Start Here, Alchemists...
| Legend | |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Meaning |
| ** | [possible] Reword |
| ... | Finish thought |
**[consider moving to the end to engage conversation] Let’s be 100% candid first; did you like the name? Is calling you all “alchemists” corny as hell? Email me or let me know on my socials please.
Ebony Alchemy was founded with the intention to create a safe and exploratory space for melanated people across the world. Safety and exploration are necessary because although there is no shortage of melanin globally, the United States
Thanks so much for allowing me to share invaluable information with you. My hope is for Ebony Alchemy to become a trusted source for people across the [African] diaspora to dive into aspects of their culture they might not be familiar with, while addressing the mindsets imposed on us for centuries.
to uncover pre-colonized ways of thinking...
To properly utilize Ebony Alchemy, I ask that you approach all content with an open heart and a questioning and curious mind. Not only will we be digging deep into taboo topics like the occult and sexuality, we will actively tackle the main conscious and unconscious mindset that has been imposed on the diaspora for hundreds of years: white supremacy. Ahhh jumpscare, I hope I haven't lost you! I know hearing the underlined term can trigger dread in people aware of how deep it runs, but also annoyance in those tired of giving it credit. Before your epigenetic urge to fight, flight, or freeze kicks in, please hear me out.
When we think of colonization, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a country or community settling on others' territories and exploiting their resources. While this is true, we often neglect all the other things that can be colonized besides a land and its people. For example, let's talk about food and colonization. The European colonization of Africa did not just change some Africans locations [through the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade].
The inadequate diet forcefully imposed upon enslaved Africans was the precursor for the poor eating habits that have been traditionally found in the African American community, putting them at higher risk for chronic illnesses (Pass, 2021).
So you see, although the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade was hundreds of years ago, its effect can still be seen in the health and wellness of African-Americans today. These colonized eating habits along with other forms of indoctrination create a perfect storm for illness of the body, mind, heart, and soul. Equipped with this information and the wisdom to extend this to other areas of our lives, we see a clearer picture of how white supremacy still has an adverse effect on us presently.
I’ve said a lot, so let’s take a moment. Being that we are new to each other, I want to make some things abundantly clear.
Ebony Alchemy is about:
— dismantling the ideals, habits, and mindsets that were violently imposed on us
— exploring our personal spirit-you-ality free of interference. Ebony Alchemy is not about spreading hatred, misinformation, or fear. Some concepts may invoke uncomfortable feelings (we’re recognizing subtle patterns in the fabrics of our culture and deciphering *subtle messages from Spirit). But this is a guarantee that Ebony Alchemy intends to operate with integrity and transparency on the duality of the beautiful thing we call life.
and Ebony Alchemy is against that belief and Although Ebony Alchemy is geared towards helping POC shed their harmful indoctrinations, these guides, blog posts, and additional resources on de-colonizing the mind can be used by anyone.
There are some concepts that would be very helpful to understand before diving into any of the resources on this site.
Get comfortable, then get uncomfortable [with colonization] and stay awhile!
Concept |
Definition |
How It Relates to EA? |
|---|---|---|
| Colonialism | the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically (see also:imperialism) | |
| Colonization | the action or process of settling among and establishing control over the indigenous people of an area | |
| Diaspora (African) | 1 the dispersion or spread of a people from their original homeland; 2 people who have spread or been dispersed from their homeland | used to reference those of African descent across the globe (whether dispersed during slave trades or migration) |
| Holistic | 1 belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole; 2 treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental, cultural, and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of an illness | everything within Ebony Alchemy is required to be looked at from a holistic lens. All things must be taken into consideration. |
| Imperialism | state policy, practice, or advocacy of extending power and dominion, especially by direct territorial acquisition or by gaining political and economic control of other areas | |
| Spirituality |
Resources
Pass, M.B., & Bullock, S.K. (2021). Black Health and Wellness: Past and Present Implications of the “Slave Diet” for African Americans. Black History Bulletin 84(2), 12-15. https://doi.org/10.1353/bhb.2021.0002.