JessDecolonize(d)

Colonialism is more than a historical event, it is a persisting and pervasive contemporary process. The effects of this process impact nearly every area of our lives, especially the lives of those of us who reside in the “Global South.” In the Caribbean, colonialism and its consequences impact our political statuses, economies and social systems of identity and class. However, when colonialism meets natural disaster, as it did on the island of St. Vincent on April 9, 2021, the history of neglect and corruption that characterizes many island nations of the region were all made plain.

Derrick “action” Jaxn has been trending non-stop on all the major social media platforms. His most recent scandal has a lot to teach us in the way of relationships, personality disorders, faith and mental health. Listen in as special guest Sylene and I unpack infidelity and the many excuses patriarchy and the church make for it (when men are the perpetrators). How can we promote healthy relationships between Black men and women? Is marriage really the appropriate place to work out whoredom? Are Derrick and Jayda Pinkett Smith one in the same?

We deserve to live. And we deserve to do everything in our power to do so. Period. We must disrobe ourselves from the lies that say we don’t deserve peace and escape. We will not survive if we don’t take the time to rest, heal, and reset—for as long as that will take. (Sn: excuse the wind and hailing rain in the background of this recording—#itsjustislandlife)

It’s been more than month now since the pandemic has played a direct role in our lives as Americans. What do we make of the disproportionate impact of the virus on Black lives? How do we frame some people’s ignorant and dismissive response to this issue? How much conspiracy theory is too much conspiracy theory? What the fuck do you do when the world looks like it’s ending and people don’t know how to act (or lead, for that matter)? Join me as I explore my latest thoughts and perspectives about this moment.

These are hard times and processing is difficult. Join me as I endeavor to get some of it out. To make sense of my predicament and feelings of being home at such a time as this.

During such perilous times, it is necessary that we look out for one another and take care of ourselves. Be gentle. Be diligent. Be present. Shelter: https://www.fastcompany.com/90477869/california-is-renting-hotel-rooms-and-rvs-to-protect-the-homeless-from-coronavirus Food: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tasneemnashrulla/coronavirus-covid19-organizations-help-food-medical-aid Health: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/coronavirus-covid-19-resources

People think that kindness should be withheld for only those who “deserve” it, but where would we be without the undeserving kindness of others? When we show up to people with our higher selves, we model for them how to do the very same. Periodt.

Raise your hand if there is something you want that you don’t currently have! Whether it’s more money, a partner, 6 figures or mini-Me’s, so many of us obsess over our futures and what could be. But how might such a fixation actually deter us from receiving what the universe has in store? What does it take to be okay with not yet? To be happy, now?

For those of us so familiar with being in control of mostly every aspect of our lives, relinquishing the desire to have things done at our pace and according to our standards can seem like nonsense. However, there is much more to gain than there is to lose when we just chill out and let God.

It’s easy to call people out, but it ain’t always that easy to be called out. Despite popular understanding, toxicity can reside right on the inside of our know-it-all, gotta-be-self-righteous, everyone-else-is-a-peasant asses. Join me in exploring what it takes to call bullshit on our own selves.

When do you know you’re over the pain and hurt? In this sequel to A Case of Healing Pt 1 I discuss how a recent encounter revealed to me how much is truly required to reclaim our time and our hearts after being hurt or betrayed by the people in our lives.

Whether it’s collecting data for my dissertation or for my personal life, digging up the archives of past trauma and pain is no easy task. The journey of discovery is inevitably a journey of healing that requires full commitment. Healing is cute until it gets hard. But man, is it worth it.

What does it mean to return? To return home? What are the ways we can substitute anxiety for humility in our journeys of rediscovery? How can we redefine what it even means to be at home?

Black women are constantly expected to be the “emotional backbone” of the people in our communities, especially for the men in our lives. But where and when do we draw the line? When is emotional investment just emotional exploitation? How can we practice healthier versions of love and support while pushing the people around us do their due diligence when it comes to their own emotional welfare?

Dating while black is hard as fuck. It’s even harder when living in New England. In this episode, we explore the challenges of dating as women of color and the weirdness often associated with dating white men.

Whether it’s with friends or lovers, we sometimes find ourselves settling out of pure insecurity. Listen in on my short reflection on what this says about our self worth.

“Sex Education” is a new Netflix series that is worth the watch! In this episode, I explore the show’s treatment of black sexual identity and what that can mean for black spirituality. Is there room for queerness in the (black) church?

Why are dudes so pressed to “settle down” once they hit their 30s? And what the hell does that have to do with me?

What should you be doing when you’re thinking of marriage and settling down? How can we prepare ourselves for healthy long term relationships without becoming obsessed with FOMO?

Who is Jess? What is this Podcast? What we tryna decolonize? An introduction to my Podcast.