Many Black women are still feeling the disappointment and grief of the 2024 presidential election for so many reason. And the weight of this collective political grief paired with the climate and everyday navigations of Black women grief can be overwhelming. In this episode of Sitting with Black Woman Grief, I sit with Ekemini Uwan, a public theologian and activist about the unique grief and challenges Black women face. The conversation touches on the intersections of identity, the impact of systemic racism, and the necessity of spaces that allow Black women to express and heal from their collective and individual traumas. Ekemini also highlights the need for allies to truly listen and understand Black women’s experiences. The episode closes with reflections on finding joy and resilience amidst ongoing struggles. Listen to this episode on Empowering Black Women through Activism and Advocacy with Ekemini Uwan.
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You can advocate for self, but I also think about advocacy [as] standing in the gap for others… really amplifying, magnifying what’s going on. Giving space, maybe even platform if you have influence, you know, you stewarding your influence so you can help somebody else who may not have as much influence or as much of a platform, as much visibility, or maybe even the courage, the boldness or the wherewithal to even advocate for themselves. Some people do struggle with that. Sometimes people do need somebody to walk with them, link arms with them.
Ekemini uwan
FINALIST FOR THE NAACP IMAGE AWARD • A collection of essays and stories documenting the lived theology and spirituality we need to hear in order to lean into a more freeing, loving, and liberating faith—from the hosts of the beloved Truth’s Table podcast.
Get the book here.
In this episode, Ekemini encourages Black women to lay down the burdens they can and embrace joy as a form of resistance. She advocates for moments of communal joy and celebration as vital to sustaining resilience in challenging times.
As listeners, you are invited to sit with this grief and join in the journey towards healing and justice for Black women everywhere.
Main Points:
- Understanding Black Woman Grief
- Empowering Black Women through Activism and Advocacy
- Intersectionality in Grief and Healing
- Practical Ways to Support Black Women
Episode Talking Points:
- 00:00 Welcome to ‘Can You Just Sit With Me’ Podcast
- 00:35 Experiencing Otherness in Predominantly White Spaces
- 03:59 Grief Over Lack of Support Among Black Women
- 06:10 Creating Truly Safe Spaces
- 09:01 Shifting from Competition to Genuine Collaboration
- 10:20 Genuine Celebration vs. Transactional Support
- 14:57 Historical and Cultural Influence on Competition
- 17:04 Biblical Grounding
- 21:59 Commitment to Uplifting Others Without Recognition
- 28:20 Balancing Influence & Belonging
- 41:14 Safety in the Church
- 45:36 The Hope of Healing and Restoration
About the Guest:
Ekemini Uwan, a public theologian, international human rights activist, and co-author of the 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominated book Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation. She co-hosts the award-winning podcast Truth’s Table and Get In The Word With Truth’s Table. Her writings have been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post Black Voices, and Hallmark Mahogany, and more. As one who is passionate about theology, Ekemini has a fierce commitment to the gospel and its implications for issues pertaining to reparations, racial injustice, anti-black racism, and white supremacy. Connect with Ekemini here.
Mentioned in this episode:
Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation by Ekemini Uwan, Christina Edmondson, and Michelle Higgins
Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith