Sonia Roberts's Blog
February 11, 2021
10 Black Educators Who Inspire Full Body Wellness
10 Black Educators To Learn From and Listen To at the Intersection of Wellness and Antiracism.
In the health and wellness space, self-reflection on whiteness, white supremacy, anti-blackness, and antiracism is deeply necessary. Racial inequality and injustice are issues impacting the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional health of both Black and white people. While there is no comparison with the effects of racism on Black people, white people are dehumanized by allowing both individual acts and systemic racism to continue, whether by ignorance, apathy, inaction or complicity.
Learn from and listen to the following Black Wellness Educators who are using their platform to educate, inform, and remind us that dismantling racism and white supremacy, both in the world and in ourselves, is a major part of health, wellness, and true liberation.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Michelle Cassandra Johnson (@skillinaction)
Nicole Cardoza
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Nicole Cardoza (@nicoleacardoza)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Rachel Ricketts (she/her) (@iamrachelricketts)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Layla F. Saad (@laylafsaad)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sonya Renee Taylor (@sonyareneetaylor)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Resmaa (@resmaamenakem)
Tina Strawn, Speaking of Racism
View this post on InstagramA post shared by @speakingofracism
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Lama Rod Owens (@lamarodowens)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by angel Kyodo williams (@zenchangeangel)
View this post on InstagramA post shared by I Go By EbonyJanice (@ebonyjanice)
Please feel free to comment and list your favorite Black Wellness Educator to follow below.
October 15, 2020
Cultivating Compassion, Courage, and Connection
"Without Suffering, There'd Be No Compassion." Nicholas Spark
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and pull up to this conversation I had with Laura Halpin. I discuss intergenerational trauma, transforming pain, healing, why yoga is problematic, and why NOW, more than ever, it is important to not only lean into uncomfortable conversations about racism, but to take Compassionate Action.
September 11, 2020
4 Spiritual Self-Care Practices
How do you take care of yourself spiritually?
Spiritual self-care is the activity we engage in to find and nurture a sense of connection to a Higher Power and meaning for our lives. It is essential to nurture your body, mind and soul.
Comment below and let us know how you practice spiritual self-care?
Spiritual self-care is the activity we engage in to find and nurture a sense of connection to a Higher Power and meaning for our lives. It is essential to nurture your body, mind and soul.
Comment below and let us know how you practice spiritual self-care?
September 5, 2020
Cultural Appropriation vs Cultural Appreciation: A Mindfulness Practice
Malcolm X said, “The most disrespected person in the world is the Black woman."
Cultural appropriation vs Cultural appreciation continues to be challenging for people to understand. I want to remind you that those little black squares that everyone was posting were a reminder to 1) LISTEN to Black people and 2) elevate and amplify Black voices.
Black people are members of the subordinate group. White people are members of the dominant group. Whether or not you feel that you are racist, this is the system that was created 400+ years ago, and this is the (caste) system we live in today. As a white person or NBPOC (Non-Black People of Color), your actions can potentially perpetuate, be complicit, resist or dismantle white supremacy or systems of oppression. Remember, anti-racism practice is moment to moment, a continuous practice. In any given moment, you will need to pause, reflect and ask yourself, ‘Am I being racist?'
This trend of cultural appropriation is a continuation of white supremacy and colonialism, maintaining the pattern of white people consuming the stuff of culture that is convenient, while ignoring the well-being and liberation of Black people. In the words of Dr Yaba Blay, "There is a continual and repetitive practice of folks who aren't black being able to benefit from our rhythm without having to suffer from our blues."
I think what is impactful when we look closely at cultural appropriation is that it may reveal where we hold implicit bias. It is really difficult to identify and examine our implicit bias unless someone calls it out when they see it in us or hear it in the way we speak. It helps us peel back the layers and discover where we have internalized anti-blackness and white supremacy. A great place to start is by asking important questions: Why are white people or NBPOC wearing Black hairstyles or using AAVE? Is it authentic? Why is there an innate need to defend white people when they wear Black hairstyles or use “Blaccent’? Why isn’t there an innate response to defend and protect Black people and Black culture? If Black people share that this feels harmful, why is the response defensiveness? Why is there often a need from non-white people for white validation? If someone wants to show appreciation for Black culture, particularly if this person has a large platform, wouldn’t it be a better practice to uplift, elevate and amplify Black people, Black activists, Black artists? Can you appreciate Black culture and Black hairstyles without wearing it, stealing it, performing it and profiting off of it?
Representation is not the same as systemic change. Celebrating diversity is not enough, there needs to be more of a shift in terms of power.
