Self-care as an act of warfare: A Black women's reading group

Thank you to everyone who came to the first event. We did it: we created a safe and welcoming space where Black women talked, shared, listened and moved towards healing. Comments from the night included words such as "sisterhood", "understanding", "validating" and "learning". October's event was intended to be a one-off but spaces for Black women, by Black women, where Black women can come together to talk about their lived experiences are lacking; and so, at the request of everyone who attended, we're doing it again: Self-care as an act of warfare: A Black women's reading group (Part 2).  Tickets £3 + Billetto booking fee, £3 redeemable against any purchase in the shop.  No one will be turned away for lack of funds - please contact sophie@housmans.com if this is an issue.

Using the literary works of Black feminist writers, these reading groups will discuss and explore topics that reflect the Black female experience. For November's event, discussion topics will be drawn from the radical works of bell hooks, a Black, feminist, social activist, acclaimed intellectual, cultural critic, artist, and writer. Hook's works cover gender, race, class, spirituality, teaching, and the significance of media in contemporary culture. She writes intimately, lovingly and openly. Her writings encourage Black feminist critical dialogue. Those who read her work gain a deeper understanding of systems of exploitation and oppression. 
"One of the most vital ways we sustain ourselves is by building communities of resistance, places where we know we are not alone"- bell hooks.
The oppression, marginalisation and discrimination Black women face is real. Mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression are experienced by Black women at a higher rate than any other ethnic group. While the reading group is not a substitute for seeking professional mental health care, it will be a safe and radical space to talk openly about these topics.
NB: Due to the nature of the event, spaces are very limited. If you reserve a place and can no longer attend, please let us know so that we can reallocate your ticket.
***A link to download the discussion text will be added to the Facebook event page soon***
Disclaimer:The reading group is peer-led and there will be no trained mental health persons available. If you need professional help or advice, please see your GP or speak to the Samaritans (http://www.samaritans.org) or MIND (https://www.mind.org.uk). For a list of LGBTQIA+ specific mental health charities and organisations see here: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/lgbtq-mental-health/useful-contacts/?o=10162#.WXniZBXyuUk. For a list of psychological services for Black, African and Caribbean people see the Black, African and Asian Therapy Network here: //www.baatn.org.uk
Gender inclusion policy:This event is open to all women (trans, intersex and cis) who are of the Black African and Caribbean diaspora. If you are a Black non-binary, agender or a gender variant person who feels they can contribute to and benefit from attending this event, please come. You are welcome. We do not police gender. We know that if someone attends it is because they feel that they are included by the gender inclusion policy,
Accessibility:The door entrance is wide enough for a wheelchair and has no steps. The reading group will be held on the ground floor. Seating for the event will be portable plastic chairs with no arms. There is a non-accessible toilet inside the shop and a fully wheelchair accessible toilet with handrails in the cafe next door which our event attendees have full use of.
Safer spaces guidelines:By attending this event you agree to the following:
To actively work to make the event a safe and welcoming space for all who attend by being respectful, inclusive, considerate and understanding. If someone is here it is because they feel that their identity is covered in the inclusion policy, and therefore they are welcome. 
Remember, everyone attending the event is experiencing oppression, marginalisation and discrimination in some form. Be aware of your privileges and think about how your words, opinions and actions are influenced and who they might exclude and harm (for example LGBTQIA+ people, economically underprivileged people, people who don't benefit from class privilege, people with non-normative bodies, disabled people, people with chronic illnesses, people with mental health conditions and people who are neurodivergent - e.g. conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia). 
Be aware of your role in the group dynamics. Consider if we've created a space where everyone can contribute to the discussion equally and freely if they want to and if they don't want to participate that they are not made to feel uncomfortable or less included.
Avoid language that is sexist, transphobic, binarist, homophobic, biphobic, islamophobic, antisemitic, slut shaming, ableist, fat shaming and ageist. 
Be careful about using gendered pronouns (she/he). Although this is a "women's reading group", do not assume that everyone in the group identifies as female. Some people use the pronoun "they". It's always best to ask people what pronoun they use. 
Use trigger warnings if you are going to talk about difficult and potentially triggering issues. 
Do not assume everyone's first language is English or that everyone has access to the same level of education/knowledge as you. Try to avoid using academic language. If you do, explain the terms and expressions you use. The same applies to the use of activist terminology.
Respect confidentiality: no photos and no recordings. If you want to take notes they should preserve people's anonymity and be for personal use only. 
To "call in" rather than call out if someone says something which is offensive and inappropriate - i.e. in other words be kind. Anger is a valid response but we, as humans, make mistakes. Remember, we all trying to build a community here, so if someone slips up, think about how you would like to be "held accountable" if it were you in their position. (A useful article about "calling in" can be found here:http://www.blackgirldangerous.org/2013/12/calling-less-disposable-way-holding-accountable/) 
And lastly, it is important that you take care of yourself during the event - emotionally and physically. Do this in whatever way feels comfortable for you.