Contextos Presents: Circle of Roses

ConTextos and Chicago CRED are proud to present Circle of Roses, lifting up the stories and insights of women who are too often ignored amidst narratives around Chicago’s on-going violence. These women are more than their worst experiences. In Nature, roses appear delicate; however, they are resilient with a beauty that breaks through. The same can be said about the magnificent bouquet of Black women who comprise the Circle of Roses. Their lives are complex and complicated as they survive, flourish, and raise the future all at the very same time.

“The Forgotten was initially a 4–6 week project culminating in a book, featuring images and text. Initially, after working with dr. moore and ConTextos for another project, I reached out to her to gain some insight on the most ethical and fair way to find participants for the group. dr. moore provided me with more insight into the various programs offered and communities ConTextos works with and brought in Lisa Kenner to help brainstorm the next steps. dr. moore and Lisa shared an upcoming Authors Circle being provided to the women of Roseland and Rosemoor for the 1st time in ConTextos’ history through Chicago CRED. dr. moore, Lisa, Mrs.Muhammad, and I met over several weeks to craft what the program could look like, identifying women to participate in the circle. The project shifted several times due to the ongoing pandemic, lack of resources in Chicago (specifically the west and south sides), the ongoing violence in Roseland and Rosemoor, and time limitations. Eventually, the project was re-named the Circle of Roses and shifted to in-person meetings to ensure participants would be able to engage as much as possible and provide a supportive space for one another. Although my initial goal for the group was to discuss grief, process trauma, discuss mental health and wellness in our communities, and to have space to discuss the impact mass incarceration has had on our lives.”

-Naimah Thomas

Circle of Roses’ Affirmation Jar

Gallery

Meet the Facilitators

Naimah Thomas

Bio
Naimah Thomas

Naimah is a multi- media artist born and raised in Chicago. Naimah currently works as a licensed professional counselor, board certified art art therapist, and artist. Naimah’s clinical work and art practice often explore the intersections of art and mental health, primarily in BIPOC communities. Utilizing art to shift narratives around healing, mental health, and creating spaces where exploration and re-imagination are valued. Most of her visual work is informed by my lived experiences as a Black woman, artist, and therapist. Naimah believes in person-centered approach through a healing justice lens. With an emphasis on collaboration and co-creating brave spaces that invites multiple perspectives, cultural humility active listening, and opportunities for growth and healing to occur. Healing Justice is intentional practice of reimagining mental wellness and being whole. Centering the intersections of intergenerational trauma and structures of oppression, and transform our experiences through lens of care and accountability towards liberation.

dr.moore

Bio
dr.moore

dr. moore is an Authors’ Circle facilitator and helps to coordinate programs and curriculum development. dr. moore believes that everyone is a creator, for we create ourselves every day. She is committed to walking alongside others on their journeys of self-exploration. dr. moore brings empathy, openness, honesty, and love into this shared space of communion, self-reflection, exploration, and healing.

 

Lisa Kenner

Bio
Lisa Kenner

Lisa Kenner is a seasoned leader who has dedicated her career to providing transformational
educational opportunities to children, families, and communities. Operating with a collaborative
mindset and with vision and passion, Lisa founded and led a successful single-site charter school
for 12 years in North Lawndale. She thrives in community-based work, and has earned the trust
and respect of students, families, staff, funders, board members, and community stakeholders

Brianna Cain

Bio
Brianna Cain

Bri Cain is a literary artist, who writes poetry and performs. Bri has performed as a featured artist for various events in Chicago since 2017 and her voice has also reached Dallas, New York City and Los Angeles. She was selected as a fellow for an international artist residency in Champagne-Ardenne, France in May 2021. Bri writes poems and short anecdotes, primarily centered on situations she has overcome earlier in her life and as a young woman that she can share to help other women. She is a fervent believer that there is healing in transparency!

 

Necole K. Muhammad, LCSW

Click Me
Necole L=K. Muhammad

Necole K. Muhammad is a multi-passionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Speaker, Author, Life Coach, Certified Yoga Teacher. Necole K. Muhammad has over 25 years of experience leading, consulting, and working with individuals and groups involved in the justice and educational systems, community intervention/outreach, individual and couple counseling/coaching.

 

Read the first Circle of Roses book here!

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