Rooted: A Spiritual Wellness Catalog by and for Black Womxn.
Television Miniseries: "The Book of Negroes" Television Miniseries
Album: Worthy by India.Arie
Balm: A Novel by Dolen Perkins-Valdez,
Walking Meditation: As I walk, I breathe slowly and offer gratitude for nature around me: the bristle of leaves on the trees, the hue of flowers, the large expanse of the sky, etc. and then release my mind to wander
D. Danyelle Thomas, Founder + Content Creator, Unfit Christian
Leader.
Preferred social media handles:
@UnfitChristian on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Podcast: Theology Live, Episode 7: "HERmeneutics" featuring Rev. Janae Pitts Murdock.
Music: We Are King by KING
Quote: "If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive." — Audre Lorde.
Book: The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient Teachings In The Ways Of Relationships by Sobonfu Somé
Sacred Text: "AND [remember, O Prophet,] how those who were bent on denying the truth were scheming against thee, in order to restrain thee [from preaching], or to slay thee, or to drive thee away: thus have they [always] schemed: but God brought their scheming to nought-for God is above all schemers." Surah Al-Anfal 8:30
Rev. Jessica N. Bass, M.Div., LCSW
Pastoral + Clinical Counselor.
Preferred social media handles:
Twitter/Instagram: @ladyjnoelle
Facebook: Jessica N. Bass
Books:
Anonymous and 40 Days of Decrease by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Healing Spiritual Wounds by Carol Howard Merritt
Coming Through the Darkness: Cancer and One Woman’s Journey To Wholeness, Stories From Inner Space: Confessions of a Preacher Woman and Other Tales, and The Sound of Intercession by Rev. Dr. Claudette A. Copeland
Women Who Run With the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa P. Estes
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
In a Blaze of Glory: Womanist Spirituality as Social Witness by Dr. Emilie Townes
Showing Mary: How Women Can Share Prayers, Wisdom and the Blessings of God by Dr. Renita J. Weems
Music: India Arie, CeCe Winans, Anita Baker, Jill Scott, Tank, Donny/Lala Hathaway, Luther Vandross, Fred Hammond.
Recipes: My grandmother’s sweet potato pie
Meditation: Soul Time App by Danny Silk
Quotes:
“Perhaps naming our wounds can be a beginning to healing our wounds.” - Jessica N. Bass
“When “i” is replaced with “we” even illness becomes wellness.” - Malcolm X
“Healing is the end of conflict with yourself.” - Unknown
“When people show you who they are, believe them, the first time.” - Maya Angelou
“You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen to people to break easily, or have sharp edges, or have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, your hair has been loved off, your eyes drop out, and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real, you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” - Margery Williams
Scriptures/Sacred Texts: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication and thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” - Luke 2:52
“But my God shall supply all of your need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19
“Wait on the Lord: be of good courage and He will strengthen your heart. Wait I say on the Lord.” - Psalm 27:14
“Now into Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think, according to the power that works within us”. - Ephesians 3:20
Psalm 23
Brittany Simmons Willis, MBA
eCommerce Sales and Franchise Owner
Food/Beverages: Seafood Gumbo, French Pressed Coffee, Mint, Chamomile, or Chai Teas
Meditations: Ross Rayburn/Aditi Shah via Peloton App, Calm App (Foggy Stream)
Music: “Wrap Me in Your Arms” by William McDowell, “Happy Face” by Destiny’s Child, and “Jamming” by Bob Marley
Scripture: Romans 8:28, Exodus 14:14
Quote: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in the bud became more painful than it risk to took to blossom.” - Anais Nin
Jade T. Perry
Mystic.
Preferred social media handles:
Instagram: @jadetperry
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JadeTPerry1
Website: jadetperry.com
Community Learning & Content: patreon.com/jadetperry
The Salt Eaters, a novel by Black feminist cultural worker, Toni Cade Bambara deals with "the tremendous responsibility that comes with physical, spiritual, and mental well-being." It includes narrative, dialogue, Black folx mysticism & proverbs, and social analysis.
