In the tradition of Black communal care, this is what I believe we are doing, “being in community taking care of itself outside of the state.” Because the state is impervious to Black viability, Black people have had to sustain ourselves. We have had to create our own spaces, make our own meals, and hone our own cultures in order to survive and thrive.

I reconnected with people in recovery. Especially the folks who started The Blackyard Collective (BYC). I attended the BYC Juneteenth weekend events and was blown away by the community, the love, and the fellowship. I thought I had arrived years ago at Sound Factory, but now truly my tribe is found. These beautiful Black, queer, and trans folks were at times the topic of discussion when I checked-in monthly at court. The judge suggested that I keep these people close.