When there is a history of white people colonizing Black and Brown countries, stealing resources for the benefit of Europe and the Western world, forcing non-White people to assimilate into ‘white’ culture, then we have to look closely at present day practices. In order to dismantle systems of oppression, we have to look closely at how we may be continually appropriating Black, Brown and Indigenous cultures, practices and rituals.
Because most white people are not confronting and examining the painful and uncomfortable realities of racism, and their complicity in it, the cycle of oppression and consumption continues.
Ask yourself, do I have their consent? Is what I am doing harmful to Black people? How are my actions impacting Black people? Is what I am doing or saying authentic to me? If there is a possibility that someone somewhere could be even slightly offended by your consumption of their cultural practice, then don’t do it.
In the book, Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri, there is a section on how hair was braided as part of an intelligence network for escaped slaves. In Colombia specifically, maps and messages were braided into people’s hair to help them along escape routes. The Spanish couldn’t decode them, so it was hiding in plain sight.
Solange sang, “Don’t touch my hair.” Black hair is political. To live in a Black body is political. You cannot separate the two. In 2019, New York and California became the first states to pass laws declaring hair discrimination to be illegal. Pause and think about that. Black people are discriminated against for wearing their natural hair!
You may not fully understand this but hold this information and become more mindful about how you relate to Black people. Similar to how a man can never fully understand what it is like to be a woman because that is not their lived experience. In order to have a healthy and sustainable relationship with a woman, men need to become more mindful, more educated, more aware and better listeners.
Non-Black people will never fully understand what it is like to be a Black person because that is not their lived experience. Non-Black people need to become more mindful of the Black experience so that we can move forward in a more harmonious way; so that we can create a fair, just and equitable society.
Cultural appropriation vs Cultural appreciation continues to be challenging for people to understand. I want to remind you that those little black squares that everyone was posting were a reminder to 1) LISTEN to Black people and 2) elevate and amplify Black voices.
Black people are members of the subordinate group. White people are members of the dominant group. Whether or not you feel that you are racist, this is the system that was created 400+ years ago, and this is the (caste) system we live in today. As a white person or NBPOC (Non-Black People of Color), your actions can potentially perpetuate, be complicit, resist or dismantle white supremacy or systems of oppression. Remember, anti-racism practice is moment to moment, a continuous practice. In any given moment, you will need to pause, reflect and ask yourself, ‘Am I being racist?'
This trend of cultural appropriation is a continuation of white supremacy and colonialism, maintaining the pattern of white people consuming the stuff of culture that is convenient, while ignoring the well-being and liberation of Black people. In the words of Dr Yaba Blay, "There is a continual and repetitive practice of folks who aren't black being able to benefit from our rhythm without having to suffer from our blues."
I think what is impactful when we look closely at cultural appropriation is that it may reveal where we hold implicit bias. It is really difficult to identify and examine our implicit bias unless someone calls it out when they see it in us or hear it in the way we speak. It helps us peel back the layers and discover where we have internalized anti-blackness and white supremacy. A great place to start is by asking important questions: Why are white people or NBPOC wearing Black hairstyles or using AAVE? Is it authentic? Why is there an innate need to defend white people when they wear Black hairstyles or use “Blaccent’? Why isn’t there an innate response to defend and protect Black people and Black culture? If Black people share that this feels harmful, why is the response defensiveness? Why is there often a need from non-white people for white validation? If someone wants to show appreciation for Black culture, particularly if this person has a large platform, wouldn’t it be a better practice to uplift, elevate and amplify Black people, Black activists, Black artists? Can you appreciate Black culture and Black hairstyles without wearing it, stealing it, performing it and profiting off of it?
Representation is not the same as systemic change. Celebrating diversity is not enough, there needs to be more of a shift in terms of power.
When there is a history of white people colonizing Black and Brown countries, stealing resources for the benefit of Europe and the Western world, forcing non-White people to assimilate into ‘white’ culture, then we have to look closely at present day practices. In order to dismantle systems of oppression, we have to look closely at how we may be continually appropriating Black, Brown and Indigenous cultures, practices and rituals.
Because most white people are not confronting and examining the painful and uncomfortable realities of racism, and their complicity in it, the cycle of oppression and consumption continues.
Ask yourself, do I have their consent? Is what I am doing harmful to Black people? How are my actions impacting Black people? Is what I am doing or saying authentic to me? If there is a possibility that someone somewhere could be even slightly offended by your consumption of their cultural practice, then don’t do it.
In the book, Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri, there is a section on how hair was braided as part of an intelligence network for escaped slaves. In Colombia specifically, maps and messages were braided into people’s hair to help them along escape routes. The Spanish couldn’t decode them, so it was hiding in plain sight.
