Grief At The Table: A Grief Gathering

The holiday season is often heralded as “the most wonderful time of the year” with Thanksgiving being the beginning of a season of gathering, celebrations centered around beloved cultural foods. For Black grievers, this season of jubilation is often one shrouded in the darkness of loss, making a season of gratitude, belonging and togetherness one where isolation, loneliness and deepened feelings of grief loom. 

Grief, in so many words, joins us at the proverbial table. 

From Nneka M. Okona, journalist, author and founder of The Black Grief Project comes, Grief at the Table, a virtual grief circle with a guided writing and reflection practice for Black grievers— those carrying loss into Thanksgiving who want a safe space to express and share. We’ll write together, reflect meaningfully on our losses and remember together. Being a writer isn’t a requirement nor is having a specific kind of loss. 

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

• Ground together and set safety & expression agreements 
• Name what sits at your grief table 
• Write from provided prompts on your losses 
• Discuss releasing holiday performance pressure 
• Share for those who choose 
• Close with remembrance ritual 

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.