description: Amber Walker, a lighter brown skinned Black woman wearing a Black hat, shell earrings, and long beads, leans into her hand and smiles softly and sweetly while gazing just beyond the camera’s focus.
Soulutionary was created to support us in a gentle and compassionate way to advocate the importance of self care during the pandemic. It is a highly stressful time for many so it is important to make ourselves aware of keeping our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health intact. Soulutionary is a safe and judgement free space to fellowship, vocalize frustrations, express vulnerability and create healing energy. Soulutionary’s aim is to help gently guide to find solutions and come to a resolution.
Thursday, October 8, 3:30-4:30 PM PT
Image description: Photo of Dr. Brittney M. Cofield-Poole from shoulders up, wearing a black tank top, a sage green head wrap, long brass earrings with white cowrie shells, as well as a black, silver and gold beaded choker necklace.
A gentle and rest-focused mindful movement experience for all levels.
Thursday, October 8, 5-6 PM PT
Image description: A slim black man with an engaging smile leans against a windowsill from inside a room. He is backlit by a sunlit frosted glass window, and dressed in a white Kangol cap, a colorful green and yellow Ghanaian dashiki, and an army green jacket.
This is an interactive workshop to empower attendees with the tools to foster consent culture and healthy masculinities in themselves, their families and communities. We will work on honoring our own boundaries, as well as the boundaries of others.
Friday, October 9, 12 PM – 2 PM PT
Image description: A close up of CPIII (Charles Peoples III). He has medium brown skin, a short groomed beard and mustache, futuristic orange and gold eye make up and lipstick, and a silver earring. Light plays across his face.
Neo Folk Soul singer CPIII creates an intimate concert where he shares his personal journey to self-acceptance through music and visual storytelling.
Friday, October 9, 6:30-8 PM PT
Image description: Light Blue poster with words “Wellness Circle: Receive, Revive, Release” surrounded by roses and ferns. The Resting Garden’s Logo is also on poster.
The Wellness Circle is an interactive & restorative session featuring guided meditation, yoga & breakthwork, and let’s paint, sip, & chat.
Saturday, October 10, 10 AM – 12 PM PT
Image description: Natasha L. Simpson, a Black femme with purple cat eye frames and lips, sits before an ivory background, looking directly into the camera with a shy smile. She wears a teal headwrap, beaded necklace and black shawl.
A space to journey inward, together, to honor our grief from what (internalized) oppression has taken, and still claim the sweetness of ourselves.
Saturday, October 10, 3-4:30 PM PT
Image description: Flyer with floral accents and picture of Black woman with eyes closed and expression of reflection and serenity. Text above reads: Healing from Momma. Text below reads: A Journey Within Through Creative Writing
We love our Mommas. And, some of us have experienced some of our deepest hurt from our Mommas, too. Sometimes, this reality makes Momma hard to love, and having a relationship with her difficult or nearly impossible. This workshop is a space for telling it like it is, witnessing, healing ourselves, and supporting the healing process of other BIPOC self-identified womxn as we journey towards a deeper relationship with self. We will practice creative writing through “divine improvisation” – trusting our intuition, stream of consciousness, and ultimately the truth of our lived experiences to guide us to manifest the creative medicine that we need to heal. This workshop will include honoring of our ancestors and the land, movement, meditation, and finally an intentionally curated writing experience that is designed to support you in your healing process. Together, we will practice compassionate listening, the offering of affirmations to one another, and speaking our truths out loud without disclaimer as a part of healing our psyches from the onslaught of generational trauma.
Sunday, October 11, 11:11 AM – 1:11 PM PT
Image description: Selfie of smiling Black woman with a dark brown complexion, purple and black Marley textured extensions and purple lipstick, in a black sleeveless top.
The mainstream narrative of dark-skinned Black girls and women is often sad and hopeless. That narrative is tired! From Lupita Nyong’o and Gabourey Sidibe to the cool aunties and women in our community–we know that there’s so much more to our story. While colorism is an issue in this society, we can heal from it and embrace our dark complexion. This is a celebratory and healing workshop for self-identified dark-skinned Black girls and women who are struggling with colorism and have internalized it. Writer and mental health advocate Jenee Darden, who overcame her struggles with colorism leads this interactive and creative space that involves discussion, re-thinking colorist ideology imposed on us, and writing and art exercises to honor our inner and outer beauty.