Solange sang, “Don’t touch my hair.” Black hair is political. To live in a Black body is political. You cannot separate the two. In 2019, New York and California became the first states to pass laws declaring hair discrimination to be illegal. Pause and think about that. Black people are discriminated against for wearing their natural hair!
You may not fully understand this but hold this information and become more mindful about how you relate to Black people. Similar to how a man can never fully understand what it is like to be a woman because that is not their lived experience. In order to have a healthy and sustainable relationship with a woman, men need to become more mindful, more educated, more aware and better listeners.
Non-Black people will never fully understand what it is like to be a Black person because that is not their lived experience. Non-Black people need to become more mindful of the Black experience so that we can move forward in a more harmonious way; so that we can create a fair, just and equitable society.
July 6, 2020
The Philosophy and Practice of Yoga and AntiRacism: The Yamas and The Niyamas
The Philosophy and Practice of Yoga
The Ashtanga Yoga System, the eight-limb path of yoga, comes from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
In yogic philosophy, the Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs of the 8-fold path, or Ashtanga yoga. The first five guidelines are called Yamas, a Sanskrit word that means “restraints.” The last five are called Niyamas, a Sanskrit word that means “observances.”
The other six limbs of the 8- fold path are Asana, or postures; Pranayama, or breath control; Pratyahara, or sense withdrawal; Dharana, or concentration; Dhyana, or meditation; and Samadhi, or a state of unity.
The path of evolution requires restraint (Yamas) + observation (Niyamas) + action and practice of all eight limbs. Leading to liberation, joy and justice for all.
The Yamas, or restraints, are guidelines that teach you how to live in peace and harmony with the world. Following these guidelines allows you to see beyond your own desires into the collective good.
Practicing the Yamas offers a core of mindful anti-racist practices, self-reflection practices, and provides healing and liberation.
The Niyamas, or observances, are guidelines that teach you how to live in peace and harmony with yourself.
Following these guidelines allows you to become more mindful of recognizing racism within yourself and in the world. Practicing the Niyamas guides you toward letting go of limiting, harmful and racist behaviors and beliefs.
These guidelines, the Yamas and Niyamas, serve as your life’s anti-racism blueprint. Following the guidelines will help you to cultivate an anti-racism practice. They help you to trust the process of discovering your true authentic Self and to align with your life’s purpose. You must nurture your soul, your personal and spiritual growth daily.
The Yamas teach you how to truly live in harmony with the world. The Niyamas increase mindfulness, and open you up to all the possibilities and full potential of your life. You are in the process of clearly seeing systemic and institutionalized racism. Now you have a solid blueprint to build a strong foundation for inner and outer change. As you practice, you will continue to build a deep belief in yourself and in your ability to create positive change. What is your life’s legacy? What is your dharma? What is your vision for justice and equality? Follow your truth with an open mind and an open heart.
Following your life’s anti-racism blueprint does not mean that things will always go your way. It means you will have the tools to overcome whatever you encounter on your path. Welcome your mistakes and failures as an opportunity to grow and learn. Celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small.
The Ashtanga Yoga System, the eight-limb path of yoga, comes from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
In yogic philosophy, the Yamas and Niyamas are the first two limbs of the 8-fold path, or Ashtanga yoga. The first five guidelines are called Yamas, a Sanskrit word that means “restraints.” The last five are called Niyamas, a Sanskrit word that means “observances.”
The other six limbs of the 8- fold path are Asana, or postures; Pranayama, or breath control; Pratyahara, or sense withdrawal; Dharana, or concentration; Dhyana, or meditation; and Samadhi, or a state of unity.
The path of evolution requires restraint (Yamas) + observation (Niyamas) + action and practice of all eight limbs. Leading to liberation, joy and justice for all.
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The Yamas, or restraints, are guidelines that teach you how to live in peace and harmony with the world. Following these guidelines allows you to see beyond your own desires into the collective good.
Practicing the Yamas offers a core of mindful anti-racist practices, self-reflection practices, and provides healing and liberation.
[image error]
The Niyamas, or observances, are guidelines that teach you how to live in peace and harmony with yourself.
Following these guidelines allows you to become more mindful of recognizing racism within yourself and in the world. Practicing the Niyamas guides you toward letting go of limiting, harmful and racist behaviors and beliefs.
These guidelines, the Yamas and Niyamas, serve as your life’s anti-racism blueprint. Following the guidelines will help you to cultivate an anti-racism practice. They help you to trust the process of discovering your true authentic Self and to align with your life’s purpose. You must nurture your soul, your personal and spiritual growth daily.
