We Rested. We Restored.
Reflections from A Day of Collective Restoration.
This past Saturday, Black Women For Self held sacred space. Our “A Day of Collective Restoration” was nothing short of an ancestral-honoring, soul-stirring gathering rooted in rest, reflection, and radical self-care. Surrounded by some of the most dynamic Black women in New Orleans, we came together in a Black woman-owned venue with a shared intention: to explore what racial healing looks like for us and how we begin (and continue) that work with compassion, honesty, and care. BWFS encourages Black women to rest, release, and pour into us through radical self-care. Too many Black women are affected by stress-related diseases, with racism being a significant stressor. The intention for this gathering was to gently explore the biases that impact our lives in a soft, welcoming space.
From the moment guests arrived, the energy in the room was palpable. There was power in our presence. It was such a beautiful thing to see Black women choosing to pause, soften, be witnessed, and tend to themselves in community.
Throughout the day, we were guided through experiences, all curated by Black women, designed to nourish both our bodies and spirits. A grounding sound meditation by Tieara Dokes invited us to settle into stillness, allowing our nervous systems to exhale. Nova and her magical womb work created space for deep connection and remembrance, guiding us to release and honor all that we carry within our bodies. Serene Massage by Xylona blessed us with healing massages that offered moments of physical relief, reminding us that rest is not a luxury but a necessity.
At the Bloom Bar, women created beautiful floral arrangements, each one unique, expressive, and reflective of the hands that shaped them. The Tea Activation Station, by The Green Tea Collective, offered intentional blends that promoted rest and relaxation and also encouraged ritual and presence in even the smallest acts. We gathered over a delicious, thoughtfully prepared brunch by Chef Shakia, breaking bread, sharing stories, and delighting in the joy of being cared for.
An affirmation wall became a living testament to our collective truth, words of love, affirmation, and intention layered one upon another. Laughter flowed freely. Tears were shed.
At the heart of the day was a dynamic and deeply moving conversation centered on racial healing. Led by Ashlee Rene’, Dr. Danielle Wright, Cierra Chenier, and Dr. Marva Lewis, we explored the history and ongoing impact of colorism and hair bias, reflected on the impact of the Tignon Law, and named the ways these systems have shaped our self-perception and lived experiences. Through an impactful exercise led by Dr. Lewis, many of us found ourselves reconnecting with our younger selves, acknowledging what she endured and what she still deserves. Most importantly, we held space to imagine and discuss how we heal moving forward, individually and collectively, through truth-telling, self-love, and intentional community care.
We left the space changed; lighter, fuller, more connected to ourselves and one another. And even days later, we are still reeling from the beautiful energy that filled the room.
Thank you to every woman who showed up, leaned in, and chose herself. Thank you for trusting BWFS with your rest. This is only the beginning.
I would especially like to thank Dulce Events for bringing this event's vision to life. You are deeply appreciated!
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In Rest,
Samjah Iman
Photo Credit: Mike Carter