"My grief is black."

In this episode, Brendane explores the intricate relationship between grief, oppression, and transformation. Through personal anecdotes and ancestral wisdom, the conversation delves into how grief is often dismissed in oppressive systems, yet is essential for healing and liberation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing death as a natural part of life, recognizing the complexities of personal grief, and understanding the role of community in navigating these emotions. The episode also highlights the significance of Mami Wata as a spirit guide for healing and the necessity of confronting darkness to achieve true transformation.

Keywords

grief, oppression, death, transformation, community, ancestral connections, healing, Mami Wata, spirituality, black liberation

Takeaways

Grief is often seen as an impediment to progress in oppressive systems.

Embracing death is crucial for understanding the cycle of life.

Personal grief can be complex and multifaceted, often tied to societal expectations.

Community plays a vital role in navigating grief and loss.

Grief can be a powerful catalyst for transformation and healing.

Ancestral connections provide insight into our relationship with grief.

Mami Wata symbolizes the importance of embracing darkness for healing.

Oppression often requires individuals to carry the grief of their community.

Rejecting the grief of oppressors is essential for maintaining sovereignty.

True transformation comes from acknowledging and integrating grief into our lives--and from refusing the grief of our oppressors.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Grief: A Collective Breath

07:10 Reclaiming Grief: Love Beyond Loss

12:11 Oppression and Grief: A Complex Relationship

16:29 Seeking Wisdom: Elders and Ancestors

23:50 Integrating Death into Living: A Path Forward

29:29 The Intersection of Grief and Spirituality

40:31 Rejecting Oppression: A Personal Stand

47:34 The Cycle of Grief and Destruction

52:57 Heaven, Grief, and Transformation

53:37 The Complexity of Personal Grief

59:29 Understanding Oppressor's Grief

01:06:33 Darkness, Transformation, and Liberation

01:13:17 Embracing Grief for Self-Devotion

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References

1. Saidiya Hartman, "Litany for Grieving Sisters"

2. Audre Lorde, The Cancer Journals

3. Zenju Earthlyn Manuel, Opening to Darkness: Eight Gateways for Being with the Absence of Light in Unsettling Times

4. Beyoncé is not your savior