Sunday, October 11, 3-6:15 PM PT (with a 45-minute off-screen self-reflective writing/art break from 4:15-5 PM PT)
Join Mel Graham for a time full of peace and safety. Come with an open heart and mind to release your fears, worries, and cares. Mel will facilitate a 20-minute healing meditation and grounding ritual, followed by a space to discuss emotions and thoughts that came to surface during the time, along with any other questions
Monday, October 12, 12-1:30 PM PT
Image description: A Black butch in black swimwear and water shoes stands on a boulder along the banks of the Yuba River, looking to the right, and posing with hands on hips and her right leg perched on part of the boulder.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side is an introduction for self-identified Black women who enjoy or would like to learn how to enjoy leather/BDSM. There will be topic discussions, vignettes, demos, questions, answers, and toys aplenty! Participation is encouraged but not required; please interact at your own comfort level.
Monday, October 12, 4-6 PM PT
Image description: A Black person balancing horizontally on one leg in shallow water in front of a waterfall
The world seems like it’s moving faster than ever. In this workshop, we will be learning a variety of techniques blended from ancient cultures and contemporary behavioral science. We will be exploring the gravity of our impulses, our conscious and unconscious life, and our ability to harness and alter our internal chemistry to create the environment within and around us.
Tuesday, October 13, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM PT
Image description: A Brown, chubby Black womyn wearing a long sleeved Black shirt in front of a red velvet backdrop of theatre curtains. Slightly smiling, chin turned little towards the left and almost resting her head against her hands, joyfully clasped together. Her hair is Black, pulled back and non-descript.
Joyce Lee is offering a self development opportunity for writers to address their creative blocks. This workshop requires honesty with yourself and a willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of your creativity and personal growth. You will be nurtured but not coddled. This class is geared specifically towards those who know they need help but hate personal accountability.
Tuesday, October 13, 1:30-2:30 PM PT
Image description: A cool brown skin Black woman with a high ponytail of black and brown twists with a green headband looks at the camera with a slight smile. She wears a yellow V-neck shirt with white polka dots.
I Want My Mama is an interactive search for the black mama in others and ourselves. For those of us that was denied being our true mama selves because we was loving our dark babies our of fear, to us as children being loved out of fear. We will talk it out, write it out, reclaim the love of the black mother in goddess image. We will work on ways to love ourselves, forgive and chose and find the nurturing we need from others.
Tuesday, October 13, 6-7 PM PT
Image description: Black person wearing pink glasses, a warm smile, and a shirt with cupcakes for days
Simple Self-Care for BIPOC Brilliance is a collection of exercises that encourages self-examination and self-evolution through engaging in a series of activities including meditation, group engagement and discussion, and creating best self-projection for future endeavors. The optimum goal is to create a plan for your personal healing, maintaining balance, and to create a vision for sustainable success.
Wednesday, October 14, 1-3 PM PT
Image description: A black and white photo of Goddess Carroll, a Black person with long regal earrings, a bald head, a nose and labret piercing, and a wide, warm smile.
What stories and narratives have your ancestors passed on to you? What ones do you wish to carry/release? Join Goddess in unpacking how generational trauma and anti-Blackness is stored in our bodies and minds, and deepen the process of repairing what has been stolen. Through mediation, writing, and discussion we will come back to our soul.
Wednesday, October 14, 4-6 PM PT
Image description: Text: Spiritual SELF CARE with Kris the Mystik. Flier with Emerald Background, Brown text, black and white image of Kris in the forest smiling up at trees in the center layered behind SELF CARE and With Kris
Spiritual SELF CARE is a workshop to help remove any internal blocks and determine how you can create a disciplined and adaptable mind, body, spirit self care plan through the channeled wisdom of Kris with a K and their spirit guides. They will be covering journaling techniques, reframing, connecting to your inner voice, and how to embrace the mundane elements of self care as spiritual self worship. If you’ve been struggling with ascension symptoms (sleeplessness, hearing/seeing things, feeling randomly ungrounded, psychic activation, emotions getting louder, fatigue, changes in appetite, aches and pains that shift day to day, etc), this twerkshop is to share the wisdom I’ve gained from supporting myself and others through ascension into their soul path.
