Earth, Healing, and Black Feminism with Alexis Pauline Gumbs

 In the latest episode of the Embodied Justice podcast, hosted by Dr. Judy Lubin, we dive deep into the intricate intersections of personal, political, historical, and imaginative landscapes. Our special guest for this episode is the renowned poet, scholar, and self-described black feminist evangelist and queer black troublemaker, Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Known for her groundbreaking books such as “Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals” and “Dove, Finding Ceremony,” Alexis brings a fresh perspective on resilience, community, and the enduring legacy of black feminism. 

The main focus of this episode is the embodied justice program, designed to foster the well-being of black change makers engaged in racial equity and justice work. The program encompasses community-building activities, workshops, and a three-day in-person retreat in Georgia. Alexis Pauline Gumbs sheds light on how the teachings of Audre Lorde and other black feminists have shaped her understanding of survival, resilience, and the holistic approaches to self-care that are essential for sustained activism.

Here are three pivotal takeaways from the discussion:

1. Interconnectedness of All Aspects of Life: Alexis emphasizes that black feminism is grounded in the belief that everything is intertwined. This concept challenges the idea that one can be free while others remain oppressed or that one can thrive economically while the planet suffers. For her, and within the framework of black feminism, liberation is holistic and cannot be compartmentalized.
   • [03:40]: I had this thing, and I was like, but here’s the writing, and here’s history, and here’s my emotional experience, and here’s our social transformation. For me, it always has been very intertwined. I have related to my work, to my writing, to my facilitation in a way that just seeks to honor that reality, which has always been my reality. So I think that that’s the reality that black feminism also really uplifts. And I think that’s why learning about black feminism and being a black feminist has resonated so deeply that I call black feminism my spiritual practice because it really is grounded in this idea that everything is intertwined. And when we start to say that you know, I’m thinking about Fannie Lou Hamer. We start to say, like, oh, you can be free over here while other people are oppressed over here. It does not work that way.
2. Listening as an Act of Resistance: The episode delves into the importance of listening—both to ourselves and to others—as a crucial component of social and political movements. Dr. Judy Lubin and Alexis discuss how deep listening can address resistance and aid in healing. Gumbs likens ignoring needs and voices to a “tantrum” and suggests that genuine connection starts with simply sitting on the ground and taking a breath.
   • [23:52]: And they might really need a breath. They’re right. They might really need to be held. They might really feel like they’re not being heard or attended to in the way that they need to. You know, I don’t wanna infantilize the people who are at the center of the backlash and be like, oh, these poor babies who are, you know, and acting incredibly violent legislation. And, you know, like, I I’m, and I, I’m not trying to say, like, there’s not calculated power grabs. People are being manipulated, But I do think that without this kind of pain spiral that many people are in, those who are calculatedly trying to complete a fascist project, right in front of us would not be able to do that. I don’t even separate myself because what did I say? Right? Everything is intertwined.
3. Connection with the Earth: Alexis draws a connection between physical pain and societal issues, underscoring the need for healing through a closer relationship with the Earth. Emphasizing that humanity is a manifestation of the Earth, she advocates for daily grounding practices, such as sitting on grass or near water, to nurture this connection and create a more harmonious world.
   • [12:01]: Now as a black queer and ecofeminist, I’m I’m curious how you describe or contextualize this moment. And I appreciate you lifting up the Combahee River Collective and, like, the legacy of that work decades later and and and how influential it has been. And I’m wondering, like, in this moment, like, how you describe this particular period that we’re living in. I’ve heard it described as, like, this period of multiple crises. And I’m so I’m wondering, like, how your perspective informs, like, the lessons that are we’re being asked to learn as humanity, but also as for for activists and for change makers. All of the things that are happening, I want you to name, like, what you feel are, like, those critical things that are happening right now and what they’re teaching us about change, about how to be in the world, and what we should be listening for. 

Take Action:

Align with your inner peace and learn how to ground yourself and harness the teachings of Black feminists to evolve through these challenging times. Join the Community to connect with our Embodied Justice initiatives and participate in our workshops and retreats. Be sure to reflect and engage. Explore Alexis Pauline Gumbs’ reflective writing workshops to deepen your connection with ancestral wisdom.

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