February is Black History Month, a time we celebrate the accomplishments and successes of African Americans in U.S. history. Not lost on our minds, however, are names like Floyd, Castille, Clark, Wright, and now Locke. Their memories encourage us to champion solutions in the sector of public safety. Black History Month, on one hand, offers tribute to the trailblazers who’ve paved the way. Let it also be a reminder of how far we still must go, especially in times like this. We are past the moment of waiting for change. We need change to come now.
Now is the time for our elected officials and policymakers to step up and enact real change for our communities. Please contact your local officials and express your pain and need for them to act on legislative change now. You can find your representative here. https://www.gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/districts/
For many this a traumatic event in already difficult times. If needed, there are resources to help you process your pain.
The Healing Justice Foundation, created by Dr. Joi Lewis, is rooted in Black liberation and works to provide healing to Black people.
The Cultural Wellness Center is a transformative space offering classes, coaching, consulting that help community members develop culturally based solutions. Led by Atum Azzahir, the center was started in Minneapolis in 1996.
Wellness Ways is a space to explore physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional health. They provide integrative psychotherapy, arts expression, yoga, and meditation, led by Dr. Felicia Washington Sy.
Render Free is a shared lounge and work space for self-identified Black and Brown women. They host events and feature wellness practitioners of color to support rest and healing.
The Zen Bin is a divinely ordained healing community utilizing Gospel, Hip-Hop and R&B music to heal trauma, release stress and distractions.
Black Girl In Om is a wellness company founded by Lauren Ash that centers the well-being of Black women, offering meditation, healing sessions, and a popular podcast.
The Maji ya Chai Land Sanctuary is an in-progress nature healing space centered on Black, Indigenous and people of color.
The African American Child Wellness Institute supports the psychological and spiritual liberation of children of African descent and their families by providing mental health services and holistic wellness resources.
The Staff at AALF