Ancestors in Training

We've been nominated for a Black Joy Award!

We're more than halfway to your goal!

We deeply appreciate folks like you who are engaging, supporting, and uplifting this project. We know there are a lot of vital causes to donate to this season, and in the world at large, so any contribution you can make is so appreciated.

Will you cross the goal line with us?

Birthing the Ancestors in Training™ Deck!, organized by Veronica Agard Launched in 2017, Ancestors in Training™ has been many things to a large c… Veronica Agard needs your support for Birthing the Ancestors in Training™ Deck!

It's officially been 7 years since we brought Ancestors in Training™ out as a healing through writing practice, and it's grown far beyond our imagination. We're so so grateful!

As we move into this next cycle, we're looking to launch an affirmation deck with the intention of the power and beauty of the work being able to hold in your hands. We've identified a partner to start the process, and are asking our community to help fund this step.

Will you help us birth something wonderful? Consider making a donation and sharing with those interested!

Birthing the Ancestors in Training™ Deck!, organized by Veronica Agard Launched in 2017, Ancestors in Training™ has been many things to a large c… Veronica Agard needs your support for Birthing the Ancestors in Training™ Deck!

"What if our ancestors wouldn't have accepted us?"

We went on a tangent, which birthed this necessary expanded thought! Be sure to listen to the conversation for a deeper answer, and then stick around for the full episode. 🎶

💡 Suggested resource from our archives - the "Queering Divinity" discussion from our 2018 series at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (can be accessed in our syllabus and in the podcast show notes!)

"In today's episode, Veronica discusses her journey with finding her spirituality and its connection with ancestor work. Josie and Veronica also touch upon intergenerational healing, storytelling, activism, and establishing a mind body connection." We had such a great time during this episode of the Intersectional Fertility Podcast that this is only Part 1!

Listen in on their website:

Episode 70 - Veronica Agard: Preparing for the Next Generations of Ancestors (Part 1) — Intersectional Fertility Veronica Agard, also known as Ifáṣadùn Fásanmí (she/her) is a poet, writer, abọ̀rìṣà, community educator, connector, and founder of Ancestors in Training™. In today's episode, Veronica discusses her journey with finding her spirituality and its connection with ancestor work. Josie...

Storytime! ✨️

We first connected with during the second edition of our sibling project, .thehealer, in 2019. While that has paused (for a spell), we've found ways to intentionally collaborate and support each other ever since. 🫶🏾

So, of course, this meant that the second we learned that the book was coming, we added it to the syllabus and our bookstore because we ✨️knew✨️ that it was going to be a much needed balm and call to action for all the therapists, helpers, healers, and the broader community.

Congratulations again, Dr. Jenn, on your generous labor of love, healing, and sacred rage being out in the world! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Be sure to grab your copy via DT's page to unlock bonus goodies or our page 💐

Thank you, , for this flick and for organizing 💜

Want to support the work but can't make it to a session? Consider browsing our new online store, which includes apparel, notebooks, and artwork! Drop by today: https://ancestors-in-training.printify.me/products

We’re bringing back this tender container to bravely navigate our individual and collective grief - while moving toward healing. Part legacy building and cycle breaking, this framework hasn’t been seen since Allied Media Conference 2022. ❤️‍🩹

Meet us there:

Tending to Grief and Healing A tender container for the current moment.

Writing with the Ancestors returns for the major moment in the calendar year! This container reaches capacity often, so save the date and reserve your seat. Registration unlocks access to a digital journal to deepen your practice.

Writing with the Ancestors Join us for the return of Writing with the Ancestors this Fall!

Coming up on Wednesday - this is a perfect opportunity for folks who have never circled with us, or are curious about how to embody the mindset and philosophy into their life. Reserve your spot ASAP!

Ancestors in Training™ 101 We understand that our time here is finite without fear. Dive into the AIT mindset this Fall!

Meet us under the archway on Friday! We're so grateful to be in attendance for the 6th Annual Brooklyn Brujeria Festival. Learn more about our hopes for this year's expression of the 7 Generations Altar and we'll see you there.

The Seven Generations Ancestor Altar Returns — Ancestors in Training On September 22nd and 23rd, 2023, the Seven Generations Altar, an interactive art installation in reverence of the seven generations returns at the 6th Annual Brooklyn Brujeria Festival.

