The Women of Color Salon is continuing its virtual series, providing a space for women to connect, share and explore themes of love and community.
The 13-week series is hosted by Reesheda Graham Washington, the founding executive director of the Kehrein Center For The Arts. Participants will explore transformative themes in literature, with “All About Love” by bell hooks the focus of the season.
The Saturday series runs via Zoom from Sept. 21 to Dec. 14, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. There is a $50 registration fee that covers all sessions. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of the book.
The goal is that the community, under Washington’s guidance, will gain a deeper understanding of the true nature of love – what it is and what it is not, as well as what it should and should not do. Those who have participated in the past are encouraged to come again – and bring their friends.
“I hope that women of color will find a space where they can be exactly who they are – fully and unapologetically themselves,” Washington said. “I also hope they experience liberation in embracing their whole selves and find sisterhood amongst the other participants in the Women of Color Salon.”
She added: “We talk a lot about where we are and where we are going and what we are up to and what we are celebrating. I think women hearing from other women about how their integrated concepts from the books that we share gives them something to grow on.”
Washington stressed that participants don’t have to dress up or look their best to show up. – that they can show up as they are and will still be loved, celebrated and accepted.
In past series, participants frequently shared their stories and learned from each other as both individuals and practitioners of love, she said, developing a sense of community and connection even in the virtual setting.
“We also encourage existing members to invite new women, so participants come to the salon already familiar with some faces and connections within the group,” she said. “Oftentimes since I do so much work in the community, I am inviting someone in the community to grow this salon, and when I do that typically women are coming in with other women they know in the community. This is a great way to continue to foster a community.”
. While the group is often small and intimate, Washington said that many women could benefit from a space like this.
The feedback from past participants and supporters suggested that having a weekday evening session would be beneficial for the Women of Color Salon.
“It is always on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. It would be beneficial to offer a weekday evening session to grow the salon and provide options for women who can’t participate on weekends. We welcome and are excited to explore this as we continue to grow and as funding for the project increases,” Washington said.
Before the pandemic, the Woman of Color Salon was launched as an in-person event at Live Cafe, but after just one meeting, it transitioned to Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift proved beneficial for participants with chronic illnesses, who found it challenging to attend in-person events. Recognizing the value of virtual accessibility, the salon committed to offering both hybrid and Zoom-based options.
For more information visit the Kehrein Center For The Arts[D1] website or follow Washington on Instagram at Reeshedanicole.