Building Bridges: Race and Recovery with the Blackyard Collective
Episode Overview
The Blackyard Collective fosters a community grounded in self-love and mutual respect The hosts share their personal experiences in establishing a safe space for Black individuals in recovery The challenges faced in predominantly white recovery spaces and the necessity of Black-centered recovery communities are discussed The formation and expansion of the Blackyard Collective, from local gatherings to international Zoom meetings The collective's commitment to promoting dignity and hope for Black individuals in recovery
I want other people to have this. I want other people to have access to this. It's something until you have it until you feel it like oh my god this is what I always wanted.
How does race influence the journey to sobriety? This episode of 'gAy A: A Queer Sober Podcast' dives into this crucial question as host Steve Martin-Bennet chats with Michael, Delano, and Chris from the Blackyard Collective. The Blackyard Collective is a supportive network of Black, queer, and trans individuals committed to recovery. They discuss their personal battles with addiction and the unique challenges they face due to their race.
Delano kicks things off by sharing how the collective has become a lifeline in his sobriety journey. Chris and Michael join in, shedding light on the group's mission to create a safe and empowering space for Black individuals in recovery. They recount the struggles they've encountered in predominantly white recovery environments and the importance of having Black-centered spaces.
From intimate brunches to the formation of a nonprofit organization, the trio narrates their journey of building a community that fosters genuine connections and mutual respect. They also talk about the collective's growth from local meetups to international Zoom meetings, offering a platform for Black individuals worldwide to support each other.
The episode wraps up with a heartfelt invitation to listeners to connect with the Blackyard Collective through their website and social media, underscoring their dedication to promoting dignity and hope for Black people in recovery.