TALKS | writing workshops

Black women around the world have written about tea as a tool for health and wellness. This work surveys over 300 memoirs to map a history of traditions from herbal senna and sassafras to pekoe in Kenya and Virginia. Dr. Evans, a professor of Black women's intellectual history, maps stories of infusions through Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. "Black Tea History" argues for the value of teaching and institutionalizing lessons about historical wellness--especially in high-stress professions like higher education. Historical narratives offer lessons for creating internal and external green space. Life writing helps readers identify how tea can support mental, physical, spiritual, and social strategies proven to help manage stress. This work also emphasizes the need for critical analysis of historical wellness in order to not perpetuate harmful myths embedded in past tea traditions and to affirm advocacy for fair political and economic practices. 

“Having grown up in chaos, developing routines for living was a basic necessity. I have derived intellectual and emotional strength from knowing that every day the sun rises and every day, in some small way, I will write. In this way, writing has become a practice of healing.”

          “Finding Your Voice,” Black Feminist Writing, p.62

Healing yourself and supporting others in their healing journey are acts of insurgency. Black Women’s Studies, the intersectional and interdisciplinary lens that shapes this work, critically examines how scholars can find their unique voice and alsoimpact communities on campus and beyond campus walls. And still we rise. 

          “Academic Wellness,” Black Feminist Writing, p.182

Rest                  Personal practice

Immerse          Professional practice

Study                Publishing practice

Engage            Public and political practice

           “Writing is Rising,” Black Feminist Writing, p.185