Thursday, October 15, 3-5 PM PT
Image description: The profile of a Black Queer femme sitting on the earth in front of a large Redwood tree.
Meditation & Relaxation is a workshop led by Dominique Cowling. As we cope with many of the stressors that 2020 has brought and highlighted, this is an opportunity to slow down to soothe the nervous system with gentle movement, mindfulness meditation and breathwork to support your health and wellness. No experience necessary for this introductory workshop.
Friday, October 16, 6-7 PM PT
Image description: woman, smiling, dressed in black shirt and colorful leggings sitting on pink floor, leaning over orange gummy bear. Background is large red, yellow, and pink plastic candy.
This workshop places Black Healing at the center and invites you to get cozy with self and others as we re-remember ancient ways of healing. During our time together we will share already known ways of healing as well as explore healing techniques that we lost during the diaspora. This workshop use existing ancestral knowledge to blend chakra work, chanting, color therapy, meditation, and self-reiki as a way to heal self and others. While colonizers have re-branded these healing techniques and put a price tag on them, they are all very much inherent to and in all of us. Come on, let’s explore and bring all our expertise to the table. The only requirement is to come as you are – just the way the ancestors like it.
Saturday, October 17, 11 AM – 1 PM PT
Image description: A collage of words and pictures. Stacia is pictured dancing in the woods with the words “Dancing Mindfulness with Stacia” to the right of her. A pink border outlines the left side of the picture and a pink flower with green leaves is on top of the words.
Dancing Mindfulness allows you to use your movement to achieve a mindful state. Everyone can dance as dance is every move you make. The goal is no judgement of ourselves while we explore movement.
Saturday, October 17, 2-3 PM PT
Image description: Photo of Dontá Morrison, a Black man with a fade haircut in a white button up shirt, gray tie, and gray blazer smiling straight towards the camera on a white background.
Healing from a bad relationship is a process. It’s long, often times uncomfortable, and can bring more questions than answers. Join Dontá Morrison in a discussion about healing from heartbreak, while also being accountable in the role you played in the relationship.
Saturday, October 17, 4-5 PM PT
Image description: Guided meditation and Emotional intelligence Teacher Joshua Young sitting on a rock that is in the middle of a stream. They are wearing MudCloth print pants which is hand-dyed in Africa. They are smiling and seem to be a peace and connected to nature.
This offering invites you to explore how meditation supports becoming emotionally conscientious. We create a foundational practice using meditation techniques designed to have us connect deeper to breathing, and to be aware of the body and its desire to surrender. Next, we move into understanding the impact emotions have on the body, and how our response can shape our experience of them. We finish by exploring some of the most common emotions happiness, anger, sadness, and anxiety. We finally create through this course and within the body, resilience. The sessions offered will be paired; part 1 is about building meditation practice and part 2 is to explore the emotions more deeply.
Sunday, October 18, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM PT
Image description: Image shows a Black non-binary person with brown shoulder length afro hair and hoop earrings. They have a Black velvet belly shirt on, a light green choker and is smiling and looking directly at the camera.
This workshop will teach skills to increase intuition by tapping into stillness. We will confront and heal the things that have worn away at our intuition (anti-blackness, misogynoir, cisheteropatriarchy, body shaming, etc.) through writing, movement and meditation. We will build a practice of increasing our intuition in a way that prioritizes rest, our ancestors and trusting ourselves.
Image description: Tynya, a Black woman with reddish-brown hair, dreadlock style, smiles in front of a beige background. She wears purple and gold African-style attire and wears a purple scarf draped around her neck. Her purple earrings contain the Egyptian symbol of Rah.
Change is a fact of life in today’s world. It takes many different forms: job loss, death, relationship changes, COVID-19, and any other change you can think of. Have you, your family, or friends had any major changes in your work or personal life in the past year? Then this training is for you. Everyone goes through major personal changes during the course of their lives and everyone handles them differently. Some people thrive in the midst of stressful or chaotic situations while the majority of us prefer a steadier day-to-day lifestyle with some excitement thrown in every now and then. Unfortunately, not all changes can be predicted. The loss of a job, work change, or the loss of a loved one can be unexpected. These difficult experiences can be overwhelming when combined with everything else going on. The workshop provides a framework and tools for understanding, acknowledging, and addressing your feelings and actions before, during, and after going through a major personal change. In the workshop, you will learn tools, tips, and techniques to successfully manage personal change. You will also develop a personal action plan to assist in successfully managing your change process.
