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A Sankofa Soul Care Meditation: Ancestral Lessons from Karen Washington, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- May 17
- 5 min read
Today, we pause to celebrate the enduring living legacy of Karen Washington, an urban farmer, food justice ARTvocate, and woman of faith who has transformed vacant lots into gardens of healing, planting hope throughout both urban areas + rural landscapes, 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 hospitality of those who have tilled, planted, and harvested with love + liberation.
Karen Washington reminds us that to grow food is to grow dignity + community. Her faith + activism are woven into every seed sown, every hand extended in service, every voice raised for justice.
A Holy Haiku - Karen Washington
Seeds in sacred hands
City soil turns into hope
Harvests of justice.
Amen + Asé
This haiku invites us to reclaim the sacred work of the cultivation of land, of justice, of community, trusting that every seed sown in faith will yield a harvest of hope.
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.
A Blessing:
May your hands be blessed with the sabbath of the soil,
May your heart be nourished by the fruits of justice,
May your spirit find hope in every seed you plant,
And may your life, like Karen Washington’s,
Bear harvests of healing, dignity, and love
For generations yet to come..
Karen Washington teaches us that gardening is more than growing food—it is an act of resistance, a prayer for justice, and a practice of liberation. She says:
“To grow your own food gives you power and dignity. You know exactly what you’re eating because you grew it. It’s good, it’s nourishing and you did this for yourself, your family and your community.”
She challenges us to look beyond the language of “food deserts” and name the deeper injustice—food apartheid—reminding us that access to nourishment is a matter of equity + love:
“Food justice is not just about growing food, it’s about looking at the whole system and saying, ‘Where is the injustice?’”
Karen’s story is rooted in faith, community, and the conviction that the soil beneath our feet holds the promise of healing and transformation. Her journey invites us to:
Reclaim our relationship to the land, no matter where we live.
Sow seeds of hope + justice in our communities.
Remember that every act of cultivation: planting, watering, harvesting, is a sacred offering.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
Where in your life are you being called to plant seeds of hope or justice, even in unlikely soil or overlooked spaces, like the empty lots that became community gardens?
What systems of “apartheid” or exclusion need to be named + uprooted in your neighborhood or city, and how might community gardens serve as places of healing, connection, and resistance?
Let these prompts guide you as you reflect on the solidarity cultivated in community gardens and in the sharing from your garden (if you have one)—to transform not only the land, but also the future of the collective good.
Blessing:
May your hands be blessed with the shalom of the soil,
May your heart be nourished by the fruits of justice,
May your spirit find hope in every seed you plant,
And may your life, like Karen Washington’s,
Bear harvests of healing, dignity, and love
For generations yet 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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