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LD…
 
 Checking 
 
In!
 
This past weekend marked LD’s fourth “Do Your Dreams” day of 2022! This is a monthly day we dedicate solely to doing something that actively takes a step toward a more liberated version of ourselves. In the past, folks have worked on websites for businesses they want to start, writing chapters for books they want to author, it’s whatever connects YOU to your liberation. This month, I worked on refreshing the content for a course I’m launching for Emerging Black Leaders later this year. If you’re interested in joining one of the remaining six Do Your Dream days (virtual or in person), click here (and scroll down to RSVP).

This month’s newsletter below includes a bomb playlist, an exciting partnerhip annoucmennt centering black wellness and a powerful short clip on what white folks involved in race equity work should know. Enjoy, and thanks for reading. (And thanks to those who reply letting me know what you’re finding helpful in these emails. My goal is for them to be short and sweet, but useful, so keep those notes coming! Appreciate y'all!)
in pursuit of liberation,
Danielle
 
Shining a Light
 
This month I’m shining a light on Suite Rest (formerly Sweet Rest). With Reesheda Graham Washington and Kaitlin Rogers Perez at the helm, Suite Rest is committed to exploring women and rest. Previously, they did this work solely through funding sabbaticals for black women, and have expanded their offerings and impact by also providing opportunities and education on wealth management and investment strategies to Black women by way of real estate investment. Studies show that real estate is one of the top channels of wealth in the US(2) and thus, a very clear path to financial freedom for many. If you are interested in the work of Suite Rest (investing in sabbaticals, donating your Airbnb space for a sabbatical, connecting them with real estate investment resources, or spreading the word about their work), click below.
Black Women & Rest
 
 
Staying Relevant
 
After I facilitate full or multi-day sessions… in addition to asking for additional resources, over half of clients ask for the playlist used during the session! At first I thought it was a fluke, but the trend says something. Numerous scientific and psychological studies have shown that music can lift our moods; inspire the thinking, creative and “problem-solving” parts of our brain; and lower levels of stress-related hormones(3). It’s no wonder that during sessions that can often challenge folks, they remember the impact of taking a quick moment for music.
 
This may seem frivolous and totally unrelated to our busy and important workdays, but it’s so relevant! You want to bring some energy into a space? You want to encourage folks to innovate and dream in a meeting? You want to build connection across a team? Play a song at the start or during a break; I bet it shifts the energy!
You Can Even Use LD’s Playlist
 
Walking the Talk
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Ally or Accomplice? 
Dr. Yaba Blay. If you don’t know her, get to know her! She is a scholar-activist, author, public speaker, and cultural consultant whose practice centers on the lived experiences of Black women and girls, with a particular focus on identity/body politics and beauty practices. Dr. Blay recently had a powerful conversation with Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach on why the work of white people truly seeking to advance race equity work isn’t about being an ally but being an accomplice. In this 2 minute clip, she succinctly lays out what “Walking the Talk” in race equity work really involves for white folks.

Sources
1. Mentalhealth.gov
2. Gallup, 2020 Keeping Current Matters survey
3. National Library of Medicine
 
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