“Somebody told a lie one day…They made everything Black, ugly and evil.”
“Take a day to heal from the lies you’ve been told and the ones you’ve told yourself.”
The Women’s Initiative Sister Circle Program is promoting the National Community Healing Network’s annual “Community Healing Days” this October as a part of its commitment to fostering healing for Black women and women of color in our community.
The goals of the Community Healing Days include celebrating Black identity and the idea of “flourishing while Black.” These days are also about healing the global Black community from the trauma of anti-Black racism.
Sister Circle Co-Coordinators Alyson Stewart, MFT, and Shelly Wood, MSW, attended the conference of the National Community Healing Network and the Association of Black Psychologists in Richmond in August. They suggest the following activities and conversation starters for Community Healing Days this October 18-20.
TWI counselors Shelly Wood, MSW, left, and Alyson Stewart, MFT, center, with Dr. Cheryl Grills, right, of the Association of Black Psychologists.
Take the pledge to “defy the lie of Black inferiority” and “embrace the truth of Black humanity”
Wear a sky-blue article of clothing, responding to Dr. Maya Angelou’s call “to show our collective determination to turn the pain of the blues into the sky blue of unlimited possibilities.” Ideas: Tie, lapel pin or brooch, shoes, earrings, nail polish, scarf, carnation. Post pictures on social media with the hashtag #communityhealingdays
Take time out with a friend, such as for coffee, lunch, or a walk
Gather friends, family or coworkers to…
… watch a film from the “Movies That Start Healing Conversations List”
… discuss “What does Black flourishing look like?” with these conversation starters
The Sister Circle Program at The Women’s Initiative provides mental health and wellness programs to reach and serve Black women and women of color.