For us, it's remembering that very few things bloom year-round!

After programming and collaborative moments, we always take a moment to pause and sow seeds for the next season, or in this case, the next cycle of this project. If you'd like to be a part of what Cycle 7 (?!) looks like, swipe for a reminder.

Some of the major inheritances won't be tangible. 💭

🗣Writing with the Ancestors is back! ✍️🏾

There was so much love in the room last time that we decided to run it back!

All attendees will not only receive the AIT Syllabus, but a custom journal with bonus prompts and affirmations as well.

Details: $25, $40, $55 - on Zoom, close captions enabled. Prioritizing live participation, but the session will be recorded!

After this today's session with , we'll be in a transitional space of reflection as we gear up for cycle 7 (!!!) of this project!

Don't miss out on our last offering of this kind til October! 👀 🔗 where 🔗's go!

If you want to sow seeds for Cycle 7, do be in touch ✨️✨️✨️

Facilitated by Dr. Jennifer Mullan (Decolonizing Therapy ™) and Veronica Agard, Vera Icon LLC (Ancestors in Training), this 90-minute workshop will guide participants through the process of inquiry, this 90-minute workshop will guide participants through the process of inquiry, as this question guides us in multifaceted ways as well as at a practical design level in a way that allows for folks to be seen.

Join us next Tuesday online! Sign up below 👇🏾

Collective Healing Immersive Experience What can we take from what we know about individual healing and apply it to the collective?

Join us virtually tomorrow, July 14th at 7 pm ET for a lovingly curated conversation and experience on the power and necessity of birth workers. The evening will feature a conversation that illuminates how our featured guests arrived at this work, their lineages, and how that all informs their work. We'll also be treated to herbal wisdom, journaling, and just an all-around vibe!

In addition, all attendees will receive the event recording, and additional resources, including the Ancestors in Training Syllabus.

Featuring:

Emilie Rodriguez, Ashe Birthing Services, The Bridge Directory
Neha Surender, Ashe Birthing Services
whit williams-black, Want to be Well Collective

Details: Sliding scale ($25, $40, $55) registration on Eventbrite, prioritizing members of the Global Majority. Closed Captions enabled. The recording is to be shared afterward, but live participation is highly encouraged.

Birthing Justice as Ancestors in Training How can we learn from, be in relationship with, and support those who help guide the next generation?

It's a joy to invite you to Birthing Justice as Ancestors in Training! 💌

Doulas and midwives are crucial for BIPOC communities as they address healthcare disparities, improve birth outcomes, provide culturally sensitive care, advocate for patients' rights, offer emotional support, and preserve cultural traditions. How can we learn from, be in relationship with, and support those who help guide the next generation?

Join us virtually on July 14th at 7:00 pm ET for a lovingly curated conversation and experience on the power and necessity of birth workers. If you were looking forward to attending this previously, register ASAP!

Featuring:

💐 Emilie Rodriguez,

💐 Neha Surender,

💐 whit williams-black,

Details: Sliding scale tickets, $25, $40, $55 - closed captions enabled. Attendees will receive the event recording and additional resources, including the Ancestors in Training Syllabus.

The recording is to be shared afterward, but ✨️live participation is highly encouraged.✨️

🔗 where 🔗 's are found!

Thank you again to everyone who attended Writing with the Ancestors! Be sure to check your email for all of the resources, including the session recording. ✨

Ready for the next gathering? Turn on post notifications and join our newsletter community to stay current!💌

If you've ever attended a session, or are just a believer in our work, affirmations like these are treasured. DM us if you'd like to give us one! 🤝🏾

Have you listened to our conversation with on yet? 👀

We share gems like these and others, along with being asked more about our journey. Listen where you stream and find out more on our website! 🔗

If you've listened already, what was your favorite moment? Let us know in the comments! 👇🏾

And then there were two!

Get to know Vanessa, our first intern, who officially makes AIT a team! 🥳

⚘️ Vanessa Gonzalez (she/her) 🇨🇴 is a dedicated and passionate individual with a strong interest in public and global health, social justice, community advocacy, and healthcare innovation. With a background in biology and community care, she is enthusiastic for learning, understanding, and analyzing the significance of critical race theory and its significant position in Western civilization. ⚘️

You can get to know about her on our website! You'll also meet her through our programming this summer. ✨️

*This opportunity is made possible with the support of the Public Service Internship Program of the Powell School at CUNY City College (Veronica’s alma mater).

