Black
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence” ― Frederick Douglass
OVERVIEW
Decolonize Race NOLA (New Orleans Louisiana) is bringing together a community of men of the African Diaspora. We know that our stories are more than the traumatic “as seen on tv” experiences. Our histories are expansive, jubilant, rebellious and a reflection of trauma that has happened to us and that which we have imprinted on others. Equipped with stories from the past and envisioning the future we aim to heal, create and celebrate in our communities. By building spaces that allow us to explore power through vulnerability; as black men we will understand, define and redefine masculinity beyond traditional confines. The history of future generations depends on our actions NOW! We bridge the hope of our ancestors with the dreams of our descendants who might not ever know our names. If not for the dignity, sacrifice and commitment of our parents this work would not be possible. We honor them in each decision we make that is in the best interest of our children and their children's children into eternity. We will know this work is complete (or we have arrived) when we can rest, work and play in our communities in peace.
“Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition.” ― James Baldwin
GOALS
Create spaces for black men to “be” together. Our principal concern is that we thrive personally, and are a part of thriving families in thriving communities.
Capture and share our own stories and those of other black men via the prompts “What matters?” and “What’s the matter?”. That will be shared on the DR website.
Empower individuals to take the concepts and structures to expand the practices
Backstory
In the midst of the social upheaval around race, white supremacy and confederate monuments in summer of 2017, Jabari Carmichael created a space for his friends and neighbors across race to engage with the diverse arrays of emotions in the moment. In the summer and social heat, a safe environment allowed for vulnerability: a place to “dispel what we have been carrying,” address the ‘mad, sad, scared about’ in communion, trust and structured accountability. The ‘Sweat lodge’ was born, allowing for people to release and refuel energetically. With Decolonize Race NOLA the mission and purpose of the ‘Sweat Lodge’ will continue with monthly meetings in April 2022 through September 2022.
Smoke Stick was conjured on September 1st 2020 within the Covid-19 pandemic. Along the banks of the Mississippi river, Jabari brought people together to celebrate his birthday. At dusk, with a campfire going in a socially distant celebration, Jabari invited individuals to share Team Leader on “home”. These communal sharings welcome a response on topics you discuss with your grandmother and even those considered “taboo”. There is no wrong or right answer and engaging with the subject is necessary. With these tools, we are building the future and writing our own histories.
“Nothing is more desirable than to be released from an affliction, but nothing is more frightening than to be divested of a crutch.” - James Baldwin
