The Making of H(u)ny Mother

A brief story of the power of the environment

In the Nisenan and Patwin territories of northern California, there lived a black neurodivergent femme named Jaelyn. Maya was not only an activist but also someone who faced the daily challenges of living with mental health issues. As a black femme, Jaelyn also confronted the systemic racism that permeated her everyday life. They experienced the intersecting oppressions of being both black and neurodivergent, which further intensified the barriers she encountered.

Jaelyn recognized the importance of their identity as a black neurodivergent femme in her activism. They understood the deep-rooted impact of systemic racism on marginalized communities. Jaelyn used her voice to raise awareness about the struggles faced by individuals like herself, advocating for greater understanding, acceptance, and support within both the mental health and neurodivergent communities.

Despite her dedication to her cause, Jaelyn found herself grappling with her own battles. The weight of systemic racism, coupled with their mental health challenges, often made her journey towards thriving feel like an uphill battle. She confronted discrimination, microaggressions, and unequal access to resources that were necessary for her well-being.

Determined to find a solution, Jaelyn embarked on a journey of self-discovery and exploration. She sought out resources, support networks, and professional help to better understand her own needs and develop strategies for self-care. Along the way, they connected with other Black femmes and neurodivergent individuals who shared similar struggles, forming a community that provided both understanding and encouragement.

As Jaelyn continued to navigate her own path towards thriving, she realized that her experiences and insights as a Black femme were essential in addressing the systemic racism that perpetuated marginalization. She recognized that true empowerment required dismantling the structures that perpetuated inequality and advocating for social justice.

Jaelyn’s integration of environmentalism and holistic wellness into her life not only transformed her own well-being but also informed her activism against systemic racism. She understood the interconnectedness of social justice, mental health, and the environment. Jaelyn began advocating for sustainable and eco-friendly policies, recognizing that a healthy planet is essential for the well-being of all individuals, especially those who face the compounded effects of systemic racism and neurodivergence.

Jaelyn’s journey was not without its challenges, but her resilience and determination fueled her desire for change. Through their activism, she hoped to create a world where Black femmes and neurodivergent individuals could not only survive but truly thrive, embracing their identities and finding the support they needed to lead fulfilling lives while dismantling the barriers of systemic racism.

The Birth of H(u)ny Mother

Jaelyn’s journey toward wellness took an unexpected turn when she made the courageous decision to seek help for her substance abuse issues and mental health concerns. In the late Spring of 2020, Jaelyn entered a rehabilitation center in the Santa Cruz mountains that provided comprehensive support for her recovery journey.

H(u)ny Mother was born out of Jaelyn’s desire to create a collaborative and inclusive space for wellness resources, specifically tailored to the needs of marginalized communities. Drawing on her Black feminism and Black anarchy principles, Jaelyn envisioned a space that centered on intersectionality and dismantled oppressive systems.

As Jaelyn continued her recovery journey, she discovered the transformative power of holistic health practices. They embraced yoga, meditation, and other holistic approaches as essential tools for healing and self-discovery. Recognizing the profound impact of these practices on her well-being, Jaelyn. integrated them into the foundation of H(u)ny Mother.

In addition to her healing, Jaelyn’s time in rehab deepened her understanding of 12-step recovery programs. She recognized the importance of community support and accountability in maintaining long-term sobriety. Jaelyn sought to incorporate these principles into the ethos of H(u)ny Mother, ensuring that individuals seeking wellness resources had access to a supportive and nurturing environment.

As Jaelyn delved deeper into her journey, she began to explore the philosophy of transcendentalism. The connection between nature, spirituality, and self-discovery resonated deeply with her. Jaelyn recognized the interconnectedness of environmentalism and holistic health, understanding that a healthy planet is essential for individual well-being.

However, Jaelyn also recognized the grave risk that the destruction of the environment posed to transcendentalism. The exploitation of natural resources and the disregard for environmental sustainability threatened the very essence of transcendentalism. Maya saw the urgent need for advocacy and action to protect the environment, not only for the well-being of individuals but also for the preservation of transcendental philosophy.

Driven by her passion for social justice, Jaelyn integrated environmentalism into the mission of H(u)ny Mother. The collaborative actively promoted sustainable practices and eco-friendly policies, recognizing that the well-being of marginalized communities was intimately tied to the health of the planet.

Through H(u)ny Mother, Jaelyn aimed to create a world where individuals could find support and resources for their wellness journey while challenging oppressive systems. She believed that by embracing the power of the natural environment individuals could transcend societal barriers and find empowerment.

Jaelyn’s journey of recovery and activism exemplified their unwavering commitment to creating a more just and sustainable world. With H(u)ny Mother, she hoped to inspire others to embrace their identities, heal from their struggles, and join the collective effort to dismantle oppressive systems, protect the environment, and preserve the philosophy of transcendentalism.

