The Black Joy Retreat - Press Release
/The Black Joy Retreat
Join Race and Faith and Bridge the Divide in supporting and providing relief from racial trauma.
MILWAUKEE, WI, June, 16, 2021 — The time to heal is now. Race and Faith and Bridge the Divide are joining up to support and provide relief from racial trauma, with a new experience they are calling The Black Joy Retreat. The Black Joy Retreat is an effort to alleviate the racial trauma that many Black individuals have been facing for generations. In the height of the racial climate the community currently navigates, the concept for this retreat is to inhabit a space where “being Black” is welcomed, encouraged, and affirming. “I think the focus on the Black Joy is the powerful piece. We're surrounded by so much racial trauma and negativity, in this [systemically] anti-Black environment that we live in. How do we continue to find joy, be joyous, harness joy or celebrate that which we already have? And celebrate who we are?” — said Rhonda Hill, Founder of Race and Faith and Creator of The Black Joy Retreat.
While recognizing racial trauma, The Black Joy Retreat will also recognize the power to heal together. Retreat space is meant to create an environment where Black individuals and families can have fun, reflect, or rest in a safe atmosphere that is essential to that healing. Programmed to fit all participants' individual needs, communal gathering, time alone, and moments for more intimate congregation will be embraced. This is a welcoming space for Black people that visibly affirms Blackness and the intersectionality of our identities. This means that ALL peoples who identify as Black are welcomed to attend.
The Black Joy Retreat will happen several times throughout the year in various locations across the country. The kick off retreat will take place July 2nd, 2021 through July 4th, 2021 in Green Lake, WI. In the attempt to engage with the entire Black community, participants are only asked to pay what they can. The Black Joy Retreat and its affiliates are currently taking donations to provide care packages to people of the global majority, as well as provide financial support for those wanting to attend The Black Joy retreat. [Donations can be made at: https://givebutter.com/theblackjoyretreat ]
“There are thirty-plus million Black people in this country. I’m trying to love on all of them.”, said Hill about the multi-series retreat. With traction starting to build from the intentional communal reach for interest, many different people, businesses, and organizations have started to reach out nationally offering to help in the mission of The Black Joy Retreat. As resources become available the types of retreats offered follow.
Individuals interested in The Black Joy Retreat can sign up by filling out the form at The Black Joy Retreat (google.com). Participants will be asked about their retreat preferences and contacted with details upon completion. Keep up to date with retreat dates, community engagement, programing and more by following us on @racialprogress and liking the event page at https://fb.me/e/2fEwuDZf3 It is time to create a space where we can be Unapologetically Black. It is time to let our joy freely flourish.
About:
At Race & Faith, we understand people have various “Entry Points” into the conversation about racism. Using these entry points, we unpack racism, create community and deepen the understanding of how one's belief system informs participation in racial justice. Visit our website\ https://www.raceandfaith.org/ to learn more.
Follow us on Facebook @racialprogress
Contact: Rhonda Hill
Email: Rhonda@raceandfaith.org