Light in the Dark ⁄ Luz en lo Oscuro: Rewriting Identity, Spirituality, Reality, a book by lesbian Chicana feminist & academic Gloria Anzaldúa helps me to remember "there are realities within realities." This work informs me as a spiritual activist and practitioner with its beautiful writing & interesting concepts.
The Black Bubble: Afrofuturistic Meditation & Protection Spell
This spiritual technology came to me in a period of rest! I wrote the transcription & then linked up with Candace Simpson of Fish Sandwich Heaven - who has THE MOST ANOINTED speaking voice (lol) - to help complete the offeringTwelve Little Spells album by Esperanza Spalding
Black femme brilliance, energy work / reiki, and a classically trained musician... yes please! This album is meant to answer the question: "Can I harness 12 little sensation-revelations into sounds, words, imagery, and performance that activates this healing, tingling effect in others?" The answer is Yes.Psalm 23
I grew up in a Black supernaturalist church, so the Bible provides such grounding a sacred text at times. I like to meditate on this passage, sure - but I also enjoy speaking this passage over my mojo bags to charge them up with sacred energy.
Dr. Emilie M. Townes
Womanist.
Cooking—limiting my intake of red meat—particularly beef and pork. My current favorite meal to make is Carmelized Shallot Pasta
Morning Quiet—spending up to an hour of my early morning before the day begins by centering that includes prayer, meditation, the New York Times crossword puzzle, and staying still and listening to the morning break.
Golf—the only place in America where a Black woman can whack little white balls around and not get arrested
Church services—even in this age of social distancing, I find attending church to be a major centering for my whole week—it sets the tone for how I approach the various tasks I face and the amount of tomfoolery I will have to deal with in this post-truth mean-spirited time
Reverend Eboni Marshall Turman, Ph.D.
Theologian.
Preferred social media handles:
Twitter and Instagram: @ebonithoughts
Consistent prayer/meditation - Psalm 27 ("Wait, I say, on the Lord” 27:14)
Body Practice - running, yoga, pilates, dance, especially watching black choreography, i.e. Because Black Joy and you can never outdo Harlem! ("There is a time to dance.” Ecclesiastes. 3:4)
Reading Black women’s fiction (Study to show yourself approved” II Tim. 2:15a)
Holding my children (Black Girls Matter) (Suffer the little children to come unto me.” Mark 10:14)
Drinking lots of water (“Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.” John 4: 1-26)
Rev. Dr. Dominique A. Robinson
Educator.
Preferred social media handles:
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter: @dominiqueayesha
Documentary: What Happened, Miss Simone?
Any book by Toni Morrison (audio books narrated by Toni Morrison are the best)
Scripture: Luke 1:45 NIV
Website: Therapy for Black Girls
Recorded sermons and speeches by the Rev. Dr. Prathia Hall
Carmen S. Reid
Minister.
Preferred social media handles:
Instagram: @lovecarmie
Facebook: Carmen Reid
Philippians 4:6-13- I read these verses daily as a reminder to remain focused on God during this time and know that this season does not get to break me and it won't! Most importantly, it helps me to remember what to do in moments when I feel anxious: pray about everything and focus on positive thoughts!
Tabitha Brown's Instagram (@iamtabithabrown) - I absolutely love her and the joyful content she posts! Her page has brought me so much joy and laughter. I have found myself trying her recipes and being uplifted by her video messages. I made her carrot bacon recipe and I will never be the same! Don't go to heaven without trying it!
31 Days of Winning: Women's Devotional & Prayer Journal by Pastor Jennifer L. Carner - Pastor Carner is a queen among women. To say her devotional has encouraged me during this time would be an understatement. This devotional has become one of my favorites. In the devotional, Pastor Carner gives scripture, inspirational text, and allows space for readers to write reflections. Absolutely amazing text!
50 Days From Resurrection to Pentecost: A Devotional Guide Through the Book of Acts by Jessica Booker - Jessica is a joy to the kingdom of God. She breaks down the book of Acts in an impeccable way and makes it applicable to our daily lives. This devotional allowed me to see the greatness of Pentecost in a different yet beautiful manner, such a life-changing devotional!
