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afropunk solution sessions ep. 9: reclaiming our space

August 1, 2018
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America was built on the backs of Black folks, yet to this day it refuses to acknowledge our humanity. White hegemony leaves little space for Black existence — we’re disparaged, left out of conversations and rooms, and murdered because of our Blackness. Time and again, this society tells Black folks that there is no room for us. So we’re making room to be ourselves and claiming our power. We’re creating intentional spaces and taking healing into our own hands.

In the ninth episode of AFROPUNK SOLUTION SESSIONS, “Reclaiming Our Space,” Bridget and Yves explore what it means for Black people to assert our existence and take care of ourselves. Dr. Ayanna Abrams, a licensed clinical psychologist, speaks on the importance of self-care and taking up space. And Sonya Renee Taylor, founder and author of The Body Is Not an Apology, shares how radical self-love helps her navigate a world that exploits Black bodies.

We get into:

  • What self-care really looks like
  • Creating safe spaces to have real conversations
  • Acknowledging mental health issues in the Black community
  • How allowing stillness can help Black people reckon with trauma
  • The importance of celebrating Blackness

Solutions:

Featured in this episode:

Dr. Ayanna Abrams

Clinical Psychologist + Founder of Ascension Behavioral Health

Dr. Ayanna Abrams is the Founder of Ascension Behavioral Health, specializing in the therapeutic treatment of individual and couples, clinical supervision and group/organizational consultation.

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Monica Simpson

Executive Director, SisterSong

Monica Raye Simpson, a queer, black, NC native, has organized extensively against human rights abuse, the prison industry, racism, and systemic violence against Southern black women and LBGTQ people.

READ MORE HERE

Sonya Renee Taylor

Poet, Activist + Founder of The Body is Not An Apology

Founder and Radical Executive Officer of The Body is Not An Apology, an international movement, digital magazine and education company committed to radical self-love and body empowerment as the foundational tool for social justice.

READ MORE HERE

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