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we are a love worth fighting for. |
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It was June 28, 1969. New York City. Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn, to be exact. Our Sister Ancestor Marsha P Johnson (M, below), trans activist and performer, Sylvia Rivera and many more decided they had had enough.
And they rebelled.
They used fists, legs, bottles, and whatever else they could find to fight off the incessant police violence they faced. Yes, they were gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or beyond category in a homophobic and racist world. Still they knew they — we, all of us — were a love worth fighting for.
Their courage on that day in June sparked the beginning of the LGBTQIA rights movement in the United States; a movement that, from its inception, holds ideals for our collective liberation. |
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DBW Trivia: Can you name all of the Black queer women featured above? |
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Black queer women been at the frontline reminding us that we are indeed a love worth fighting for. Read on for affirmations and reflections that speak (some of) their names and encourage us.
Plus! In October 2024, Dear Black Women all over the country told me how they’ve been these past few years and what they dream of. I've analyzed the responses (below) and, as always, we are SO connected. Hope to see you at our June 28th Circle, << Test First Name >>. |
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We are a love worth fighting for, |
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affirm & reflect: we speak their names, pt 1 |
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M is Marsha P. Johnson “History isn’t something you look back at and say it was inevitable, it happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities.”
Our Sister Ancestor Marsha P. Johnson Trailblazer, Trans Activist, Muva of the LGBTQIA Movement 1945-1992 |
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an exercise: reflect & free write |
| 1. What reality do I want the decisions and moments of my life to contribute to?
2.
How can I order my steps today, tomorrow, this week, this month to reflect that?
Our small consistent steps are powerful. |
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L is for Lorraine Hansberry “Negroes must concern themselves with every single means of struggle: legal, illegal, passive, active, violent and non-violent. That they must harass, debate, petition, give money to court struggles, sit-in, lie-down, strike, boycott, sing hymns, pray on steps—and shoot from their windows when the racists come cruising through their communities.”
Our Sister Ancestor Lorraine Hansberry Award Winning Playwright (“A Raisin in the Sun”), Activist 1930-1965 |
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an exercise: reflect & free write |
| 1. Do I truly believe I am worth fighting for? Why or why not?
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If not, how can I anchor into the wisdom and encouragement of those who came before me to be reminded of my worth?
If so, how can I draw inspiration from the strategy and resilience of those who came before to fight more effectively?
Love is a action verb. And we are worthy of action. |
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R is for Rosetta Tharpe “Can’t no man play like me. I play better than a man.”
Our Sister Ancestor Rosetta Tharpe A Creator of Rock N Roll (Yup, you read that right!) 1915-1973 |
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an exercise: reflect & free write |
| 1. Let’s cut the humble sh*t! Stand on business and finish this sentence:
One thing about it, when it comes to me, << Test First Name >>, I know I can do ________________ incredibly well.
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How do you and can you use those gifts in the service of our collective liberation?
Claiming your gifts can be a gift to us all. |
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SURVEY RESULTS: we are so connected. |
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What you’re feeling is often deeply felt and understood by a Black woman you may not even know. That is part the beauty and power of Dear Black Women Circle. So, join us at our next Circle on June 28th, << Test First Name >>.
In the meantime, see the results from the October 2024 survey. We’re so connected, you would think everyone read each other’s answers before replying. 😂 |
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I asked: In 5 words or less, how would you describe these past few years?
Y’all answered: |
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I asked: In 5 words or less, what are you reaching, hoping for now?
Y’all answered: |
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See yourself in the replies, << Test First Name >>? Yup, we are all connected.
Join us at our Circle June 28. |
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“Being… with other women who affirm both my pain and my healing... is a game changer. I'll never feel alone again.”
A Dear Black Woman
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dbw affirmation circle are BACK!: first circle june 28, 2025. get. your. ticket. over the next 4 weeks: weekly affirmation emails. dbw retreat in costa rica: dec 28 - jan 2, 2025! tickets on sale in june.
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