Monday, October 19, 3-5 PM PT
Image description: A header in white script reading “Miss Renée: Helping you heal you: mind, energy body, and spirit.” sits above a Black femme woman with black and brown twist styled hair and a soft smile facing camera. A green houseplant and a large conch shell sit on a shelf in the background.
This soulful and deep workshop will help you delve into your birthchart to discover and understand what your core Chirotic wound is in this lifetime. You will then learn how to unlock and utilize the healing gifts it imparts that are unique unto you to help others heal. With Chiron ‘Your mess will become your message’.
Monday, October 19, 6-8 PM PT
Image description: A Brown, chubby Black womyn wearing a long sleeved Black shirt in front of a red velvet backdrop of theatre curtains. Slightly smiling, chin turned little towards the left and almost resting her head against her hands, joyfully clasped together. Her hair is Black, pulled back and non-descript.
Joyce Lee is offering a self development opportunity for writers to address their creative blocks. This workshop requires honesty with yourself and a willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of your creativity and personal growth. You will be nurtured but not coddled. This class is geared specifically towards those who know they need help but hate personal accountability.
Tuesday, October 20, 2-3 PM PT
Image description: A cool brown skin Black woman with a high ponytail of black and brown twists with a green headband looks at the camera with a slight smile. She wears a yellow V-neck shirt with white polka dots.
I Want My Mama is an interactive search for the black mama in others and ourselves. For those of us that was denied being our true mama selves because we was loving our dark babies our of fear, to us as children being loved out of fear. We will talk it out, write it out, reclaim the love of the black mother in goddess image. We will work on ways to love ourselves, forgive and chose and find the nurturing we need from others.
Tuesday, October 20, 4-5 PM PT
Image description: A Black woman with braids up in a bun wearing a patterned shirt and earrings the shape of Africa, smiling up at the camera hand under her chin
This inclusive workshop aims to facilitate your transition into PK-12 and higher-education as educators. In this workshop, we will discuss institutional and structural inequalities and how they exist to reproduce the status quo. Furthermore, we will collaborate on ways in which you can prepare and create space for your work as an educator despite institutional barriers. Lastly, we will discuss ways for you to create and sustain community while navigating your educational institutions.
Wednesday, October 21, 1:30-2:30 PM PT
Image description: A dark skinned Black woman with braids in a bun, blue and purple eyeshadow, and purple glossed lips smiles at the camera, wearing a floral yellow shirt.
The outside world is full of complications…it gets even more complicated living and surviving in the hood…my job is to help you cope through it….people may have issues in the outside world, but we got PROBLEMS in the hood…my job is to connect with you to find a solution. For this workshop we will focus on love, and the things each astrology sign should be on the lookout for during these trying times. I will be taking a few volunteers who may wish to go deeper; sharing their process in the sacred safe space of the workshop.
Wednesday, October 21, 4:30-6:30 PM PT
Image description: A Brown, chubby Black womyn wearing a long sleeved Black shirt in front of a red velvet backdrop of theatre curtains. Slightly smiling, chin turned little towards the left and almost resting her head against her hands, joyfully clasped together. Her hair is Black, pulled back and non-descript.
Joyce Lee is offering a self development opportunity for writers to address their creative blocks. This workshop requires honesty with yourself and a willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of your creativity and personal growth. You will be nurtured but not coddled. This class is geared specifically towards those who know they need help but hate personal accountability.
Thursday, October 22, 2-3 PM PT
Image description: Photograph of a brown skinned, curly-haired woman looking toward the camera, smiling slightly. She is wearing a hat and glasses and holding up a piece of cleveland sage, a plant with purple flowers. Blurred green foliage is in the background.
Throughout history, plants have held an honored place in our self-care practices, and today, our plant ancestors can still teach us much about loving ourselves. In this workshop, we will learn how to make herbal oils, perfumes, and facial masks, featuring African herbs and foods that have long been used for beautification, increasing vitality, and cultivating inner joy.