The Yamas teach you how to truly live in harmony with the world. The Niyamas increase mindfulness, and open you up to all the possibilities and full potential of your life. You are in the process of clearly seeing systemic and institutionalized racism. Now you have a solid blueprint to build a strong foundation for inner and outer change. As you practice, you will continue to build a deep belief in yourself and in your ability to create positive change. What is your life’s legacy? What is your dharma? What is your vision for justice and equality? Follow your truth with an open mind and an open heart.
Following your life’s anti-racism blueprint does not mean that things will always go your way. It means you will have the tools to overcome whatever you encounter on your path. Welcome your mistakes and failures as an opportunity to grow and learn. Celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small.
June 19, 2020
Why We Need To Stop Saying "White Fragility"
“White fragility” is a phrase coined by author Dr. Robin DiAngelo. She explains how certain patterns make it difficult for many white people to understand racism as a system and that leads to the dynamics of white fragility. Even a minimum amount of racial stress becomes intolerable, triggering a range of defensive actions.
The word fragility means the quality of being easily broken or damaged. We have to rethink that word choice or we may get stuck on the notion of white fragility. White fragility keeps you in a space of wanting to be centered, affirmed, and comforted, even when learning about and examining racism.
Many white people are awakening to the reality of systemic racism in the United States of America. White Fragility being #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List, is very telling about where the white community is (or isn’t) in their anti-racism practice. I am seeing a lot of performative allyship, optics, and white fragility in many of the predominantly white yoga spaces and in other communities. I have not heard much about people self-reflecting and doing the deeper work of self-inquiry or self-study.
Reasons why we need to stop saying,“white fragility” are as follows:
1. White people are not fragile.
If you become defensive around conversations about race, perhaps it is your ego fragility showing up. Surrender your ego attachments and defensiveness. You may experience a lot of fear when talking about race; fear of losing privilege and entitlement, fear of your belief system being shattered. The phrase, white fragility, perpetuates the racial myth that white people are fragile and Black people are not. It furthers the belief that Black Americans can withstand more pain than white people. It furthers the myth that white people need to be protected from black people. Black people are strong but we are also human. We are resilient but we feel deeply: we feel pain, sadness, heartache, helpless and vulnerable, sometimes daily. It is time for white people to get uncomfortable.
2. White fragility allows you the choice to stay in your comfort zone.
It is necessary and time to push yourself out of your comfort zone everyday, in every way. White fragility allows you the choice to stay in your comfort zone. I have experienced people I love get stuck in that fragile place. “Good, nice,” yet fragile, white people uphold systemic racism everyday. Even in the midst of witnessing someone else’s pain, one's resistance to the truth and defensiveness protects whiteness. Many hold onto the idea that Love Wins, and you don’t actually have to do any work. In order to make space for your soul to grow, you have to experience discomfort. It is in the fire of life challenges and discomfort that transformation takes place. Pause your reflex to automatically go to what is comfortable and habitual or to avoid conversations about race. Move through white fragility; you start the practice in the discomfort. To cultivate an anti-racism practice, begin by examining your racial biases, conditioning, values, and beliefs. Think critically about how you may have internalized anti-blackness.
3. Reflect on the following: Was White Fragility the first book you reached for to learn about race? If so, why? Did you promote it before or after the current racial uprising? If so, why?
Anti-racism practice urges us to examine and reflect on our own biases, conditioning, values and beliefs. There is a conditioning in our society to read about marginalized people, black and brown people, through a white lens. Our history is taught from a white perspective. It’s important to think critically about which authors we typically read, who we tend to follow and learn from, and who we promote and elevate. One must ask themselves, why is Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s book about race sold out? Why has it been at the top of the best sellers list? Why are we centering her voice? If we are working to elevate Black voices and Black authors, then why would so many continue to promote this book? It’s an honest practice of noticing if we are perpetuating white supremacy, even when it comes to writing about race. No one understands race more than a Black person. Black people have been writing about race for years. You can read books about race by the following Black authors: Ibram X. Kendi, Ijeoma Oluo, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Crystal Fleming, Austin Channing, Bryan Stevenson, Beverly Daniel Tatum, Michelle Alexander, Layla Saad, Michelle Johnson, Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams, Ruth King and more.
You can go back and read Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, Mumia Abu-Jamal, W.E.B Dubois, James Baldwin, bell hooks, and more.
We are all indoctrinated to elevate whiteness and it is a constant practice of separating ourselves from it. Anti-racism work requires you to be vulnerable and courageous. There is no time for white fragility, black lives are in danger. Begin thinking critically about racism in the spaces you inhabit and the choices you make daily.
Take action, do the work of dismantling racism and transforming racism from the inside out.
