BE-IMAGINATIVE

10/11/2025

Iris Garcia shouted us out in her piece: Investing in Healing Justice for Sustainable Movement-Building, and I am still feeling it.

I am cheerleading for our leaders in philanthropy who are not afraid to stand by their grantee partners, even in this current climate. Those who double down in the moments where most will let fear win, who stand on the side of history, where we will one day look back and give praise for their unwavering, courageous dedication to the work.

We are thankful to BE-IMAGINATIVE’s partners - the Akonadi Foundation, the Kataly Foundation, and especially our beloved Iris Garcia, who has shown tremendous support for our work and for our community. Iris is someone who truly sees us. And I mean really sees us in all of our humanity: where we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going.

Healing justice is the opportunity to truly see what it means to be whole human beings within the context of our greater collective.

I can’t sing enough praise to express the gratitude I feel, knowing that we have funders in this world who stand ten toes down on the values that matter most.

Thank you, Iris. Thank you, Akonadi. Thank you,

06/01/2025

ten years of deep roots
black women rise, hold, and heal
earth sings the return .reelaviolette bless your vision sis.

09/23/2024

Oooooohh what m a journey we’ve been on together. Yesterday we closed out our sacred time, but we still hold on to the power of what we’ve shared. Over these past few days, we cried, laughed, remembered our ancestors, and stood in each other’s strength and vulnerability.

This retreat wasn’t just about healing—it was about reclaiming our stories, embracing our joy, and honoring the pain. Like sunshine and rain, they aren’t opposites—they dance together, shaping the beauty of life. Áse to our baba Frankie Beverly.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, opened your hearts, and allowed this space to be a collective experience of transformation. To our team, facilitators, and sponsors, we couldn’t have done this without you. Your support helped create magic.

This is not an ending, but a continuation. The healing ripples out from here—into our lives, our communities, and the world.

Until we meet again, may peace, love, The Most High and the ancestors guide your way. 🕊️🖤

09/20/2024

Tomorrow is the day! 🎶

Join us for **Joy + Pain, Like Sunshine + Rain: The Concert** – a night of music, healing, and community. Doors open at 6PM, and we can’t wait to share this transformative experience with you.

Come celebrate with us as we honor our ancestors, embrace our stories, and lift each other through the power of music. This is more than a concert—it’s a space for healing and connection.

We’ll see you there! 🕊️🕯️🖤

09/14/2024

In honor of the legendary Frankie Beverly, we kick off our ‘Joy and Pain, Like Sunshine and Rain’ healing retreat with an unforgettable opening concert by SOL Development at Mama Dog Studios. This event is inspired by and his legendary creativity. Join us on Friday, September 20th, join us for a powerful evening where music meets healing, honoring Frankie’s legacy and embracing the journey of joy, pain, and everything in between. Let’s come together, reflect, and celebrate the spirit of resilience through soulful sounds and collective care.

This special night is made possible by the generous support of our funders and sponsors: Kataly Foundation, , , and .

With deep gratitude to our partners: SOL Development, The Song Remedy, Andean Baby, Healed by Akosua, and more.

Don’t miss this powerful evening! Link in bio!

08/09/2024

TOMORROW: Brittany Tanner @ The Hayward Library - http://eepurl.com/iWINcc

08/05/2024

2024 Events w/ BE-IMAGINATIVE this August & September - https://mailchi.mp/faa76b4e5ceb/2024-events-w-be-imaginative-this-august-september

09/05/2023

In the words of Audre Lorde, 'Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.' Tomorrow, we invite you to join us at Flowhouse in Oakland, CA, from 12-4 PM PST for a self-guided healing retreat created by BE-IMAGINATIVE, The Song Remedy, and SOL Development, brought to you by . It's a space where self-care becomes a powerful declaration, a sanctuary for you to replenish your spirit. Acupuncture, acupressure, massages, and more await, courtesy of and . Let's rewrite the narrative of self-care together. 🌿✨

07/25/2023

In collaboration with BE-IMAGINATIVE, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), and the California Arts Council (CAC), we are excited to announce the Community Corps Initiative Grants exclusively for Richmond & Hayward artists. BE-IMAGINATIVE is an administering organization supporting 5 artists: 2 artists in Hayward and 3 artists in Richmond by providing them with a living wage as they collaborate with nonprofit institutions to create impactful projects within the community. We are excited to offer $60,000 grants to each artist, along with a budget of $10,000 - $12,000 to support the implementation of their projects. This initiative reflects our collective commitment to empowering local artists and fostering creative excellence in Richmond & Hayward through a community co-designed grant-making process.

Nominate yourself or an exceptional artist from Richmond or Hayward!
BE-IMAGINATIVE.ORG/GRANTS

05/10/2023

Y’all remember that time in 2021 “Dear Beloved: Music & Storytelling with and BE-IMAGINATIVE” took home a Northern California Regional Emmy? Biiiig big blessings to this village and the stories inside of us that are meant to rock the world.

05/09/2023

"When the Waters Get Deep": Emmy Nominated! -

We are thankful to share the news that our KQED film "When the Waters Get Deep," produced in partnership with BE-IMAGINATIVE, has been nominated for a Northern California Regional Emmy Award. This recognition fills our hearts with so much gratitude and emotion. It is a testament to the power of The....