Thursday, October 22, 5-7 PM PT
Image description: A Black non-binary person with a slight soul patch and blue and black hair wearing a blue silk shirt sits with their eyes closed leaning into their hand in a grassy New Orleans field on the bank of the Mississippi
Dreaming Awake by the Water with Tyrell Blacquemoss is a ceremony of plant medicine and water to learn to dream with ancestors and deepen rest practices. Dreaming Awake is a practice of dreamworking as divination, rest, meditation, routine, manifestation, activism, rooted in African spiritual technology. We do it because we are experiencing battle #fatigue – needing both #rest and #strategy to continue the work of our ancestors or to begin something new. We will experience #movementmeditation, #lullaby and #visualstorytelling. Dreaming Awake The Body as Ceremony Medicine Preparation. A #howto video combined with movement meditation and landscapes, discussion questions on Afam Nation (African American sovereignty) and #spiritualtechnologies for dreaming with #landscapes – geographies, emotional. I will combine movement, reiki, body and voice to create tools to support rest and #dreaming.
Watch whenever you want; Questions will be taken October 22-October 24
Image description: Ifasina, a black genderqueer fat person, is laying on their stomach in a field facing the camera. They have a smirky smile and a scarf tied around their hair. The backdrop is grass, cars, and an office building.
This space is an opportunity to engage with movement that feeds/cares for your body and soul, small writing reflections that create sustaining messages for your ongoing wellness, and small group shares that allow you to be with other Black folks during these times in ways that are sweet and encouraging. We will spend these session(s) engaged in community care and self care, for a dual approach to sustaining ourselves. Let’s gather together to be in our aliveness in an embodied practice.
UPDATED: Friday, October 23, 3-5 PM PT
Image description: A picture of Sincere Kirabo inside smiling, looking off-camera.
Black liberation cannot exist without disrupting the patriarchal ideologies and behaviors that oppress the most vulnerable among us: Black MaGes and Black queer folk. Waking Men is a workshop devoted to engaging that process.
Saturday, October 24, 10-11:30 AM PT
Image description: Yolande Clark-Jackson, a Black woman in a soft, flowing strapless top, smiling wide at the camera with shoulder length dreads. She supports herself on a white brick wall in the background.
Learn How to Use Creative Writing as a wellness practice. A prompt-driven writing workshop to free space in your heart and mind for more light and more love.
Saturday, October 24, 1-2:30 PM PT
Image description: Photo of brown skin femme presenting with dark brown eyes wearing a wine colored shirt and rose gold jewelry.
A workshop on intentional language, poetry, petitions, and manifestation.
Saturday, October 24, 7-8 PM PT
Image description: Guided meditation and Emotional intelligence Teacher Joshua Young sitting on a rock that is in the middle of a stream. They are wearing MudCloth print pants which is hand-dyed in Africa. They are smiling and seem to be a peace and connected to nature.
This offering invites you to explore how meditation supports becoming emotionally conscientious. We create a foundational practice using meditation techniques designed to have us connect deeper to breathing, and to be aware of the body and its desire to surrender. Next, we move into understanding the impact emotions have on the body, and how our response can shape our experience of them. We finish by exploring some of the most common emotions happiness, anger, sadness, and anxiety. We finally create through this course and within the body, resilience. The sessions offered will be paired; part 1 is about building meditation practice and part 2 is to explore the emotions more deeply.
Sunday, October 25, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM PT
Image description: A photo of Dara smiling, standing on a wooden bridge with a forest behind her, and wearing a white shirt with a yellow flower behind her right ear.
Explore your mind, body, and spirit as you progress through three of the eight limbs of yoga: pranayama, asana, and dhyana. Pranayama is the “regulation of life force energy” or, more simply stated, breath work. This will be explained and practiced at the beginning of class, giving you new, highly accessible tools to regulate your energy. The majority of class will include an all-level vinyasa flow that will emphasis mindfulness and strength. There will be a two-part, guided visualization meditation that will leave you feeling empowered, grateful, and refreshed. My intention is to keep you deeply attached to your inhales and exhales allowing your breath to move and heal your body.