My Conquering the Day Playlist - Music is my love language. I have always understood singing to be a way for me to communicate with God. Needless to say, I found myself listening to music that feeds my soul and expresses my laments and joys to God. This has been a strange time to sing, but I pray this playlist encourages others as it has encouraged me!
Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs aka Pastor Bae
Healer.
Preferred social media handles:
Twitter/Instagram: @LyvonneP
Facebook and YouTube: Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs
Music is a portal and that's why I curated The Proverbial Experience playlist. This musical massage includes all of the tracks that I play during my sacred gatherings on Instagram Live. It has a range of inspiring, meditative music that makes me cry, laugh, reflect. From the altar to the bathtub, it's a go-to!
Dance is a spiritual practice for me. My "time fi wuk it up" playlist is a mix of reggae, soca, calypso, and Afrobeats for dancing around the world, in the comfort, privacy, and safety of my home. I always feel my sacred divine feminine energy rise after a session with this playlist!
Tea is so comforting for me. In these times, a warm cup of herbal tea can feel like the hugs I so deeply miss and long for. Indulging in a smooth, steamy cup of tea is also a way for me to invite delicious, sensual pleasure into my life! My two favorite tea ladies are Black women: Just Add Honey and Teas with Meaning. Both Brandi and Kamilah are shipping teas at this time.
My therapist, Dr. Briana Boyd always channels gems during our sessions! Here are a few:
"You never know who you're fuckin' with until you implement a boundary."
"Healing is a choice."
"You are a divine being of Love walking toward the Light."
Nina Simone on freedom. A mood. A mantra. A movement.
Lucille Clifton's reading of "won't you celebrate with me." My sacred text, prayer, and invocation!
Pastor Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes, MA, M.Div.
Pastor.
Preferred social media handles:
Instagram: @pastorgabbycwilkes
Twitter: @gabbycwilkes
Poetry: “Won’t You Celebrate With Me” by Lucille Clifton
Music: “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston
Soul Care (Book): Listening For God by Renita Weems
Meditation: The Sound Of The Genuine by Howard Thurman (a commencement speech given at Spelman College in 1980).
Pastor Gabby’s Personal Practice: Unfollow (digitally & literally) everything that doesn’t serve you. Spend more time loving those who love you, less time chasing those who don’t. Believe the compliments, vet the critiques.
Rev. Porsha D. Williams Gates
Creator.
Preferred social media handles:
Instagram and Twitter: @porshanality
Book: Howard Thurman’s Meditations of the Heart
Music: Stevie Wonder’s entire musical catalog
Poem: Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman”
Movie: The Wiz
Podcast: Yes, Girl Podcast from Essence
Recipe: Porsha’s Baked Lemon Peppered Salmon
Get you a pound of salmon. Preheat over at 425. Wash and scale your fish. Trust me. Dry the fish throughly with a paper towel. Season with the following: lemon pepper seasoning, black pepper, seasoned salt, smoked paprika (yes, the smoked kind specifically), and parsley flakes. Slice 1/4 cup of Butter into slices. Place the slices on top of the salmon. Spread the slices out. Slice a lemon. Place the lemon slices on the salmon like you did with the butter. Line your pan/sheet with foil. Place the salmon on the pan/sheet. Cover the salmon with more foil. Bake covered for 15 minutes. Uncover and cook for 3-5 minutes depending on your oven. Take out of the oven and let it cool down. Slice it up and enjoy!
Minister Candace Y. Simpson
Educator.
Preferred social media handles:
Instagram and Twitter: @CandyCornball
Book: Her Stories by Virginia Hamilton.
Movie: “The Wiz,” 1978.
Album: ChloeXHalle, The Kids Are Alright, 2018.
Song: “Having You There” by Mississippi Mass Choir.
Quote: “ Create no images of God. Accept the images that God has provided. They are everywhere, in everything. God is Change— Seed to tree, tree to forest; Rain to river, river to sea; Grubs to bees, bees to swarm. From one, many; from many, one; Forever uniting, growing, dissolving— forever Changing. The universe is God’s self-portrait.” - Octavia Butler, Parable of the Sower
Alencia Johnson
Communicator.
