Indigo Community Healing Arts
UBUNTU: I am, Because We Are
Ubuntu is the essence of ICHA’s Afri-centric programs. For Black people in this country and around the world, community and interconnectedness – ubuntu – is and always has been a vital part of our existence and healing. Ubuntu is a Xhosaian term that originates from the Bantu people in South Africa. Ubuntu encapsulates a set of closely related value and belief systems throughout the continent of Africa and throughout Pan-Africa (including the U.S.) that emphasize interconnectedness and humanity towards others.
We believe that in order to implement an expanded approach to Black community mental health it is necessary to divest from over-reliance on outside sources of assistance. ICHA is part of an accelerating social movement that calls us to increase the capacity for our community to practice interdependence by increasing support to our own Black healers, as well as cultivating healing and ‘medicine’ from within our own community.
Rooted in the Past, Growing into the Future–
Read Dr. Eva Marie Shivers’ message to learn more about ICHA’s evolution and our hopes for its future.
Have A Creative Idea You’d Like To
Pursue With Us?
We champion the expanded vision of Black community mental health by integrating the following sources of wisdom and practice-based evidence: Afri-centric approaches; Healing Justice framework; Black Feminist wisdom; and Black Liberation theology. It is this integration that influences our core values.
Inaugural Programming
ICHA’s strategies and programs are emergent and based on the passions and areas of expertise within our own ICHA team. The programs and strategies will likely evolve over time as we continue to be responsive to our own community and continue to learn from other Black communities around the country.
ICHA’s inaugural programming is inspired by the lived experience and healing journey of Dr. Shivers who proudly identifies as a third generation Black Phoenician. Our programming will expand at the ‘speed of partnership.’ That is, as we continue to listen to the needs and desires of Black Phoenicians and as we continue to collaborate with other community partners, we will co-create additional programs that are also aligned with the values of ubuntu, healing, and Afri-centricity.
Intergenerational Sacred Sister Circles with Auntie Eva
To provide and hold space for healing, unity, and solidarity among Black womxn healers.
Sankofa Dance
Developing pride, healing, and self-knowledge by exploring how contemporary styles of dance are directly connected to our African/Pan-African roots. More information to come.
Habari Gani Community Conversations and Film Screenings
Using Black Film to Ignite Conversations about Ourselves, Our Families, Our Community.
Black Phoenicians: Preserving our Historical Spaces and Places
Preserving the history of Black Phoenix and metropolis through history walks, historical designations, and community education. More information to come.
The expansive nature of ICHA’s Afri-centric framework is also beneficial for serving a wide diversity of BIPOC and other marginalized children. An Afri-centric approach integrates the following:
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Affirms our beautiful Blackness
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Is trauma-informed
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Is LOVE-informed
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Emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things
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Affirms spiritual nature of human beings
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Balances collective and individual identity
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Uplifts the collective / inclusive nature of family structure
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Centers the oneness of mind, body, and spirit
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Values interdependent relationships
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Elevates intergenerational symbiosis
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Acknowledges a range of spiritual practices within the Black community
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Encourages community members to believe in their capability and choice to engage in their own healing