Exciting Community Event to Celebrate Justice and Healing in Charleston This Weekend

Exciting Community Event Coming to Charleston!

Charleston is buzzing with excitement as the 2nd Annual Just-Us INDABA: Birthing, Education, and Healing Justice Summit is set to take place this Saturday, November 2, 2024. Hosted by the passionate folks at the BEE Collective, this transformative gathering will be held at the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1422 building located at 1142 Morrison Drive in Downtown Charleston. The event will kick-off at 10 a.m., but attendees can get a head start by registering on-site beginning at 9 a.m.

Preceding Events and Community Spirit

But the fun doesn’t stop there! On Friday, November 1, the BEE Collective invites everyone to join in for the Community Ofrenda + Altar ceremony at the Public Works Arts Center in Summerville, South Carolina. This event is all about honoring loved ones with art, music, and food, and is a beautiful expression of unity and remembrance with roots in many indigenous cultures, including Día de los Muertos, celebrated in Mexico.

The festivities on Friday will begin at 4 p.m. and include moments for quiet reflection, art-making activities, and yummy traditional Mexican food like homemade tamales and aguas frescas. A special herbal grief tea will also be offered by Doula Racquel Washington, along with live music and spoken word performances by talented local artists. It’s a great way to connect with the community and honor those we’ve lost, while also indulging in your creative side!

A Day of Learning and Collaboration

Now, let’s talk about the Just-Us INDABA on Saturday! This all-day event will provide a platform for pregnant, birthing, and parenting families along with their healthcare advocates and reproductive justice champions to gather, learn, and spark ideas for community-driven solutions that focus on safeguarding the health and well-being of all individuals involved in the birthing process. The theme of this year’s event is cooperative economics, or Ujamaa, which emphasizes shared wealth and community empowerment.

A Wealth of Educational Offerings

The day is packed with exciting speakers, workshops, and activities led by well-respected members of the community. Notably, Kim Archung, Simone Lee, and Kratina Covington will be your hosts, while talented performers from the dance troupe Wona Womalan will open the summit with a spirited Call to Gather.

Several sessions throughout the day will touch upon various aspects of birth work, healing arts, and early childhood education. Participants can look forward to listening to a keynote address from experts like Drisana McDaniel and Hollis France, who will also facilitate community discussions. There are also data walks and Indaba circles for attendees to engage in productive conversations about the challenges and opportunities in these fields.

Celebrate Community and Culture

Another joyous addition to the event is the opportunity to experience healing arts activities, sound healing sessions, and even a joyous Ecstatic Dance Party to close out the day. Top it all off with complimentary food and beverages—there’s truly something for everyone!

Getting involved is simple! Pre-registration is required for the Just-Us INDABA, and they’re offering a sliding scale admission to make sure everyone can participate. For those interested in attending the Friday evening event, it’s free of charge. And don’t worry about parking; there’s plenty available at the venue!

Your Invitation Awaits

This is a wonderful chance to celebrate community, promote healing, and contribute to meaningful conversations surrounding birthing, education, and justice. All birthing individuals, along with their support systems, are specifically welcomed and encouraged to join.

For more information, including the full schedule for both days and registration details, you can visit justusindaba.com. Make sure to mark these dates on your calendar; you won’t want to miss out on this enriching experience!