*I acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land that we are connecting on the Whadjuck people of the Noongar nation past and present. Acknowledging that this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Come join Brown Girl Bloom and connect through our 'Inner Discovery' community gathering.

2020 has been a turbulent year for all of us and Bla(c)k women have been at the forefront of pushing for social change through the Black Lives Matter movement across the globe.

What arose was a collective awareness that we must stand as one in re-imagining a future where we all feel celebrated. Through this awareness, I felt inspired to create a visual journey of 'Bla(c)k Girl Joy'.

Bla(c)k Girl Joy is visual story of the inner working of a Bla(c)k woman. It unpacks the significance of joy in African and Aboriginal communities through their own stories. At the core of resilience and strength within darkness is joy. In an era where our stories are often told for us, we are taking back our narratives and celebrating our truth.

Coming back to our traditional ancestral approach of community spirit, I decided to extend beyond the common framework of an art exhibition and create an interactive space for discovery.

We will enjoy a peaceful community meditation followed by practicing the art of deep listening as we hear the intimate stories of joy from Bla(c)k women and we will finish with a group reflection around what joy means to us.

Along with ticket sales covering the community gathering expenses, excess sales will go towards in-kind sponsorship for Bla(c)k women needing to retreat to nature and focus on their internal healing. An integral component of recreating a thriving community.

There will be fresh juice provided by Gwira Juices owned by our Rwandan mother, Ms. Mushabe and a beautifully curated plant-based spread by Kerrene Taylor.

This visual piece was supported and created entirely by women from all walks of life. For that, I am deeply grateful.

Photographer : Cecile Creative
Ethical Clothing: Rupa Haus + Remi Lane
Make-up Artists: Monique Francois + Amelia Luuize
Storytellers: Brianne Yarran (Noongar), Steph McGuire (Ballardong Noongar), Elizabeth McGuire (Ballardong Noongar), Linda Iriza (Rwanda), Bah Oumou (Mali), and Valerie Weyland (Nigeria)

This community gathering is open to everyone (all genders, all religions, all cultures, all abilities). All I ask is that you come with an open heart.

With love + light,
Valerie Weyland
Founder of Brown Girl Bloom