What is H(u)ny Mother?

H(u)ny Mother is a wellness resource collaborative that combines environmentalism, ancestral wisdom, creativity, and collaboration to empower the community with self-sustaining skills and foster resilience in the face of oppression.

At its core, H(u)ny Mother seeks to create a space where individuals from marginalized communities can access resources and support for their wellness journey. By centering intersectionality, H(u)ny Mother recognizes the unique challenges faced by different identities and aims to provide tailored resources to address those needs.

Environmentalism is a fundamental pillar of H(u)ny Mother's mission. Recognizing the interconnectedness of social justice, mental health, and the environment, H(u)ny Mother advocates for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By promoting sustainable living, the collaborative aims to ensure that individuals from marginalized communities have access to a healthy planet, which is crucial for their overall well-being.

Ancestral wisdom is another key element of H(u)ny Mother. Drawing on the knowledge and practices passed down through generations, H(u)ny Mother seeks to reclaim and celebrate ancestral wisdom. By integrating ancestral healing practices into wellness resources, the collaborative honors the resilience and strength of marginalized communities, providing tools for healing and self-discovery.

Creativity and collaboration are foundational to the work of H(u)ny Mother. By fostering a collaborative environment, the collaborative encourages individuals to share their unique perspectives and contribute to collective knowledge. Through creative expression, such as art, storytelling, and music, H(u)ny Mother amplifies marginalized voices, promotes healing, and challenges oppressive systems.

Ultimately, H(u)ny Mother aims to empower individuals to combat oppression and thrive. By equipping the community with self-sustaining skills and fostering a sense of belonging and support, the collaborative seeks to create a resilient and empowered community. Through the integration of environmentalism, ancestral wisdom, creativity, and collaboration, H(u)ny Mother strives to create a world where individuals can embrace their identities, heal from their struggles, and collectively dismantle oppressive systems.

Conflict

Jaelyn’s passion for activism and her commitment to providing resources and support to marginalized communities often clashed with the harsh reality of limited resources. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to secure sustainable fiscal and community support for H(u)ny Mother.

As Jaelyn poured her heart and soul into creating a collaborative space for wellness, they faced the challenges of operating without sufficient financial backing. The lack of sustainable funding made it difficult to offer the range of services and offerings that she envisioned for the community. Jaelyn found herself constantly juggling the demands of her activism with the need to secure funding to sustain H(u)ny Mother's operations.

In addition to financial constraints, Jaelyn also faced the uphill battle of raising awareness and garnering community support for H(u)ny Mother. While she wholeheartedly believed in the power and value of the collaborative, she struggled to reach a wider audience and generate the necessary momentum to build a strong community around H(u)ny Mother. Limited awareness hindered the growth and impact of the collaborative, making it challenging to provide the comprehensive support that Jaelyn envisioned.

The conflict between Jaelyn’s activist spirit and the realities of limited resources weighed heavily on her. They understood that to truly make a lasting difference and offer sustainable services to the community, she needed a reliable and consistent flow of support. Jaelyn tirelessly sought ways to bridge the gap between her aspirations and the practical constraints they faced, exploring alternative funding sources, seeking partnerships, and engaging in grassroots efforts to raise awareness.

Despite the challenges, Jaelyn remained resilient, driven by their unwavering belief in the importance of H(u)ny Mother's mission. She continued to advocate for sustainable fiscal and community support, highlighting the urgent need for resources to ensure the longevity and impact of the collaborative. Jaelyn recognized that without sustainable support and awareness, her ability to provide essential services and offerings to the community would be limited.

In their pursuit of sustainable support, Jaelyn remained open to collaboration, seeking partnerships and alliances with like-minded organizations and individuals who shared her vision. She actively engaged in community-building efforts, reaching out to potential supporters, and championing the value of H(u)ny Mother's work. Jaelyn understood that building a strong community network was crucial not only for financial stability but also for creating lasting change and impact.

As Jaelyn navigated the delicate balance between activism and limited resources, she remained hopeful that her unwavering dedication and the pressing need for the services and offerings provided by H(u)ny Mother would resonate with others. She believed that with increased awareness, support, and collaboration, H(u)ny Mother could overcome its challenges and become a sustainable force for positive change in the lives of marginalized communities.

Jaelyn’s journey as an activist with limited resources served as a powerful reminder of the systemic barriers and inequalities that exist within society. It highlighted the urgent need for sustainable fiscal and community support to ensure the provision of essential services and offerings to marginalized communities. Jaelyn’s unwavering determination and resilience in the face of these challenges inspired others to join her in the fight for sustainable support and awareness, creating a stronger foundation for H(u)ny Mother and its mission.