#RespiratoryActivism is an intergenerational conversation between the living descendants of the MAAFA and their ancestors who codified the respiratory rituals and wellness practices of resilience through drum, song, dance & meditation. This conversation of survival and resilience through drum, song, dance & meditation helps us to embody, honor and practice the principles of community wellness, healing and uplift as it pertains to ancestors who actually live in our blood and have actually lived through the Maafa. Each drum beat & song records and passes down vital information from the ancient moment to the contemporary moment which allows for an intergenerational approach to timeless problems, but specifically Race Based Traumas. #RespiratoryActivism helps African descendants in Brooklyn who are disproportionately effected by Covid-19 , Post Traumatic Slave disorders, violence against Black-Latino identity and violence against LGBTQIA+ identity. It does this by allowing us to explore the wellness and anti anxiety/stress/trauma benefits of Afro-traditional respiratory rituals of dance, song and drum in a space curated by us and for us. #RespiratoryActivism asks- what does it feel like for Black/Latino, LGBTQIA+ community to have the resources, safety and protection needed to embrace the vulnerability that healing requires.

Photo by Amina El Kabbany