🗣Writing With the Ancestors is back! ✍️🏾

We'll be offering this session virtually as a part of the annual Show Don't Tell Symposium as an Associated Artist with ! All attendees will not only receive the AIT Syllabus, but a custom journal with bonus prompts and affirmations as well.

Did we mention this is free with a RSVP? ⛓️ where they're found - don't miss out!

Save the date! Attend the annual Tribute to the Ancestors of the Middle Passage gathering with us on June 10th! 🙏🏾

The day will feature drumming, dancing, and poetry. If you can not attend in person, the event will be livestreamed as well.

Interested in coming with us? DM us or reach out via email.

You've always had it, no matter how the -isms of the world have tried to take it from you.

Last call to join us!

https://event.newschool.edu/vitalalignments

On May 12th, we have the honor of holding space at Vital Alignments: Towards Reparative Caribbean Ecologies!

Join us in person for a day that explores the scope and scale of present-day Caribbean social emergencies brought about by climate colonialism and centuries of racial capitalism. If you enjoyed our conversations and circles around Caribbean Solidarities and Sustainable Legacies, this symposium is a space for you to land and learn from others who are invested in these themes.

RSVP for free on our website! Thank you to for the invitation!

A contemplation for when we get weary. 💭

On May 12th, we have the honor of holding space at Vital Alignments: Towards Reparative Caribbean Ecologies!

Join us in person for a day that explores the scope and scale of present-day Caribbean social emergencies brought about by climate colonialism and centuries of racial capitalism. If you enjoyed our conversations and circles around Caribbean Solidarities and Sustainable Legacies, this symposium is a space for you to land and learn from others who are invested in these themes.

RSVP for free on our website! Thank you to for the invitation!

Every day is , and ancestral veneration and traditions around the world can find common ground through the ground we all walk on.

How are you tending to your relationship with the Earth?

Don't get got! 👀

It's already yours. 🪄

When .rj asked, "How else have you encouraged people or invited people to tap into these practices through and in other ways?" - we had a lot to say!

➡️ You know that two crucial points we uplift are the need for mentorship and discernment in an age of scammers off and online! ⬅️

Be sure to listen or read the rest of this conversation on either of our websites! This episode is also embedded in the AIT Vol. 2 playlist as well. Thanks again for having us! 🫂

Thank you to everyone who joined us this past quarter during our Community Circles! 💕

We're taking a pause on this form of programming as we gear up for a beautiful summer. Stay tuned!

We want to continue to dream and cultivate this mindset with you!

Join us on the 21st for the last Spring Community Circle! We'll be focusing on how to birth new traditions as we shed ones that no longer serve us and the generations on their way.

L*nks wh*re l*nks are found! 🔗

This just in! The Syllabus is featured on 's home page! 🥳

We're really grateful for the work of Bookshop.org to support independent bookstores, authors, and curators like us.

Be sure to shop with intention now through the 13th. Have you shopped the Syllabus yet? Let us know what your faves are in the comments 👇🏾

Want more AIT in your life? Sign up for our newsletter for exclusives and updates on the project before socials! 💌

Take Action — Ancestors in Training Take Action

Have you sat down with your ancestors lately? If you're able to, did you archive the wisdom of your elders? Chosen and familiar, there's a need to ensure that our stories are told by those who love us.

Come circle with us for 🕊 Tending to Grief 🕊 next week! Our Community Circles have different topics and we're thinking of all the ancestral and generational love that needs somewhere to go.

Join us next Tuesday 2/21 starting at 7pm ET. BIPOC to the front, Sliding scale $15-35 as always. S*gn up via the l*nk in our bi*! 🔗

Happy Black Futures Month! Thank you ✨️

"Welcome to day 2 of 28 Days of Black Healers.

Today's feature is Veronica Agard

Ancestors in Training is an educational project and lived experience that centers sacred traditions, new technologies, intergenerational healing, and grief work.

Evolving with the times, AIT as a praxis examines how to apply the lessons of the past as a means to shape a better present and future for those that come after us. Through inquiry-based creative processes, critical race and media theories, and archival memory - the educational project allows all those who enter to leave with a better sense of self and how they relate to the world.

We understand that our time here is finite without fear.

Check out their social media platform at

To learn more about Veronica head over to our website."