From Passion to Praxis: Building Community with Liberation Education
"We do not write because we want to; we write because we have to"- W. Somerset Maugham
Returning to My First Love: Writing
Writing has always been my first love. It's a passion that has woven itself into every phase of my life, a constant companion even when I strayed from it. I come from a lineage of storytellers and gatekeepers of truths, undoubtedly fueled by the Irish spirit within us. My mother, Bridget Ordway, was not only an activist and advocate but also a writer. Her words and actions shaped my understanding of the world and my place within it.
From a young age, my mother encouraged me to write. I remember participating in those compilation poetry contests, her pride beaming when I was published in my teens. She celebrated my achievements so passionately, even buying me my first enormous hardcover book of quotes. I used to tell her that one day, I wanted to be quoted. Her support and belief in my writing fueled my desire to keep going.
Throughout my life, no matter the iteration, I've always returned to writing. I've had blogs, advice columns, guides, books, journals—the list goes on and on. Writing is more than a hobby or a career for me; it's a need, a must, a call from within that demands the story to be told through this medium. My first tattoo for my compilation sleeve tattoo reads, "We do not write because we want to; we write because we have to" by W. Somerset Maugham. This quote perfectly sums up my life. Writing is an essential part of who I am, an undeniable force that guides me.
The Origin Story of Make Shi(f)t Happen
When I began this work eight years ago, it stemmed from the antiblackness and racism I witnessed in my neighborhood group. Many people didn't realize what antiblackness was and understood racism only as overt acts of violence and aggression towards Black people. They couldn't see the violence in statements like "I see Black people walking." It's true that you don't know what you don't know.
Determined to make a difference, I gathered with those who were willing to do the work. We formed an online group where I answered questions, supported the journey, and fostered a community committed to change. This was the humble beginning of Make Shi(f)t Happen.
At that time, I had a thriving cleaning service, Agape Home Solutions, which afforded me the time to focus on advocacy and parenting. My then-husband was the primary child provider and my biggest cheerleader, supporting my lofty visions. However, when COVID-19 hit, my business never fully recovered. We managed to maintain only a few monthly clients, and tragically, my husband succumbed to alcoholism. I chose to prioritize my own well-being and moved forward.
Make Shi(f)t Happen evolved over time. In 2020, I launched a Marco Polo channel offering one-to-many coaching and spiritual guidance as a pastoral counselor (Selenite and Sage Counseling). We engaged in shadow work, journal prompts, and support meetups, honored moon cycles, and I taught ancestral veneration for those now considered white. As our community grew, we moved to Mighty Networks, creating multiple groups and spaces to support holistic healing journeys.
However, maintaining an online space without charging proved financially challenging. We transitioned back to Facebook, where people could contribute what they could afford. This move allowed us to continue offering support without financial strain on me.
Our evolution has been amazing—ever-growing and changing. We've added in-person gatherings at Arabia Farms, enriching our community experience. The next level for Make Shi(f)t Happen includes corporate wellness initiatives and trainings. This shift will enable us to generate income while avoiding exploitation, allowing us to serve our community more effectively with corporate support.
In addition to these new ventures, the Liberation Education Newsletter is being built out on the Articulate platform as an entire academy. This expansion will provide even more resources and support for those on their journey to decolonization and holistic healing.
Introducing the Liberation Education Academy
The Liberation Education Academy is a hub of knowledge and empowerment, currently hosting several key resources:
Juneteenth: Do This, Not That Guide: A comprehensive resource to honor Juneteenth respectfully and meaningfully.
Informed Voters Guide: Empowering voters with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Boundaries Course: A course I'm relaunching to help individuals set and maintain healthy boundaries.
Wellness-Centered Decolonization Tract (coming soon): A complete program focusing on wellness and decolonization.
CEUs(coming soon): Offering Continuing Education Units for those seeking to further their professional development.
and so much more to support the ongoing journey of healing from colonialism.
The vision for the Liberation Education Academy is grand, and I have the business support and understanding to do it well. But this is where you, the reader, come in. Your support is crucial for bringing this vision to life. Together, we can build a future where decolonization and holistic healing are accessible to all.
Why Support the Liberation Education Newsletter?
Running a business takes money. It costs money to have a website, create graphics, PDFs, host groups, have gatherings, and, importantly, to survive. I promise you, if I didn't need money, I would still be doing this work. This work is my passion and it aids others. However, it's this very passion that hinders me from making money elsewhere.
This is how capitalism disrupts forward motion and evolution. It's easier to forfeit this work and carry on in a different job to get paid. Yet, I choose to continue because I believe in the impact and necessity of what we're building together.
Supporting the Liberation Education Newsletter means more than just subscribing. It means contributing to a cause that dismantles oppressive systems and fosters whole self-healing and community building. Your $8 a month ensures that we can maintain our website, create valuable resources, host meaningful gatherings, and continue our advocacy work without financial strain.
Your support allows me to keep this vision alive, impacting lives and building a legacy of decolonization and holistic healing. Let's Make Shi(f)t Happen together. Thank you for your support.
Become a Paid Supporter right here: Only $8 a month
In solidarity and empowerment,