Thoughts from Erika + Nicole #NashvilleStrong

Mural by Norf Studios

It's been a week since our community and Middle TN was devastated by a tornado. Like many of you, we have experienced a myriad of emotions and admittedly a little paralysis as we steadied our hearts and gathered ourselves to show up in the best ways for our neighbors in need while listening to the needs of our our own bodies and spirits during this time.

In the spirit of rejecting the embodiment of white supremacy and boldly reclaiming our humanity, we are challenging ourselves to be honest, vulnerable and raw. We were hoping to get to a better place before releasing an official statement. The reality is we are not ok. As co-conspirators, we both have deep roots in the North Nashville community. Students and their families we have known for years lost all their earthly possessions. Historical landmarks, pillars in our community, places of refuge, inspiration and significance to us both personally and professionally were destroyed. The lack of coverage and limited resources specifically in areas were some of our most vulnerable community members live has triggered a bit of PTSD from the Great Flood of 2010.

So where do we go from here?

Following the lead of our favorite Pleasure Activist, adrienne maree brown, we have identified the known and unknown as well as our current capacity in order to determine the most elegant next steps. At this current moment in time, here is what we have to offer on our end: ("strategic and possible" sounded too much like business to me.)

Leveraging and Disseminating Resources
Continue to follow us on social media as we post and repost the latest news on recovery efforts, volunteer opportunities, resource allocations and other pertinent updates especially centering the needs of the North Nashville community.

Healing Spaces
As a network of collaborators committed to creating safe and affirming spaces, we are diligently working with healers and light workers to curate opportunities to gather, relax, be seen/heard/felt and reboot together. As details are solidified, information will be available on our website and via social media.

As a bonus, if you too are in dire need of inspiration and affirmation today, check out our "Women A Black Woman Loves You" playlist on Spotify.  

Be gentle with yourself.
Be kind to a stranger.
Show up however you know how.
Extend gratitude.
Remember your breath.
We are all in this marathon together.  

Be well,
Erika + Nicole