The word fragility means the quality of being easily broken or damaged. We have to rethink that word choice or we may get stuck on the notion of white fragility. White fragility keeps you in a space of wanting to be centered, affirmed, and comforted, even when learning about and examining racism.
Many white people are awakening to the reality of systemic racism in the United States of America. White Fragility being #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List, is very telling about where the white community is (or isn’t) in their anti-racism practice. I am seeing a lot of performative allyship, optics, and white fragility in many of the predominantly white yoga spaces and in other communities. I have not heard much about people self-reflecting and doing the deeper work of self-inquiry or self-study.
Reasons why we need to stop saying,“white fragility” are as follows:
1. White people are not fragile.
If you become defensive around conversations about race, perhaps it is your ego fragility showing up. Surrender your ego attachments and defensiveness. You may experience a lot of fear when talking about race; fear of losing privilege and entitlement, fear of your belief system being shattered. The phrase, white fragility, perpetuates the racial myth that white people are fragile and Black people are not. It furthers the belief that Black Americans can withstand more pain than white people. It furthers the myth that white people need to be protected from black people. Black people are strong but we are also human. We are resilient but we feel deeply: we feel pain, sadness, heartache, helpless and vulnerable, sometimes daily. It is time for white people to get uncomfortable.
2. White fragility allows you the choice to stay in your comfort zone.
It is necessary and time to push yourself out of your comfort zone everyday, in every way. White fragility allows you the choice to stay in your comfort zone. I have experienced people I love get stuck in that fragile place. “Good, nice,” yet fragile, white people uphold systemic racism everyday. Even in the midst of witnessing someone else’s pain, one's resistance to the truth and defensiveness protects whiteness. Many hold onto the idea that Love Wins, and you don’t actually have to do any work. In order to make space for your soul to grow, you have to experience discomfort. It is in the fire of life challenges and discomfort that transformation takes place. Pause your reflex to automatically go to what is comfortable and habitual or to avoid conversations about race. Move through white fragility; you start the practice in the discomfort. To cultivate an anti-racism practice, begin by examining your racial biases, conditioning, values, and beliefs. Think critically about how you may have internalized anti-blackness.
3. Reflect on the following: Was White Fragility the first book you reached for to learn about race? If so, why? Did you promote it before or after the current racial uprising? If so, why?
Anti-racism practice urges us to examine and reflect on our own biases, conditioning, values and beliefs. There is a conditioning in our society to read about marginalized people, black and brown people, through a white lens. Our history is taught from a white perspective. It’s important to think critically about which authors we typically read, who we tend to follow and learn from, and who we promote and elevate. One must ask themselves, why is Dr. Robin DiAngelo’s book about race sold out? Why has it been at the top of the best sellers list? Why are we centering her voice? If we are working to elevate Black voices and Black authors, then why would so many continue to promote this book? It’s an honest practice of noticing if we are perpetuating white supremacy, even when it comes to writing about race. No one understands race more than a Black person. Black people have been writing about race for years. You can read books about race by the following Black authors: Ibram X. Kendi, Ijeoma Oluo, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Crystal Fleming, Austin Channing, Bryan Stevenson, Beverly Daniel Tatum, Michelle Alexander, Layla Saad, Michelle Johnson, Rev. Angel Kyodo Williams, Ruth King and more.
You can go back and read Angela Davis, Assata Shakur, Mumia Abu-Jamal, W.E.B Dubois, James Baldwin, bell hooks, and more.
We are all indoctrinated to elevate whiteness and it is a constant practice of separating ourselves from it. Anti-racism work requires you to be vulnerable and courageous. There is no time for white fragility, black lives are in danger. Begin thinking critically about racism in the spaces you inhabit and the choices you make daily.
Take action, do the work of dismantling racism and transforming racism from the inside out.
June 7, 2020
Racism Is Systemic: What Exactly Does That Mean?
Racism is systemic. What exactly does that mean?
Racism is more than conscious hate. Racism is a complex system set up generations ago to oppress black and brown people, while elevating white people. Whether one is aware or not, we are born into this existing system.
Systemic racism is racism that infects the very structure of our society. Systemic racism persists in our schools, offices, court system, police departments, military and elsewhere. White people occupy most positions of decision-making power so people of color have a difficult time achieving social and political equality. For example, reducing racist police behavior to a few bad cops who need to be removed, rather than seeing it exists in police departments all over the United States, neglects the systemic cause. Even when Black athletes, such as former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, peacefully protest, there is a refusal to see police brutality as part of a system, and that the system needs to change.
