In this conversation, Wakumi speaks about her work with social justice both before and after becoming a mother and how matrescence created a necessary shift in her work. She shares about how the stress of systemic racisim manifested in her daughter's body, despite doing all the right things to care for herself during pregnancy and having a fabulous midwife.
We discuss the significance of the village in transitioning from Supermom to MotherFly, highlighting how the concept of "village" can be expanded to encompass nature and spirit. I am so honored to share her work with you and I hope you enjoy.
Tanisha “Wakumi” Douglas is a mother, ritualist, and movement leader with over 20 years of experience organizing for healing and justice. Of Jamaican descent, descended from maroons, seers, herbalists, and farmers, Wakumi is the daughter of an undocumented father who spent 33 years incarcerated and a servant-leader mother—roots that shaped her life’s work.
She co-founded a national, youth-led abolitionist nonprofit, raising over $8M, and has held fellowships with Soros Justice and Move to End Violence. Wakumi has served as a circle keeper, social worker, and educator with Dream Defenders, Harlem Children’s Zone, and the Children’s Defense Fund.
Her work has been featured in the documentary PUSHOUT, on NPR, in HuffPost, and in books like Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues. She’s spoken at Google, NEA, and alongside visionaries like Dr. Angela Davis and Rep. Ayanna Pressley.
Now, Wakumi is focused on writing, sacred arts, and curating spiritual spaces for collective liberation and joy.
Connect with her: wakumi.world | giversrevival.world