Sit with Lexi B

White Grief in Black Liberation with Breeshia Wade

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About Our Guest:

Breeshia Wade, is a content strategist with a passion for utilizing her training as a lay ordained Zen Buddhist chaplain. She is the author of the acclaimed 2021 publication "Grieving While Black: An Antiracist Take on Oppression and Sorrow," which has been rated as one of the best nine books on grief and is now required reading in multiple university graduate courses. Breeshia is dedicated to crafting effective diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies by offering professional development programs and customized solutions for both individuals and institutions.

Episode Summary:

In an enlightening conversation with Breeshia Wade, the latest episode of You Can Sit With Us delves into the profound relationship between grief, oppression, and the pursuit of black liberation. The discussion explores the nuanced dimensions of what it means to grieve as an African American, the implications of white grief, and the intersection of spirituality and social justice. Breeshia's nuanced perspectives on these complex issues offer listeners a unique look at the foundations of systemic oppression and the paths to healing and understanding.

Key Takeaways:

  • Grieving While Black: Breeshia Wade discusses the unique aspects of African American grief and the significance of acknowledging suffering for healing and liberation.
  • White Grief: The necessity for white individuals to confront their fear of losing privilege to support and not hinder black liberation.
  • Spirituality and Justice: How Breeshia's spirituality as a Zen Buddhist chaplain informs her approach to addressing oppression and fostering awareness.
  • The Role of Culture: The discussion highlights the cultural aspects of black spirituality and how they serve as a means of connection to African American heritage and ancestry.


    • Notable Quotes:

  • "What white people are afraid to lose from their privilege, their sense of safety, and their identity and the actions they will take subconsciously to prevent that loss."
  • "It's all fine and dandy to give us ERGs to go to and to hire more 'diverse' employees. But if we still got 39 hours of putting up with abuse, then the math don't make sense."
  • "Mindfulness comes from meditation. And meditation was literally derived from a tradition that is all about recognizing suffering."
  • "Our ancestors had to find some place to protect and bury our humanity and our connection to God, where oppressors could not touch it."

    • "Instead of ever, at any point in time, moving on to Buddhahood, I am committing to staying on earth and to attempt to alleviate the suffering of all beings at all costs."





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      Sit with Lexi BBy Lexi B
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