When Matriarchs Gather

n today’s episode I got to chat with a wonderful new friend Christelle Saint-Julien, a dope writer, musician and editor, who is featured in the upcoming Black Writers Matters anthology.

Our conversation started around a panel we were supposed to be on together and branched off into beautiful thoughts around public speaking, anxiety, mental health, families and much more. We got deep and laughed lots. May the laughter lift your hearts as well xo MF

Good things really do come in 3s.

Gabriella Kinté (Librarian & Founder of Librairie Racines), Shanice Nicole (Black feminist educator, facilitator, writer, and (out)spoken word artist) and Robyn Maynard (Black feminist writer, activist, educator and author of national best seller Policing Black Lives) represent what I consider an extremely important trifecta in Community Activism and Education which not only feeds the community but consistently challenges the oppressive masses.

In today’s episode (Live on CKUT in collaboration with The Groundbreakers) we talked about their unique yet connected approaches to education, the people they champion for and actionable ways in which we can participate in making this world a better place.

So today I made my first attempt at a monologue episode where I tried to crave intentional space for my own thoughts as I would for others. In it you'll hear what I'm reading these days, my book review for Shonda Rhimes' book Year of Yes, things my son and I are listening to, my theme for the year and what I'm thinking through at the moment. If it speaks to y'all drop me a comment so we can keep the conversation going and I can be motivated to continue this on a monthly.

Y'all are getting an early treat! I wasn't supposed to post till next Wednesday but I don't want y'all to miss your opportunity to catch Shanice Nicole at one of her upcoming events. Yup you guessed it (or maybe I gave it away) this week's one-on-one soul talk was with the one and only Shanice Nicole.

I brought Shanice in because I’ve always wanted to get a better sense of how she navigates her roles as an educator, facilitator, artist and what I was would call an online figure. In today's episode we got touch on all that and it unfolded into a beautiful conversation around family, love, growth, boundaries and navigating the online world. Shanice's thoughtful presence and pace was super soothing and grounding for me and I hope it brings y'all a similar sense of peace and reflection.

Enjoy! xo MF

p.s: Shanice's next performance is this Sunday at Lux Magna at the ☼ We Are The Light: Music & Poetry by Womxn of Colour ☼ event. And while you're at it like her page Shanice Nicole so you can keep up to date with her other upcoming events.

What’s up y’all! It’s with great pleasure that I am posting WMG’s second episode, a one-on-one soul talk with my girl Sundus Abdul-Hadi who’s voice you may recognize from our launch episode.

I brought Sundus in because I’ve have always felt that she is the true embodiment of balance and needed to get a better understanding of what’s the upkeep, practices and mindset that allows her to take on so many important roles in this world. As a mama, wife, sister, daughter. artist, curator, radio host, master of media Studies and soon to be author she is always trying to maintain balance and in today’s we got to unpack what that means for her.

Enjoy! xo MF

p.s: Sundus will be doing 3 readings of her first book Shams in Montreal and Toronto over the next few weeks so be sure to follow her instagram to stay updated on dates and locations

When Matriarchs Gather is officially launched!! It was such a blessing to kick off the season with a crew of dope Matriarchs who happen to also be my true day-one sistas:

Sundus Abdul-Hadi - Wife, Mama, Sister, Daughter. Artist, Curator, Master of Communications/Media Studies and soon to be author.

Mama Julz aka The People’s Ink - Mama, Community Mama, Partner, Sister, Daughter. Tattoo Ritualist, Artist, Healer and Maker.

Teanna Munro - Partner (and recent Fiancée! haaaaaay), Bonus Mama, Sister, Daughter, Aunty. Teacher, Poet and dedicated Community Activist.

Jess Glavina - Parent’s Child, Sibling, Godparent. Playwright, Creative Maker, and low-key amazing vocalist.

We chatted about life, impact and community shaping. We shared some of our rituals and practices. And overall just had a great time speaking life into one another.

Tune in so you can get some of that good good for 2019. xo MF