CELEBRATING THE ANCESTORS

In belated honor of the Lunar New Year, we’ll be coming together to uplift, discuss, and connect with our ancestors in a shared space.

It is no small truth that we are their greatest dreams come to life, and yet the road between ourselves and our ancestors is often far from neat and linear. After centuries of colonization, slavery, war, and migration, the relationships we bear to those who have come before us are complicated, often full of trauma and perseverance, struggle and celebration alike. Some of us hold stories or heirlooms passed down through generations, some of us hold cherished personal memories, some of us hold heavy questions and heartbreak or even a sense of isolation. This week, we invite you to bring all of it to the circle.

The opportunity is for each of us to bring something to show and share with the group—this could be a dish, a photograph, an object, a story, a question—anything that acknowledges our ancestors and allows us to connect more deeply as a diverse community.

Who are the ancestors?

One important thing we talked about in a previous circle was what we even mean by “ancestors”. Beyond the past generations of individual families, our understanding of ancestors extends to include all those who have come before us and whose shoulders we stand on—all those whose life, work, and legacy we carry with us. Our ancestors are all those who helped bring us to where we are today, all those whose dreams we embody, all those who guide and inspire us. Similarly, our genealogy is not an obligation. We are all invited to honor only those whom we feel called to honor.

We know these topics can be challenging and difficult to connect around. At the same time, we know that we represent vibrant and beautiful cultures and individuals who deserve to be uplifted, especially in the face of systems that have long sought to diminish them. As always, you are welcome and invited to participate in whatever capacity feels safe and appropriate.

This circle is for anyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color and is committed to doing the ongoing work of social justice and equity. We will use our time together to explore both inner and outer dimensions of change, recognizing that self-awareness and self-work is an essential component of doing impactful work in the world.

To ensure space for authentic connection, capacity is limited. If you find this gathering is full and would still like to join, please email us at connect@feelreal.net.

Please RSVP above. You’ll receive a ticket with the Zoom link needed to access this gathering via email.