Mindfulness and Wellness Classes and Workshops

 

One Village Healing (New Haven, CT and Online)

“Established in April 2019, at the intersection of arts, liberation, and healing justice, One Village Healing  [OVH] is an emerging New Haven based wellness and resilience initiative dedicated to creating spaces, gatherings, and programming, rooted in the values of the healing justice movement. OVH has emerged to assist in creating healing community for everyone. We believe it is imperative to create brave spaces for all people to heal from the emotional, physical and spiritual impacts of systems of oppression so that we can all live wildly liberated, connected, inspired, and healthy lives.​ OVH is led by WOC (women of color) who center radical inclusion, affinity healing, and joyfulness as core elements of this initiative. We center the specific healing needs of those most impacted by systems of oppression.”

 

Zen Zilla Yoga and Wellness, LLC (New Haven, CT and Online)

“Zen Zilla Yoga and Wellness, LLC. offers rhythmic yoga, guided meditation, and wellness coaching to the community, in addition to focused offerings for children, youth, and adults who work in urban settings. These programs are created by a certified yogi and Connecticut K-6 educator and they incorporate music as a means of healing and empowerment. To continue to offer support to the community, during this time of social distancing, you can sign up for Zoom classes via https://www.onevillagehealing.org/.”

 

HealHaus (Brooklyn, NY and Online)

“At HealHaus, we’ve combined diverse healing modalities and practitioners under one roof to provide people with an inclusive space focused on holistic health and wellness. We are committed to building a community that is dedicated to changing the stigma attached to healing.” HealHaus is a Black-owned business and has provided a few workshops specifically for members of the Black community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HealHaus provides online programming in yoga and meditation ($10/class and $30/month), workshops (free or cost varies), and private sessions (cost varies).

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Therapy and Mental Health Services

 

Black Virtual Therapist Directory - from the Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM) Collective

BEAM has started “an online directory of licensed Black therapists who are certified to provide telemental health services.” BEAM is training, movement building and grant making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.

 

Open Path Psychotherapy Collective

“Open Path Psychotherapy Collective is a non-profit nationwide network of mental health professionals dedicated to providing in-office mental health care—at a steeply reduced rate—to individuals, couples, children, and families in need.”

 

Melanin and Mental Health

“Melanin & Mental Health® was born out of a desire to connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities. We are committed to promoting the growth and healing of our communities through our website, online directory, and monthly events.”

 

Therapy for Black Girls

“Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.” Therapy for Black Girls was created by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. Dr. Joy is “a licensed psychologist, speaker and the host of the wildly popular mental health podcast, Therapy for Black Girls. Her work focuses on making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women and she delights in using pop culture to illustrate psychological concepts.”

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Safely Attending Marches and Protests and Alternative Ways to Support Social Movements

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Alternatives to Protests if You are Not able to Participate

The resources below help you think of all the roles possible in social change, including (but not limited to) participating in protests and marches. There is always a way to work in support of the movement in your daily life and community.

 

26 Ways to Be in the Struggle Beyond the Streets

“This list is designed to celebrate all the ways that our communities can engage in liberation. For a range of reasons, there are and always have been folks who cannot attend rallies and pro-

tests but who continue to contribute to ending police and state violence against black people. People seek justice and support liberation in an array of ways, yet their bodies, their spirits, and their lives may not allow them to be in the streets. We believe that we will win. And we need the presence of everyone in the movement to do so. We affirm that all contributions are political, militant, and valued.”

 

Mapping Our Social Change Roles in Times of Crisis - Deepa Iyer

“In our lives and as part of movements and organizations, many of us play different roles in pursuit of equity, shared liberation, inclusion, and justice. This framework (map and explanations) and reflection guide are starting points to reflect on the roles we play in our social change ecosystem -whether that is a project team, an organization, a network, a neighborhood, an online community, a campus group or a movement.”

 

General Safety Tips for Participating in Protests

• How to Protest Safely: What to Bring, What to Do, and What to Avoid (WIRED)

• Safety During Protest (Amnesty International)

• Tips and a Photo (below) from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district.

• LOOK OUT FOR THINGS THAT DON’T SEEM RIGHT. There are increasing reports and investigations that white supremacists may be infiltrating these protests, breaking windows and destroying property. If anything seems off to you, DOCUMENT IT. Always check who is organizing.

• FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS OF GRASSROOTS BLACK ORGANIZERS. They have been at this a long time and are disciplined in the ropes of community organizing and demonstration. It IS a discipline. Follow trusted leaders whose goal has been the focused pursuit of justice. If they just showed up, that’s a red flag.

• HAVE A BUDDY. Make sure someone is keeping an eye on you and check in on them.

• STAY SAFE and take care of each other. 

 

 

Additional Tips for Participating in Protests

• Know Your Rights - Protestors’ Rights (ACLU)

• “The First Amendment protects your right to assemble and express your views through protest. However, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. Make sure you’re prepared by brushing up on your rights before heading out into the streets.”

• How to Take Photos at Protests Safely—and Responsibly (WIRED)

• “Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR, documenting a protest with photos and video can be an important part of telling the story of what happened and when. But those photos can also be used to harm you or your fellow protesters. Here are some steps you should take to keep yourself and others safe.”