Institutionalized racism is a form of racism expressed in the practice of social and political institutions. It is a pattern of differential access to material resources and power by race, which advantages one sector of the population while disadvantaging another. It’s not only about racist attitudes or prejudice, but the ways in which rights and resources are distributed. Institutionalized racism disrupts marginalized communities’ access to quality education, healthcare, living wages, a respectable quality of living and other resources. For example, in Michigan, the Flint water, racial and poverty crisis allowed contaminated water into Flint homes for years and still counting. Politicians knowingly poisoned black and brown children in Flint Michigan because “profits reign supreme.”
Racism = Social + Institutional Power + Race Prejudice
Each individual either benefits (white people) or is oppressed (black and brown people) by the racist system we are all born into. Anti-blackness lies invisibly in the back of the mind. Most people are taught not to see it, not in your actions or inaction, words or silence. White people are socialized to identify as white and internalize the messages that white is the norm and superior race.
Reflecting on your anti-Blackness is an intense process of examining and unlearning. Anti-Blackness isn't limited to white people. Non-Black people of color can perpetuate anti-blackness too. Everyone has to look at how they may be perpetuating anti-Blackness in their everyday life.
Can you identify how you may have internalized anti-Blackness? If so, what steps can you take towards undoing and unlearning those beliefs?
Racism is more than conscious hate. Racism is a complex system set up generations ago to oppress black and brown people, while elevating white people. Whether one is aware or not, we are born into this existing system.
Systemic racism is racism that infects the very structure of our society. Systemic racism persists in our schools, offices, court system, police departments, military and elsewhere. White people occupy most positions of decision-making power so people of color have a difficult time achieving social and political equality. For example, reducing racist police behavior to a few bad cops who need to be removed, rather than seeing it exists in police departments all over the United States, neglects the systemic cause. Even when Black athletes, such as former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, peacefully protest, there is a refusal to see police brutality as part of a system, and that the system needs to change.
Institutionalized racism is a form of racism expressed in the practice of social and political institutions. It is a pattern of differential access to material resources and power by race, which advantages one sector of the population while disadvantaging another. It’s not only about racist attitudes or prejudice, but the ways in which rights and resources are distributed. Institutionalized racism disrupts marginalized communities’ access to quality education, healthcare, living wages, a respectable quality of living and other resources. For example, in Michigan, the Flint water, racial and poverty crisis allowed contaminated water into Flint homes for years and still counting. Politicians knowingly poisoned black and brown children in Flint Michigan because “profits reign supreme.”
Racism = Social + Institutional Power + Race Prejudice
Each individual either benefits (white people) or is oppressed (black and brown people) by the racist system we are all born into. Anti-blackness lies invisibly in the back of the mind. Most people are taught not to see it, not in your actions or inaction, words or silence. White people are socialized to identify as white and internalize the messages that white is the norm and superior race.
Reflecting on your anti-Blackness is an intense process of examining and unlearning. Anti-Blackness isn't limited to white people. Non-Black people of color can perpetuate anti-blackness too. Everyone has to look at how they may be perpetuating anti-Blackness in their everyday life.
Can you identify how you may have internalized anti-Blackness? If so, what steps can you take towards undoing and unlearning those beliefs?
May 31, 2020
10 Ways To Take Action: How To Practice Anti-Racism
Photo: Thought Catalog by Unsplash
1. Educate Yourself and your children about race. Choose authors that are BIPOC, LGBTQ. There’s a list of several recommendations here.
2. Examine and challenge your own racial biases, prejudices and conditioning. Identify any bias you may need to unpack and let go of. This is a process and if you are doing it truthfully it will be uncomfortable.
3. Identify times when you participated in cultural appropriation. There is so much love for black culture, it is being consumed and used for profit daily, but where is the love and respect for Black people. Be thoughtful about your consumption of other cultures and learn how to best show respect.
4. Explore if you identify white as being the “norm.” In what ways do you need to separate from whiteness? In what ways have you internalized anti-black racism?
5. Amplify BIPOC voices. Allow us to speak for ourselves and lead with our voices. Do not speak for us.
6. Find ways to highlight BIPOC in your field of work, at events, conferences, podcasts, retreats, classes, etc.
7. Speak out against injustices, racism, bias or toxic behavior. Call in, call out, just say something.
8. Support BIPOC owned businesses. Identify 3 local businesses to support today.
9. Vote for politicians that have a Black agenda. The Black agenda is an American agenda.
10. Build a connection to a marginalized group or community. Cultivate relationship with Black people.
1. Educate Yourself and your children about race. Choose authors that are BIPOC, LGBTQ. There’s a list of several recommendations here.
2. Examine and challenge your own racial biases, prejudices and conditioning. Identify any bias you may need to unpack and let go of. This is a process and if you are doing it truthfully it will be uncomfortable.
