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A Sankofa Soul Care Meditation: Ancestral Lessons from Fannie Lou Hamer, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- May 18
- 4 min read
Today, we honor the life + legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer—sharecropper, activist, and woman of faith who sowed seeds of justice + hope in the Mississippi Delta and across the nation, as we embrace the concept of Sankofa (SAHN-koh-fah)—a term and practice from Ghana that means “go back and fetch it.”
With open hands + contemplative hearts, we reach back to gather what is precious from our ancestral memory, bringing it forward as a blessing for our present lives. In this season of Mental Health Awareness Month, we notice the devotion of those who have tilled, planted, and harvested with love + liberation.
Fannie Lou Hamer reminds us that the work of justice is both a harvest and a planting, rooted in faith, shaped by stubborn reimagining, and growing stronger through community.
A Holy Haiku - Fannie Lou Hamer
Hands weathered by toil
Seeds of freedom sown in faith
Harvests of justice.
Amen + Asé
This haiku invites us to reclaim the creative courage to sow in the unwavering devotion to nurture the growth + prosperity of the wellbeing of the collective.
This is the heart of Sankofa: returning to the gift of collective care that nurtures our souls + bodies together. Our ancestors understood that care was never meant to be solitary but shared like breaking bread—a communion that sustains us all.
Fannie Lou Hamer grew up as the youngest of twenty children in a family of sharecroppers. From a young age, she worked in the fields, experiencing both hardship + hope. Despite many obstacles, including deep personal losses, trauma, and the weight of injustice, she became a powerful voice for civil rights + community wellbeing.
She once said,
“You just get sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
Her words speak not only to the struggle for justice, but also to the toll that oppression + constant resistance can take on our mental and emotional health. Hamer’s faith, singing, and connection to community were vital sources of transformation + healing for her.
By establishing the Freedom Farm Cooperative, she helped families in cultivating food + fostering economic cooperation, but she also created spaces for rest, support, and communal care, understanding that true freedom involves nurturing both body + soul.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
Fannie Lou Hamer’s vision for the Freedom Farm Cooperative was about more than growing food + building economic strength. She understood that true freedom also means having spaces for rest, support, and communal care, places where we can nurture both body + soul.
As you reflect on her example:
Where in your life or community do you find (or long for) spaces that offer both practical support + soul-deep care?
How might you help create or strengthen places where people can come together not only to work + share resources, but also to rest, heal, and be restored?
In what ways do you see the connection between collective wellbeing and the health of both body + spirit?
A Blessing:
May your hands be guided by the strength of those who came before you.
May your heart be encouraged by the memory of Fannie Lou Hamer.
May you plant seeds of hope and justice wherever you go,
And may your life help nourish others, now and for generations to come.
For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, affirm: "Through empathy, I/we return to our belovedness + reclaim in the spirit of Sankofa, to go back and get it, by the enablement of the Holy Spirit”
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring the botanical-themed Charcuterie Gift Box
Elevate your next collective care gathering with the Melanated Musings Charcuterie Board Gift Box Set.
In the heart of your home or gathering, add flair wherever you dare with a fusion of art, Black culture, and whimsical elegance.
Add a pop to any tabletop for your hors d'oeuvres + desserts.
Let the captivating charm bring a touch of soul to your next soirée (bridal shower, hostess gift, team party, bachelorette party, birthday party, anniversary celebration, or just to feel lavished), as they remind you that sometimes, the most beautiful stories begin with a simple, heartfelt gesture.
What’s Included: Free Gift Wrapping
1 x Choose board shape: Round Charcuterie Board with Groove - 13.5” x 13.5” or Rectangular Charcuterie Board with Groove - 12" x 9"
1 x Choose Board Design: Noir + Leaves or Mocha + Leaves
1 x Tamarind Oh! Sauce, 10.5 oz. Ingredients: Guava, Water, Tamarind Puree, Ginger Juice, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Lime Juice. A phenomenal sweet and tangy sauce for veggies, meat, and YES—desserts. Use it on your charcuterie boards to replace jams + jellies.
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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