Through song and storytelling Dr. Michelle Chatman takes us on an ancestral journey and shares her practices in mindfulness. DC born and Prince George’s County resident, Chatman has ventured to Gambia, West Africa where her contemplative work has inspired practice of present-moment, non-judgmental awareness, and promotion of overall well-being. African descendants have long held mindful cultural practices to sustain us through challenges and triumph. She brings to light the daily practices and routines that could enhance the way we interact and excel in every-day life. Her song and stories captivate the spirit of West Africa and a transformative journey in mindfulness.
Click here to watch Chatman’s performance.
“I visited The Gambia, West Africa, for the first time in my mid-twenties while in college. I had only been on a plane once and had never traveled outside of the US. A self-proclaimed Pan Africanist, I couldn’t wait to go back to “The Motherland” and reclaim my ancestral heritage while working with youth and schools throughout the country. The six-week trip was deeply transformative. I was able to witness the majestic beauty along with the painful inequity of that country. I still speak of the experience as if it were yesterday. I began to learn how to really listen, still myself, and embrace the living all around me. I’ve been back to The Gambia several times since that initial visit and in other ways, have deepened my connection to the Motherland. At 30 years old, I was initiated into a West African priesthood whose teachings are a major part of my life. In this presentation, I will share insights from my “African journeys” and how they have liberated my being and brought me home.”
This Easter Sunday 2-5pm Scholar, Anthropologist, Researcher, and Professor, Michelle Chatman Ph.D. will explore Black Mindfulness: Cultural Practices for Healing, Joy, and Justice. In this experiential lecture, Dr. Michelle Chatman will share stories, songs, and the science of mindfulness; inviting us to return to the wisdom long held by our elders and ancestors.
Come break bread with us. Buy one ticket and bring a friend for FREE!