Smart. Provocative. Engaging.

Throughout the Nation, individuals, families, and communities grapple with violence perpetrated and experienced by young males. African American families are disproportionately negatively impacted by this senseless violence. In “The Violent Broken Hearts” Auntie Yogi explores the relationship between structural racism in key social institutions, and the rage, hopelessness, and violence that too many African American communities experience. This presentation includes a brief historical analysis of race and violence in America.

This workshop will examine the role that high ACE scores and hyper-discipline play in limiting the life chances and choices of African American girls and young women. We will explore service provider biases, historical stereotypes, and adultification to help illuminate the real obstacles that African American girls face to achieve the “American Dream”. This workshop is a must for those dedicated to serving the most socially vulnerable African American families.

It is fascinating the way Yolanda weaves her personal story of trauma and recovery with her favorite works of literature.  This title comes from one of her favorite books Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neal Hurston.  In this presentation Yolanda shares the many ways that healing has awakened her to the beauty and horrors of life.   Here Yolanda shares how the diagnosis of PTSD was critical in her own self-care  journey. "