Preferred social media handles:
Twitter and Instagram: @alenciajohnson
Scripture: "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36
Book: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Self-care practice: Baking any of my late grandmother, Ozella Bennett's, recipes. She has inspired so much of my life, especially my career in politics and justice, that baking has become a form of therapy for me and an ability to feel her presence even though she physically is no longer here. One could say this is a sacred and divine connection with my ancestor whose shoulders I stand on.
Song: "More Than Anything" by Sunday Service Choir. Every time I listen to this song, I have to stop and worship. It's also amazing how God can use unlikely people to bring God’s glory.
Tiauna Webb, M.Div. , MID
Nurturer.
Preferred social media handle:
Facebook: Tiauna Webb
We face oceans of crises on every end. The waves are steady and unrelenting. Another video, another murder, another innocent life stolen by the chokehold of criminalization, another Sister rendered invisible, another unmerited shooting, another week where the reality of death and illness pricks at us with constant agitation as we watch the number of casualties rise—we are impacted, we are affected, we are triggered, we are silenced by the weight of our sadness, we are enraged with no other option than to shout, we are exhausted into immobility, and we are motivated by the madness of this moment to take to the streets. And as we rush from one peak of action to another valley of emotion, our children meet us in the in-between to offer us something. Something healing. Something steadying. Something of a balm in this trumped up and evil land. I’m thankful for this opportunity, to lean into appreciation for the Levee in my life- my daughter, who holds back these troubling waters so that Mommy can breathe.
We blow bubbles
And when we do
She grounds me &
She gifts me
With her ripe excitement about
The beauty that will be born each time we exhale
together
We blow bubbles
And when we do
She invites me &
She invokes me
To remember the power in looking up when I’m launching
Because when I do
There’s more time for dancing
As bubbles that slip through my breath and off of my wand create blankets of unpunctured splendor, crystallized in the moment, hoovering over our heads
We blow bubbles
And when we do
She roots me,
She reminds me &
Receives me
Because her unwavering ability to be present
To see goodness
And her ability to stop to admire each and every pocket of possibility that she can before it bursts and returns to a speck in her imagination
Takes my anxiety and anger captive
And as I feel freedom
Inhaling and exhaling
With her
I return to a place
Of peace
Of being
Of purpose
A place where I am liberated to delight in the world..
…. And a place where I can follow her example and receive the delight reflected to me
We blow bubbles
And when we do
My baby girl robs this season of its sting
And she saturates every corner of my being with a knowing
A knowing that says
We will get through this
A knowing that shows
A right-now Joy can still overtake us
We blow bubbles
And when we do
I am reintroduced to the gift that knows us intimately-
Our children
The seed that perpetually returns to us
Clothed in our wildest dreams
We blow bubbles
And when we do
I am called to bear witness to this miracle--
Even as an overflow of grief and trauma threaten to swallow us whole,
Our children
Stretch wide
And hold back the waters of fear and evil, of overwhelm and surrender
With simple yet profound invitations to new ways of being
Grounded & Gifted.
Rooted & Reminded.
When we recall our story of 2020, and how we made it over the troubled waters that encircle us
Let us not forget to call out our Levees by name
I will start--
Haniah,
My daughter who has been living into every inch of her name
God’s grace towards me.
Joy.
Bliss.
I’m thankful
That in the midst of it all
She took me by the hand,
asked me to join her
And we blew bubbles.
Della Guidry
Builder.
Preferred Social Media Handle:
Twitter: @GuidryDella
Scripture: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” - Isaiah 40:28
Favorite Songs: “My Heart Sings” by William McDowell and “Take Me to the Alley” by Gregory Porter
This Recipe by my mother, Mrs. Vivian Evans is a resource for the wellness of my spirit. She would make the most delicious Swedish tea rings.
Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry, Ph.D.
Ritualist.
Preferred social media handles:
Twitter/Instagram : @neichelleg
Facebook: Rev. Neichelle R. Guidry, Ph.D.
Coffee: My morning ritual of smelling, grinding and brewing fresh Black-owned coffee helps me to set a slower, more pleasurable pace for my days. It reminds me to engage my senses and to take my time.
