Holiday Hope: A Grief Gathering

Organizer and writer Mariame Kaba said, “Hope is a discipline.” For Black grievers, in a world where our mourning is already minimized but even moreso during the holiday season, looking to the month of December and beyond with any kind of hope amid the heaviness of grief can feel impossible. Can we truly grieve and hope? Can we get through the month of December with our mourning selves fully in tact?

From Nneka M. Okona, journalist, author and founder of The Black Grief Project comes Holiday Hope, a virtual grief circle with a guided writing practice for Black grievers—those who want to get through the end of the year with honesty and tenderness. We’ll talk about what hope can look like when you’re grieving, no toxic positivity or spiritual bypassing. We’ll then think small: one thing to look forward to, one boundary to keep, one way to carry your loss with you into the new year. 

This grief circle runs for 90 minutes with included quiet time for writing, reflecting and processing. Participants are not required to be on camera or share; it's up to you what level of interaction you choose. Circles are live only and are not recorded. Participants will receive a welcome email within 24 hours of registration and all details for the virtual space (including a link) 24 hours in advance of the circle.

Core components

• Name what the season is asking of us
• Write toward honest hopes for the weeks ahead
• Make a plan for the hardest dates
• Share and close together

Please note: The Black Grief Project creates spaces grounded in the lived experience, culture, and traditions of Black people. To foster psychological safety, vulnerability and deep community, this grief circle is strictly reserved for Black grievers. 

Disclaimer: Grief at the Table is guided grief circle with a writing and reflection practice. It is a peer-style community space led by Nneka M. Okona, a grief worker and author. This grief circle is not therapy, counseling, or medical care and it is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you are in crisis and need support, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the U.S.) or your local emergency services. A short list of grief and mental health resources will be shared at the end of each circle.