Bend, Don’t Break

from Cleo Wade’s Heart Talk

Last Sunday, I hosted my first flexibility workshop (a project I’m calling Bend, Don’t Break) after a month of nerves and uncertainty at whether or not something like this could work. The idea was to pursuit movement for a movement–a literal stretching toward contributing to progress—where the class was open to anyone who donated towards pro-Black organizations of their choice.

Together, we raised money for the following organizations:

• Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey
• BHAM Community Support Fund
• Black Girls Code
• Black Lives Matter Global Network
• Black Trans Femmes in the Arts
• Defend Black Memory, Black Museums, and Black Life
• Equal Justice Initiative
• Homeless Black Trans Women Fund
• NAACP
• NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund
• The Okra Project

This wasn’t the same as protesting, I know. I’m still racking my brain trying to reconcile between staying at home and physically showing up (especially when my body has a greater chance of deterring violence than the very ones we’re fighting for), and I’m still struggling to find my lane in this protest.

Perhaps, though, this is what I can offer in the meantime. I’m excited to hold another class later this month (date TBD). I hope you’ll join me then.

.   .   .

xx