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afropunk solution sessions ep. 9: reclaiming our space
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:
- Practice self-care and self-love.
- Take up space unapologetically.
- Find power in your discomfort.
- Embrace Blackness, fully and always.
- Keep up with the movement The Body Is Not An Apology and read the book The Body Is Not An Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love.
- Find a therapist.
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.
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.
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.
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