Surviving systemic racism and all of its reaches as BIPOC is taxing for many reasons. The inequities that these harmful ideologies have created make it more difficult for disempowered communities to properly maintain their physical and mental health and benefit from opportunities that should afford them upward social mobility.
We have spoken of the bodily, emotional, and spiritual toll living under systems of oppression takes on marginalized peoples. However that toll increases significantly when a BIPOC takes on the work of dismantling these systems on top of the task of surviving under them.
As Audre Lorde said, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
Join Rev. Dr. TLC and guest Marlecia Autrey as they examine how black activists and activists of color can prepare and sustain themselves for dealing with the pressures and demands of their lives. How must agents of change healthily take on the hardships of their work, care for themselves, and remember that self-care is a crucial part of their activism?
Tune in for this important conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by Clicking Here.
Segment 1
Rev. Dr. TLC begins the show inviting her audience in a moment of meditation. Rev. Dr. TLC introduces her guest Marlecia Autrey. Marlecia is an educator who shares tools for people engaging in the work of dismantling racism. Marlecia tells the audience what she does to stay grounded. She shares her love of music and writing. Marlecia says prayer and meditation helps her stay committed to dismantling racism. Before the break, Rev. Dr. TLC and Marlecia talk about the importance of self-preservation.
Segment 2
Coming back from the break, Rev. Dr. TLC and Marlecia continue their discussion on having the right mindset in order to engage in our own healing. Marlecia gives us steps we can take towards self preservation. She suggests finding a place that connects with you that can lead you to a place of reflection and introspection. Rev. Dr. TLC and Marlecia both shared a time an educator used the N word during a speech. They discussed how they felt in that moment and how they had to honor their feelings. Before the break Rev. Dr. TLC and Marlecia discuss understanding our inner knowing and being aware of our triggers.
Segment 3
Coming back from the break, Rev. Dr. TLC and Marlecia differentiate between a POC and POC as a facilitator. Marlecia explains how she is responsible to keep a safe space.
Staying grounded helps her stay “professional”. Rev. Dr. TLC spoke on ways it is similar, including the idea of detoxing. Marlecia encourages people to value who they are and be willing to learn and grow. Before the break Rev. Dr. TLC and Marlecia discuss forgiving yourself and rejuvenating yourself in ways that make you learn and grow.
Segment 4
In the last segment, Rev. Dr. TLC and Marlecia discuss if there are any ways to turn off seeing or dealing with racism. Marlecia spoke of a personal experience where she had to reflect and honor her feelings. She came to a realization that some people were capable of turning off racism and she wasn't. Marlecia talks about being open to ways of possibilities to turn off. Before the end of the segment, Marlecia left us with a word: Honor who you; honor where you're going.