In celebration of Women’s History Month 2022, the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) is presenting programs throughout the month of March that focus on radical self-care and wellness. These virtual programs are designed to help inspire and invigorate the community within the region and nationwide by elevating local and national female thought leaders who have championed wellness with an emphasis on rest. All events are virtual amid the current public health environment.
On March 22 at 6 p.m. NAAM and Elliott Bay Books will host Washington State native, Audrey Edwards. Edwards is an award-winning journalist and author who received her B.A. degree from the University of Washington in 1969, and her M.A. degree from Columbia University in 1974. Edwards will discuss her book, American Runaway. In American Runaway, Edwards provides a rich collection of essays, cultural and political commentary and personal “race stories" during the Donald Trump years. This talk will be moderated by Stephanie Stokes Oliver. Oliver is the author of four books, including Black Ink: Literary Legends on the Peril, Power, and Pleasure of Reading and Writing; Daily Cornbread: 365 Secrets for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Spirit; Seven Soulful Secrets for Finding Your Purpose & Minding Your Mission; and Song for My Father, a memoir about growing up in Seattle. Formerly the editor of Essence, founding editor-in-chief of Heart & Soul, and vice president of Unity Publishing, Oliver started her magazine career at Glamour.
This virtual event is free and open to the public.
NAAM and Elliott Bay Books will close out Women’s History month by hosting a virtual rest, yoga, and writing experience featuring Octavia Raheem on March 31 at 8:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a curated and intimate hour of self-care, reflection and creativity. Octavia Raheem is an Atlanta-based yoga teacher who has done catalyzing work to diversify the fields of yoga and wellness care. She is the author of a new book, Pause, Rest, Be: Stillness Practices for Courage in Times of Change. This event will be moderated by Lauren Jones, Founder of Yes, Please Books, a bookhouse and carespace that offers a curated collection of books by Black women and gender expansive writers for purchase and lending. This virtual event is free and open to the public.