3. Identify times when you participated in cultural appropriation. There is so much love for black culture, it is being consumed and used for profit daily, but where is the love and respect for Black people. Be thoughtful about your consumption of other cultures and learn how to best show respect.
4. Explore if you identify white as being the “norm.” In what ways do you need to separate from whiteness? In what ways have you internalized anti-black racism?
5. Amplify BIPOC voices. Allow us to speak for ourselves and lead with our voices. Do not speak for us.
6. Find ways to highlight BIPOC in your field of work, at events, conferences, podcasts, retreats, classes, etc.
7. Speak out against injustices, racism, bias or toxic behavior. Call in, call out, just say something.
8. Support BIPOC owned businesses. Identify 3 local businesses to support today.
9. Vote for politicians that have a Black agenda. The Black agenda is an American agenda.
10. Build a connection to a marginalized group or community. Cultivate relationship with Black people.
May 11, 2020
Write Right Rite & Ancient Egyptian Jewelry
Tutankhamun pectoral (18th dyn) Winged scarab, Isis,Nephthys, djed pillars, ureai, sun disk
My kids and I have been following one of our favorite children's authors, Jason Reynolds, on Instagram. Jason Reynolds is currently the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. We read and love the book he wrote, Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks. He is incredibly inspiring for young people and adults too.
Jason Reynolds does a writing activity on instagram called #writerightrite and gives you interesting and investigative writing prompts. The other day he did an activity about ekphrastic, which means to write about art. Any art. Click here for some examples of ekphrastic poetry.
As he posted this activity, I was taking an Ancient Egyptian Jewelry class, learning about the history, culture, art and jewelry of Egypt.
Egyptian Faience : Scarabs
Egyptian faience is the oldest known glazed ceramic. It is a ceramic material with a siliceous body and a brightly colored glaze. In ancient Egypt, objects created with faience were considered magical, filled with undying shimmer of the sun, and imbued with the powers of rebirth. Jewelry and ritual objects glimmer with the brilliance of eternity.
The scarab bug, a beetle found all over ancient Egypt, symbolized the restoration of life. The scarab was a popular design for good luck charms, for seals used to stamp documents, and for jewelry made from clay or precious gems. Scarabs were either carved from stone or molded from Egyptian faience. Once carved, they turn various shades of green or blue when fired.
The rich colors used in the scarab design had meaning. Red signified the god, Ra. Touches of yellow were used too symbolize the sun and the desert. Blue symbolized the Nile. Green was the symbol for growth.
This is my response or ekphrastic poem to the photo of Tutankhamun pectoral above:
Here are some photos of my process of learning to work with faience and some pieces I created with faience:
Just sculpted, wet faience pieces.
Faience pieces after they were fired in a kiln.
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Stirrup Swivel Bead Ring
Stirrup Bead Pinky Ring
Scarab Ring
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Three Faience Rings
*Also, check out a game Jason Reynolds created called "Brain Yoga" for kids. It is so important for children and adults, to continue to use their imagination, stretch their mind and be creative. It's good for the mind and the soul.
Practicing an art, whether it turns out brilliant or bland, is a way to make your soul glow.
My kids and I have been following one of our favorite children's authors, Jason Reynolds, on Instagram. Jason Reynolds is currently the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. We read and love the book he wrote, Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks. He is incredibly inspiring for young people and adults too.
Jason Reynolds does a writing activity on instagram called #writerightrite and gives you interesting and investigative writing prompts. The other day he did an activity about ekphrastic, which means to write about art. Any art. Click here for some examples of ekphrastic poetry.
As he posted this activity, I was taking an Ancient Egyptian Jewelry class, learning about the history, culture, art and jewelry of Egypt.
Egyptian Faience : Scarabs
[image error]
Egyptian faience is the oldest known glazed ceramic. It is a ceramic material with a siliceous body and a brightly colored glaze. In ancient Egypt, objects created with faience were considered magical, filled with undying shimmer of the sun, and imbued with the powers of rebirth. Jewelry and ritual objects glimmer with the brilliance of eternity.
The scarab bug, a beetle found all over ancient Egypt, symbolized the restoration of life. The scarab was a popular design for good luck charms, for seals used to stamp documents, and for jewelry made from clay or precious gems. Scarabs were either carved from stone or molded from Egyptian faience. Once carved, they turn various shades of green or blue when fired.
The rich colors used in the scarab design had meaning. Red signified the god, Ra. Touches of yellow were used too symbolize the sun and the desert. Blue symbolized the Nile. Green was the symbol for growth.
This is my response or ekphrastic poem to the photo of Tutankhamun pectoral above:
the goddess Isis
and her magical powers
connect wings of flight
to a green scarab.
because growth requires
movement.
