Black Healing Spaces
With the pervasive experience of racial trauma on the lives of those from the African diaspora, systemic racism has left Black communities at a disadvantage across their life span. At Agapé Lens, we believe systemic change is necessary, and at the same time we believe Black bodies cannot afford to wait on systems change to begin their healing and liberated journeys. Anti-Black racism has impacted Black identities, minds, bodies, and souls. As a result, we are committed to fostering spaces of joy and healing, where African descent people may begin to embrace, relate and honour their authentic selves through communal healing. Research indicates, spaces strictly created for Black communities are both necessary and supportive, in helping Black bodies process anti-Black racism in order to move from a place of surviving to thriving. We can customize all services to fit your needs and facilitate in person or virtually.
"One finger cannot lift up a thing". -African Proverb
Black Affinity Groups
Are you an organization, community group, or educational institution that recognizes the impact of anti-Black racism on your Black leaders, employees, community or students? Do you want to better understand racial and intergenerational trauma, and how it may be showing up for you, your family, friends or community? Our team prides ourselves in curating healing centered, engaging, and inspirational spaces. We help Black bodies build a sense of pride, understanding, and skill to address anti-Black racism and Black wellness. We can support you by facilitating workshops, training, groups, or speaking at engagements in your organization, community groups, or educational institutions.
There Is More: Black Healing Circles™
There Is More™, is our signature Black healing circle program, which intentionally attempts to foster a sense of belonging, safety and communal healing for Black communities. In these therapeutic sacred spaces, we create an atmosphere for participants to connect and celebrate their Blackness and that of others, as part of their healing journey. We also honour ancestral knowledge by grounding our open dialogue and education in Africentric wisdom and practices. In these circles while using therapeutic skills, we deepen conversations, and leave plenty of room for participants to share, educate, feel, and support one another. We laugh, dance, relate and sometimes cry together in these spaces, in hopes that healing may take place, mind, body, and soul.
There is much evidence that proves healing circles improve self-esteem, increases healing around internalized racism and shame, and overall supports the wellness of Black people. As such, our team is open to facilitating healing circles for your organizations, community groups, or educational institutions for one session, however, we highly recommend a 3 part series or more for improved positive outcomes.
Areas of Expertise:
Racial Trauma • Intergenerational Trauma • Internalized Racism • Shame • Systemic Racism • Communal healing • Parenting Out Of Fear • Racial Microaggressions • Imposter Syndrome • Rest • Representation • Black Joy • Ancestral Knowledge • Self-worth & Self-esteem • Vicarious Trauma • Accessing Emotions • Vulnerability • Righteous Anger • Resilience • Self-Compassion • And more.
Testimonials
"I had the opportunity to participate in the Black healing circle with Simone and can’t say enough positive things about it. In one hour, Simone helped me understand how history and upbringing have created less than healthy thinking today. Very eye-opening and empowering!!"
Keitha Benjamin, Participant, There is More: Black Healing Circle, Anti-Black Racism Task Force (Black Mental Health Week)
"I had the pleasure of meeting Simone in the IMARA Generation Project where she was a project facilitator. Coming into the program, I had a basic knowledge of the specifics of black mental health with a specific focus on Canada and was eager to learn more about the area. Simone brought a plethora of knowledge ranging from various mental health definitions, and ongoing research findings, to socioeconomic influences that could impact mental health. She was always kind, knowledgeable, and an absolute joy to work with! I’ve gained a plethora of knowledge from Simone during her tenure with IMARA, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to meet her!"
Sheerel Gordon, Advisory Committee Member, IMARA Generation Project, TAIBU Community Health Centre
"Simone truly leads healing with Love. Having facilitated multiple healing circles for the Empowered ACB Women’s Wellness Gathering Project, Simone centers community building, self and community love. Holding space specifically for ACB Women, as we use the tools and resources offered in supporting our mental health journey has been transformative. "
Chantal Carey, Empowered ACB Women's Wellness Gathering Project, Women’s Health in Women’s Hands CHC