In the wake of the killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, the Dallas police officers, and others, the past week has drained us all emotionally, spiritually, and perhaps even physically. I do believe that as writers we are to use our words to speak out against injustice. We are to use our writing to help bring about change. We are to speak our minds, even if our voices shake.
But I know that as humans, sometimes tragedy leaves us speechless. Sometimes we just can’t find the words. Sometimes we’re left metaphorically paralyzed by the pain we feel from all the madness around us.
This is why I believe that we must not neglect self-care, even in such a time as this.
As the great Audre Lorde once said, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
On Wednesday, July 13 local poet and See Jane Write member Salaam Green of the Literary Healing Arts Foundation will host an introductory community healing circle for women. Write to Heal and Sisters in Support will be held 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Kuumba Community Arts center, 604 19th Street in Ensley. The event will include writing, doodling, spoken word and more to give women an opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment so that they can use creative self-expression to heal.
Facilitators will include Renee Smith, a certified Christian life coach and founder of H.E.R. Helping EachOther Rise, and Reshaye Marketta Stoudemire, a master cosmetologist and beauty empowerment coach.
Complimentary hand massages will be available and light, healthy snacks will be provided.
Click here to register and for more information.
Salaam and the Literary Healing Arts Foundation will also host a six-week body positivity boot camp July 16 – August 20 for women and girls. (Details above.)
For more information on both events, email Salaam Green at salaamgreen@gmail.com.