Here are some photos of my process of learning to work with faience and some pieces I created with faience:
[image error]
Just sculpted, wet faience pieces.
[image error]
Faience pieces after they were fired in a kiln.
[image error]
Stirrup Swivel Bead Ring
[image error]
Stirrup Bead Pinky Ring
[image error]
Scarab Ring
[image error]
Three Faience Rings
*Also, check out a game Jason Reynolds created called "Brain Yoga" for kids. It is so important for children and adults, to continue to use their imagination, stretch their mind and be creative. It's good for the mind and the soul.
Practicing an art, whether it turns out brilliant or bland, is a way to make your soul glow.
April 26, 2020
The Art of Chillin: 5 Ways to Just Chill
It often feels like too much amid the COVID-19 pandemic. There are so many sources of stress and it's normal to feel some anxiety when a global pandemic impacts every realm of your life. You may get caught up in thinking about what you need to be doing now, or doing next, or should have done earlier. Slowly begin to let go of the idea of "wasted time," let go of your to-do list and just arrive in the moment, fully and completely.
Here are some ways to cope with stress and anxiety and just chill.
Chillin: the art of doing nothing without being bored.
5 WAYS TO JUST CHILL:
1. BREATHE
It's ok if the only thing you did today was breathe. Pranayama is the 4th limb of yoga and is the practice of breath control. Mindful breathing helps to expand prana or life force. One conscious breath in and out is meditation.
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2. STAY IN BED. ALL DAY.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in bed. Read a book in bed. Watch a movie in bed. Eat chocolate in bed. Drink wine in bed. Write in bed. Text in bed. It's okay to take one day and stay in bed all day, without feeling any guilt. Bruno Mars sings "Lazy Song" and reminds us that sometimes we don't feel like doing anything and just want to lay in bed. A global pandemic earns you the right to take one day and chill in bed.
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3. NAP NAKED
Nap therapy. A short nap can restore your mind and body. Napping can also enhance your creativity, lower stress levels, increase energy and lift your mood. There are many benefits of sleeping naked. Sleeping naked allows your body temperature to go down and can help you fall asleep faster and for a longer period of time. Improved sleep means reduced stress and anxiety.
4. BUBBLE BATHS
Add some bubbles or bath salts, burn some incense and play some smooth tunes. Find your sanctuary and hear yourself think, imagine and dream. Taking a bath is water therapy. Baths can help boost your mood, relieve skin conditions, reduce muscle pain and improve sleep. [image error]
5. NETFLIX AND CHILL
By yourself or with quarantine bae. Carve out some time to relax by yourself or with a loved one. Here are 5 TV shows or movies you can find on Netflix or Amazon Prime the next time you need to Netflix and chill.
Uncorked
Workin' Moms
Glow
#blackAF
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
[image error]
As always, we would love to hear from you. Tell us how you like to chill in the comment section below.
Here are some ways to cope with stress and anxiety and just chill.
Chillin: the art of doing nothing without being bored.
5 WAYS TO JUST CHILL:
1. BREATHE
It's ok if the only thing you did today was breathe. Pranayama is the 4th limb of yoga and is the practice of breath control. Mindful breathing helps to expand prana or life force. One conscious breath in and out is meditation.
[image error]
2. STAY IN BED. ALL DAY.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner in bed. Read a book in bed. Watch a movie in bed. Eat chocolate in bed. Drink wine in bed. Write in bed. Text in bed. It's okay to take one day and stay in bed all day, without feeling any guilt. Bruno Mars sings "Lazy Song" and reminds us that sometimes we don't feel like doing anything and just want to lay in bed. A global pandemic earns you the right to take one day and chill in bed.
[image error]
3. NAP NAKED
Nap therapy. A short nap can restore your mind and body. Napping can also enhance your creativity, lower stress levels, increase energy and lift your mood. There are many benefits of sleeping naked. Sleeping naked allows your body temperature to go down and can help you fall asleep faster and for a longer period of time. Improved sleep means reduced stress and anxiety.
4. BUBBLE BATHS
Add some bubbles or bath salts, burn some incense and play some smooth tunes. Find your sanctuary and hear yourself think, imagine and dream. Taking a bath is water therapy. Baths can help boost your mood, relieve skin conditions, reduce muscle pain and improve sleep. [image error]
5. NETFLIX AND CHILL
By yourself or with quarantine bae. Carve out some time to relax by yourself or with a loved one. Here are 5 TV shows or movies you can find on Netflix or Amazon Prime the next time you need to Netflix and chill.
Uncorked
Workin' Moms
Glow
#blackAF
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon Prime)
[image error]
As always, we would love to hear from you. Tell us how you like to chill in the comment section below.