Sunday, October 25, 2-3:30 PM PT
Image description: Seated inside of neon hibiscus flowers, your Black Indigenous Rest Doulas, Onika Reigns and Windafire joyfully conspire to bring sleep / rest / dreams to Black, Indigenous people. Onika is smiling as Windafire whispers in her ear.
Black Dream Escape will offer a collective rest session. Using original music, meditations, storytelling, and breathwork that centers Black and Indigenous experience. We will guide participants into a rested state. Time will be given afterwards to asses, reflect and offer feedback about how to develop a personal Rest Practice.
In this workshop we’ll cover the core principles of NVC and explore what it means to have NVC consciousness while looking at how to use NVC in ways that are culturally responsive and appropriate for Black folks. Participants will have the chance to have Q & A with the facilitator, reflect personally on how NVC can best serve them, and practice with each other Theater of the Oppressed style. We’ll also be incorporating tools like meditation, visualization, and somatic practices that compliment the development of NVC consciousness.
Monday, October 26, 12-5 PM PT (with a 1-hour break from 2-3 PM PT)
Image description: A photo of Amira, a light skinned Black person with a curly side ponytail, big black cat eye glasses, black lipstick, and a black shirt with a white spider web design all over looks calmly at the camera.
We’re back! And this time talking about what does it mean to have boundaries as disempowered people navigating power imbalances in interpersonal relationships. How do we protect ourselves as Black MaGes, especially those of us who face the most extreme of oppression in a country that continues to disrespect and harm us? How does it affect our relationships with friends and loved ones even? And how to we assert our needs, personally and beyond?
Tuesday, October 27, 1:30-3:00 PM PT
Image description: A brown-skinned woman with short curly black hair wears bright red with a black triangle necklace, head thrown back in laughter, against a blue and white sky background.
Self Promise-keeping: through sound bath, breath work, and writing/journaling, we are able to access the parts of us patiently awaiting creative expression. Uncovering and naming the broken promises we’ve made to ourselves is the beginning of healing and recommitment to our individual thriving. Lay the groundwork to welcome your best self back home to your body.
Tuesday, October 27, 4:30-6:00 PM PT
Image description: A cool brown skin Black woman with a high ponytail of black and brown twists with a green headband looks at the camera with a slight smile. She wears a yellow V-neck shirt with white polka dots.
I Want My Mama is an interactive search for the black mama in others and ourselves. For those of us that was denied being our true mama selves because we was loving our dark babies our of fear, to us as children being loved out of fear. We will talk it out, write it out, reclaim the love of the black mother in goddess image. We will work on ways to love ourselves, forgive and chose and find the nurturing we need from others.
Tuesday, October 27, 7-8 PM PT
Image description: A Black woman with braids up in a bun wearing a patterned shirt and earrings the shape of Africa, smiling up at the camera hand under her chin
Join Theresa of Empress Healing Products for an interactive discussion about how bush medicine can be used to improve health and well being.
Wednesday, October 28, 11 AM – 12 PM PT
Image description: A Brown, chubby Black womyn wearing a long sleeved Black shirt in front of a red velvet backdrop of theatre curtains. Slightly smiling, chin turned little towards the left and almost resting her head against her hands, joyfully clasped together. Her hair is Black, pulled back and non-descript.
Joyce Lee is offering a self development opportunity for writers to address their creative blocks. This workshop requires honesty with yourself and a willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of your creativity and personal growth. You will be nurtured but not coddled. This class is geared specifically towards those who know they need help but hate personal accountability.
Wednesday, October 28, 1-2 PM PT
Image description: A header in white script reading “Miss Renée: Helping you heal you: mind, energy body, and spirit.” sits above a Black femme woman with black and brown twist styled hair and a soft smile facing camera. A green houseplant and a large conch shell sit on a shelf in the background.
In astrology, the planets Venus and Mars, the signs they are in and where they are placed in your unique birthchart can reveal what skills you bring to the table in regards to the particular way you naturally work with people/ bring people together as well as your particular warrior style. This workship will assist you in identifying how these energies present in your birthchart and therefore in YOU and how with mindful intention you can understand, hone, and embody their potential to the fullest in your justice work.
