​Why We Gather

​We gather in the spirit of rasanblaj—a Haitian term anchoring a Pan-Caribbean decolonial act of assembling ourselves (back) together. ​We come together to celebrate over a decade of radical queer Black feminist ecosystem modeling— community caring and cooperative innovating for OHRD, six years of mutual aiding and timebank organizing for MAMA Fund, and 3 volumes of iterating the learning and liberation model with Lakou.

​We gather to grieve, rest, celebrate, honor, and nourish ourselves and each other. Last year, OHRD, Lakou and the ecosystem launched December 12th as International Day for Veterans of the Liberation Struggle. A hol(y)iday to recognize those of us who fight for collective liberation. We bring ourselves (back) together to remember that liberation is a constant and collective practice that can be rooted in jwi— a sacred practice of joy, care, and liberation, we do this until we​ are all free.

​Noon - 4pm: Tending the Garden Within

​Healing Portal + Joy Activation

​Wellness Workshop | Noon – 1:30 pm

​A radical political act of self-preservation, (self-)care is the root of communal care. ​A workshop on (self-)care and grieving and resistance will open the portal. We will create a communal altar to lift up liberation veterans and beloveds who light our path. We will move through grief and release practices to honor what we have lost and to retrieve the parts of ourselves that sustain us through resistance. We will walk away with a plan and strategies for tending the garden within, so we can access deeper states of joy and pleasure as we bring forth new worlds.

​​Healing Practices + Lunch | 1:30 pm- 4 pm

​Following the workshop, we offer our bodies back to ourselves through:

• ​Massage and ear reflexology

• ​Yoga and somatic practices

• ​Breathwork and meditation

• ​Herbal medicines & wellcare

• ​Trauma-Responsive Art Practices

• ​Nutritious and tasty foods (w/ vegan + gluten-free options)

• ​Resource Mapping Workshop

• ​Rest sanctuary

​All practices are held within the context of how to care for ourselves everyday as those who give our bodies, minds, and spirits to the liberation struggle. This is intended to be a non-triggering space and requires no training or experience to participate. Welcome as you are.

​Gallery Walk

​Walk through ten years of OHRD's journey through images, texts, and testimonies that chronicle our commitment to collective liberation and the development of a Radical Queer Black Feminist solidarity ecosystem and movement organization.

​Children's Space

​We are committed to collective, communal care for self and others, including children. Children are welcome in all spaces, and it's our shared responsibility to care for and protect them. We honor and celebrate their sovereignty and provide dedicated childcare and engagement space, as well.

Professional childcare provided.

​Accessibility

​Studio Isla has the following accessibility options:
Elevator in parking deck; 7 steps to access the main floor only; and wheelchair accessible bathroom. The childcare room and some healing practices are accessed from the main floor via a flight of stairs.

We ask folks to come as scent-free as possible.

​Vibe Check

​We are radical, queer, Black, Indigenous, Brown, and feminist centered. We keep space open for accomplices and allies committed to a practice of unlearning and decolonization.

Consent is an affirmative, positive response. Be kind and respectful to each other.

​​Health Safety + Security

​Masking is encouraged, and masks will be provided. If you plan to be unmasked, we strongly encourage testing. If you or any prospective attendee is feeling sick, please stay home and care for yourself.

​​As abolitionists, we minimize contact with the police. We encourage folks to get help as best they see fit, and we encourage folks to call PAD (Policing Alternatives & Diversion) or 311 before 911.

​
This is a non-smoking event.

​Join us later in the evening at Jwi! A Dance party!

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​Bring your full liberated self!