Sister Spokesman’s February — Black History Month — event brought dozens of attendees together over the theme of “Love Connections: Embrace Self-Love & Build Great Relationships”
Hosted at the Life Source building in North Minneapolis, attendees gathered as a track-list of old-school R&B and neo-soul tunes set the tone. Guests were surrounded by pink and red decor, as scattered goodie bags and bowls of treats awaited their indulgence. Vendors brought in wellness services like massages, vaginal health products, and feel-good apparel to stimulate the air of self-care.
Love and relationship coach Ericka Mitchell-Okatah keynoted the event with her expertise in using the law of attraction to build fruitful relationships with self, as well as others. She engaged guests to reflect on the beliefs they have around themselves.
“What is a limitation you believe about yourself?” she asked, passing around the mic. Mitchell-Okatah explained the value in mirror-work, a concept that fulfills the idea that the narrative you hold about yourself shapes the way social experiences transpire. “I want you to take time to stand in the mirror, look at yourself fully, and empower yourself.
“Say nice things out loud, everyday if you have to, and notice how you feel. What we say to ourselves sets the tone for our energy, and therefore what we attract.”
When it comes to mastering self-love and attracting fulfilling relationships, Mitchell-Okatah said there are five areas to develop: awareness of energy; self-love practices; visualization for manifestation; existing relationships; and maintenance of progress. “Understand the foundation for attracting love,” said Mitchell-Okatah. “Keep positive energy alive for lasting connections.”
To emphasize positive energy, Tina “Lady of Line Dance” Jackson got attendees moving and on their feet to shake any leftover stagnant energy (as many partook in the kitchen’s lemon cake and heart-shaped donuts after lunch, getting real comfortable in those chairs).
For over 15 years, Jackson has united people through soul line dancing. Known for her engaging, community-focused teaching style, Jackson’s interactive session concluded the event by highlighting the role movement plays in fostering connections and lightening the mood (and shaking some of those treat calories off).
Overall, we all need a little more love in our lives. Seeing local women of the community come together over the discussion of expanding one’s capacity for love was a wonderful way to make a Sister Spokesman event expressive of the nature of Black History Month. Our ancestors, in community, activated these very tools of resilience through past times of injustice, trials and tribulations.