Texts: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston, Perfect Peace by Daniel Black, Various Scriptures
Music:
Songs: “Take Me to the Alley” by Gregory Porter, “Blue Rose” by Lizz Wright, “Lift Up Your Voices” by the Sunday Service Choir, “Come Unto Me” by Take 6
Albums: Spirit of David by Fred Hammond, and SongVersation: Medicine by India.Arie,
People: Being in the presence of my family, and that of my partner, my wonderful star, Olu, keeps me grounded and full of joy. On most days, I talk to my best friend in California. Our time of reflecting and laughing together has become a ritual that actually holds me together.
My healing practice of taking spiritually-centered baths, with my salt and herb blends, my intention candles, sage and palo santo, prayer/meditation, and often, weeping. After I have prepared and stated my prayers over all of my elements, I put on a playlist of healing frequencies or light worship music. I pray over the waters, just like I prayer of baptismal water. I ask God to utilize the water, the elements and the time to cleanse and heal. And I sit there until I feel better - body, soul and mind.
Whitney R-E Bond, MDiv.
Cultural & Spiritual A.C.E. (Activist-Curator-Educator).
Preferred social media handles:
Instagram/Twitter: @msbond2u + @stillsaved247 /
Facebook: Still Saved
Music! I created 4 playlists during Black Music Month called “Surviving the Struggle.” There are 4 different genres/moods: Freedom Songs, Gospel, Black Love, and Aaayyyyeee! They are all available on Apple Music, Spotify and TIDAL. Music allows me to give words to feelings I cannot fully articulate, and to remove myself from the physical realm and allow myself to be transformed by the lyrics.
Quote: “Do the work your soul must have.” — Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon
Quote: “Find a community strong enough to hold your truth.” — Dr. Itihari Toure
Sermon: “In this here place, we flesh; flesh that weeps, laughs; flesh that dances on bare feet in grass. Love it. Love it hard. Yonder they do not love your flesh. They despise it. They don't love your eyes; they'd just as soon pick em out. No more do they love the skin on your back. Yonder they flay it. And O my people they do not love your hands. Thoes they only use, tie, bind, chop off and leave empty. Love your hands! Love them. Raise they up and kiss them. Touch others with them, pat them together, stroke them on your face 'cause they don't love that either. You got to love it, you. And no, they ain’t in love with your mouth. Yonder, out there, they will see it broken and break it again. What you say out of it they will not heed. What you scream from it they do not hear. What you put into it to nourish your body they will snatch away and give you leavins instead No, they do't love your mouth. You got to love it. This is flesh I'm talking about here. Flesh that needs to be loved. Feet that need to rest and to dance; backs that need support; shoulders that need arms, strong arms I'm telling you. And O my people, out yonder, hear me, they do not love your neck unnoosed and straight. So love your neck; put a hand on it, grace it, stroke it and hold it up. And all your inside parts that they'd just as soon slop for hogs, you got to love them. The dark, dark liver- love it, love it, and the beat and beating heart, love that too. More than eyes or feet. More than lungs that have yet to draw free air. More than your life- holding womb and your life-giving private parts, hear me now, love your heart. For this is the prize.”
— Baby Suggs, holy in Beloved x Toni Morrison
Baths. One of my favorites includes dry/powdered milk, honey, epsom salt, baking soda, and essential oils (lavender, lemongrass, and eucalyptus).
Rev. Latishia James-Portis, MDiv
Facilitator.
Preferred social media handles:
Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook: @PurposefullyLJ
Meditations of the Heart by Howard Thurman
My affirmations practice - @PurposefulAffirmations
Our Bible App - An Inclusive Devotional App.
Liberate Meditation App for People of Color
Dance + other embodied practices as a way to connect to my erotic power (See the work of Rashida KhanBey Miller as an example)
Rev. Alisha L. Gordon, M.Div.
Rabblerouser.
Preferred social media handles:
Twitter/Instagram: @dstarwriter59
Song: "We Ready" x Rapper Pastor Troy
Music: A lined hymn like "A Charge to Keep I Have"
Book: Song of Solomon x Toni Morrison
Quote: "There are years that ask questions and years that answer." -- Zora Neale Hurston