Wednesday, October 28, 3-5 PM PT
Image description: Two Black queers dressed in black with tattoos and afros pose in front of a brick wall looking at the camera. On the left, Kei wears a red collar, mesh shirt, chest harness, leather shorts and a wrist cuff. On the right, G holds a shiny flogger, wears a collar and patent leather corset with lingerie.
Immerse yourself in a screening of independently produced hot, Black, queer and trans, eroticism! BEYONDEEP Productions premieres their newest porn and has curated feature erotic films by Saira Barbaric, Venus Selenite, The Uhuruverse & Sha Gaze, and Earth to Jordi! These five sensual and magical films will stimulate, expand and transport you! The filmmakers also talk about sex magic rituals, give tips you can apply, and share insight on how Black porn heals. *The screening will be viewable online for 24 hours!*
Screening will be viewable online for 24 hours, from Wednesday, October 28, 6 PM PT – Thursday, October 29, 6 PM PT
Image description: A photo of Day, a light skinned Black person with curly hair smiles wide looking down at the ground. They wear thick rimmed glasses, a colorful striped button up shirt, and surrounded by trees.
I will be providing a comprehensive group healing, using remote energy work that is gentle like reiki. Participants will only need to show up, lay down, and be open to receive. For all group healings, a theme or two usually emerges once I begin working the energy of the group. Such themes I have worked with in the past included: supporting the empath with energy tools and strengthening energy protection; clearing ancestral and/or systemic traumas; working on the emotional body and the opening of the heart chakra, etc.
Thursday, October 29, 11:30 AM – 1 PM PT
Image description: A Brown, chubby Black womyn wearing a long sleeved Black shirt in front of a red velvet backdrop of theatre curtains. Slightly smiling, chin turned little towards the left and almost resting her head against her hands, joyfully clasped together. Her hair is Black, pulled back and non-descript.
Joyce Lee is offering a self development opportunity for writers to address their creative blocks. This workshop requires honesty with yourself and a willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of your creativity and personal growth. You will be nurtured but not coddled. This class is geared specifically towards those who know they need help but hate personal accountability.
Thursday, October 29, 2-3 PM PT
Image description: A Black person with a yellow flower and a lush afro smiles wide and stares joyfully at the camera.
Undoing the damage of white supremacy and colonialism doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a forever-journey.
But it also doesn’t require *decades* to show progress. We, as Black folk, can love ourselves NOW. We can love each other NOW. And we can learn how to do so in revolutionary, liberatory ways. We ain’t gotta wait.
Friday, October 30, 3-5 PM PT
Image description: A collage of Black people of diverse genders and sexual orientations expressing sensual affection for themselves or others. The images are layered with lit candles, rumpled bed sheets, and sensual toys. In the top right is a puckered pair of lips and in the bottom left are long stem red roses. Text says, “BLACKHEALINGOCTOBER.ORG. Reclaim UGLY’s Black Healing October presents AfroSensualities: An Unapologetically Erotic Black Healing October Showcase. 10/31, 3-5 PM PT. XXX”
Over the last month, we have cried, laughed, danced, wrote, dreamed, and fallen passionately in love with each other. Now it’s time for a different kind of passion – a hot passion, an erotic passion, an unapologetically wanton passion, a spicy, kinky,, sexy passion. If you miss strip clubs, burlesque shows, play parties, and poetry readings that leave you wet, hard, and panting: this is the event for you.
Saturday, October 31, 3 PM – 5 PM PT / 6 PM – 8 PM ET
Image description: Nine Black People of diverse ages, genders, complexions, disabilities, and body sizes share space on a zoom screen. They are surrounded by flowers and stars. The text says, “Black Healing October. By Black People, For Black People. Free Online Healing & Joy Events! Every day of the week! http://www.BlackHealingOctober.org”
This month has been incredible! Please join us for our last Black Healing October event to celebrate each other with words and libations, crack jokes, play/flirt with/and tease each other just a little bit, exchange the numbers/DM’s/compliments you didn’t get to exchange in the workshops, and figure out how to stay in touch.
Saturday, October 31, 6:30 PM – 8 PM PT / 9:30 PM – 11 PM ET
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All Black Healing October Events are Free for all Black People. If you have the means and desire to financially support this endeavor, please donate here. But remember, donation or not, you are welcome, wanted, and loved here.