Philosophy/Pedagogy

Photo by Guillaume de Germain / Unsplash

A Commitment to Liberation

At the heart of my work is a deep belief: education is the foundation of freedom. Yet freedom is not confined to classrooms or degrees—it’s cultivated through self-discovery, imagination, and community. My philosophy and pedagogy are rooted in transforming learning into a practice of liberation, where we reclaim time, space, and self.

I believe that education is for everyone. Whether formal or self-directed, it is a pathway to understanding, reclaiming, and transforming our lives. Inspired by bell hooks’ assertion that education is “the practice of freedom,” my pedagogy blends theory and practice to empower individuals and communities.

Core Principles: Five Guiding Beliefs

Education is for Everyone
Knowledge belongs to all of us. My pedagogy embraces the self-taught, the community-taught, and those seeking new ways to learn and grow.
Imagination as Resistance
To imagine liberatory futures is to resist. My work draws on Afrofuturism, storytelling, and creative practices to challenge oppressive narratives and envision new possibilities.
Learning with the Whole Self
True education engages the mind, body, and spirit. Through rituals, storytelling, and reflection, I encourage learning that transforms every part of who we are.
Reclaiming Time, Space, and Self
My pedagogy empowers learners to connect with history, honor their present, and boldly imagine their futures. This is how we reclaim our narratives.
Community is the Classroom
Learning is not a solitary act. Whether through workshops, courses, or shared storytelling, I create spaces where collective wisdom leads to transformation.

Application: Putting These Ideas into Practice in my Academic Work

I view the classroom as more than a place for information transfer; it is a site for transformation. My teaching philosophy draws from a blend of Black feminist thought, Afrofuturism, and cultural theory to cultivate a learning environment where students feel seen, empowered, and challenged to grow.

Guiding Principles in the Classroom

Education as a Pathway to Liberation
I design my courses with the belief that education should connect students to their own agency. Inspired by bell hooks’ assertion that “education is the practice of freedom,” I encourage students to see their learning as part of a larger process of reclaiming their voices, histories, and futures.
Centering Storytelling and Reflection
I integrate storytelling as both a method and a practice. Whether students are analyzing literature, crafting personal narratives, or exploring historical texts, I encourage them to see themselves as part of the ongoing story of liberation. Reflection is central to this process—I often include journaling or other reflective activities to help students process their learning in meaningful ways.
Integrating Critical and Creative Practices
My courses blend critical analysis with creative expression. For example:
Fostering Holistic Engagement
Learning doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it’s embodied and relational. I incorporate discussions of identity, culture, and lived experience into my teaching, encouraging students to connect what they learn in the classroom to their own lives and communities.

Prioritizing Inclusion and Accessibility
I am deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all students—particularly those from marginalized backgrounds—feel supported and valued. This means:

Diversifying course materials to include voices and perspectives that have been historically excluded.
Designing assignments and discussions that are accessible and adaptable to different learning styles and needs.

Outcomes for Students

Through this approach, students leave my courses with:

Critical Thinking Skills: The ability to analyze texts and ideas deeply and connect them to broader cultural and societal issues.
A Sense of Empowerment: A clearer understanding of their own stories and how they intersect with larger movements for liberation.
Practical Tools for Change: Skills in writing, collaboration, and creative problem-solving that they can apply in their personal, professional, and academic lives.

Application: Legacy Weavers Lab, A Living Pedagogy

Legacy Weavers Lab is where my philosophy comes to life for a broader audience. It’s a space designed to bridge theory and action, offering tools and practices that empower individuals and communities to reclaim their narratives, imagine bold futures, and take meaningful steps toward liberation.

Guiding Principles in Action

Education as a Pathway to Liberation
At Legacy Weavers Lab, education isn’t confined to formal settings. Our offerings—journaling guides, workshops, and courses—are designed to meet you where you are, empowering you to explore your own learning journey on your terms.
Imagination as Resistance
Every course and resource invites participants to see imagination as a powerful tool for change. Whether through vision-boarding exercises, speculative storytelling, or creative meditations, Legacy Weavers Lab helps you reclaim your agency by imagining new possibilities.
Learning with the Whole Self
We integrate reflective practices, rituals, and creative exercises that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach ensures that learning isn’t just intellectual—it becomes a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Reclaiming Time, Space, and Self
Legacy Weavers Lab offers frameworks, like the BaKongo Cosmogram, that help participants understand their life cycles, honor their past, and envision their future. Through workshops and journaling guides, we encourage intentional practices that ground you in your story while opening space for growth.
Community as the Classroom
Our virtual gatherings, live workshops, and collaborative projects create opportunities for shared learning. These spaces are designed for participants to connect, exchange wisdom, and build collective strategies for liberation.

Offerings at Legacy Weavers Lab

Self-Guided Resources
- Journaling workbooks like Reclaiming Time: A Journaling Journey for Liberation provide reflective prompts and actionable steps to integrate learning into your daily life.
- Printable affirmation cards and ritual guides support personal transformation in small, meaningful ways.
Workshops and Courses
- Imagination as Praxis: A guided workshop exploring Afrofuturist principles for envisioning liberatory futures.
- The BaKongo Cosmogram as a Map for Transformation: A multi-week course that combines history, spirituality, and actionable exercises for life design.
- Feminist Praxis in Everyday Life: Workshops that translate feminist theory into tools for dismantling systemic oppression.
Community Engagement
- Virtual meetups create a space for participants to share experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another.
- Collaborative storytelling projects, where participants contribute to collective narratives, weave imagination with real-world action.
Interactive Tools and Experiences
- Digital and analog tools like vision-boarding templates, guided meditations, and reflective surveys offer participants accessible ways to engage with the Lab’s principles.
- Interactive courses encourage participants to take ownership of their learning and co-create solutions for personal and communal transformation.

Outcomes for Participants

Through Legacy Weavers Lab, participants:

Reclaim their Stories: Gain clarity about their personal narratives and how they connect to larger cultural and historical frameworks.
Build Imaginative Futures: Learn to use imagination as a tool for resistance and empowerment.
Embody Change: Develop rituals and practices that bring learning into their daily lives.
Foster Community Connections: Engage with others in shared spaces that amplify collective wisdom and mutual support.

Legacy Weavers Lab is more than a platform—it’s a movement. It’s a space where theory and action meet, where liberation becomes tangible, and where learning leads to transformation. Join the Movement Today