As we reflect on the past few months, Coco Coalition is filled with gratitude and pride for the transformative opportunities that being selected as a Changemaker by Black Citizen and the Black on Both Sides Initiative has brought us. From leadership development to storytelling platforms, this experience has been nothing short of powerful. This multidisciplinary collaboration is leveraging Black Art to build community power, shift narratives, reimagine urban spaces, and address pressing social issues in San Francisco and Oakland.
Our Changemaker Journey
As part of this transformative initiative, our COO, Jasmine McGee, participated in the capacity-building incubator, which helped strengthen Coco Coalition’s leadership and expand our impact. This six-month program provided invaluable executive leadership coaching, a platform for thought leadership, and the tools needed to deepen our community efforts. Read on Jasmine's profile on www.blackcitizen.org
Black Mothers Matter: Celebrating Black Maternal Health
One of the highlights of our journey was hosting the Black Mothers Matter event during Black Maternal Health Week in April of 2024. With the support of the Black Citizen grant, we were able to bring attention to the challenges and triumphs of Black mothers, creating a space for them to feel seen, heard, and uplifted. This event aligned perfectly with our mission to empower Black women by focusing on holistic well-being and healing, while also contributing to a larger conversation about maternal health disparities in the Black community. We used the opportunity to showcase the power of of both visual and healing arts. We featured the art work of Oakland based artist, Taylor Smalls .
We created an interactive alter space that acknowledged Black mothers who have passed, and many that lost their lives to the inequities of the US medical system in its treatment to Black women.
We also had a demonstration, and activation space hosted by Goddess Butter, where attendees learned how to make bath salts with fresh herbs.
Amplifying Our Voices: Black on Both Sides Podcast
Coco Coalition’s impact was further amplified when we were featured on Episode 5 of the Black on Both Sides podcast. Sharing our story on this platform allowed us to delve deeper into the work we do and why it matters. We discussed our commitment to fostering holistic healing for Black women, the power of community, and our goals for expanding Coco’s reach and impact. The podcast episode allowed us to connect with new audiences and reinforce our belief in the importance of using art and advocacy to shift narratives. Check it out here.
Looking Forward: A Collective Changemaker Publication
In addition to our podcast feature, we are honored to be included in a cohort-wide compilation book that will showcase the stories and work of changemakers like us. This publication is an incredible opportunity for Coco Coalition to share our approach to advocacy, healing, and community empowerment, and to learn from other leaders who are similarly working to create a better future for Black communities. Through this shared platform, we will not only celebrate our achievements but also our inspirations, and our vision to push forward with new ideas and strategies for sustainable change.
What This Means for Us
As we continue our work, the lessons we've gained from being part of this initiative have deepened our resolve to build stronger, more resilient communities. The executive coaching and capacity-building incubator have provided us with tools to grow as leaders, and the networking events have connected us with other visionary organizations.
This journey has reaffirmed that by coming together with other Cultural Architects and Changemakers, we can achieve so much more. Together, we are reshaping urban spaces, challenging societal norms, and creating spaces where Black women and their communities can thrive.
We look forward to the next phase of our work and to continuing to share our journey with you. Thank you for being a part of this reflection and for supporting Coco Coalition’s mission every step of the way. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, including the release of our cohort’s book, and future events where we will continue to celebrate and uplift the power of Black women.
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