divine times collective "letter to my inner child"

we spoke with the divine times collective about how they are creating free third spaces where the community can find empowerment, belonging, and potentially even healing. we also discussed their upcoming concert, "letter to my inner-child," happening next friday, july 26th, at trans-pecos.

what inspired the founding of divine times collective?

the founding of divine times collective was inspired by the desire to provide free third spaces for adults where they could feel comfortable being themselves completely. noticing that queer spaces could lack diverse perspectives and that black and brown spaces could be homophobic, we wanted to honor that intersectionality and center black queer people in our programming. 

connecting to your inner child became the root of this work, as black queer people often have to grow up at a very young age and become a shell of themselves for reasons of self-preservation. giving people a space to be themselves means giving that younger self space to shine—that version of yourself before the reality of the world came crashing down on your shoulders.

can you elaborate on the core values and motivations behind divine times collective's work?

at the heart of divine times collective is the commitment to learning from our community through collaboration and nurturing connections. these core values shape every aspect of divine times collective's work, driving its mission to create spaces where people can find empowerment, belonging, and potentially even healing. divine times collective truly believes in the transformative power of culture and creativity to foster liberation and unity. 

the african diaspora has long been separated and often unaware of each other’s existence and oftentimes, very similar cultures. divine times collective aims to bridge this gap and forge strong bonds among people in the diaspora, fostering a sense of unity and support for one another. by creating spaces that celebrate the richness and diversity of the african diaspora, divine times collective helps reconnect individuals to their roots and to each other, promoting a deep sense of community. 

divine times collective's motivation stems from the need to provide free events and spaces for joyful expression. recognizing the importance of intersectional, third spaces that support community growth and expansion, divine times collective strives to center black queer people and offer platforms for underrepresented musicians and artists. in doing so, divine times collective seeks to uplift marginalized voices and celebrate cultural diversity, with the intention that everyone has the opportunity to experience the power of authentic expression.

what are some ways the community can get involved with or support
divine times collective?

the community can engage with and support divine times collective in several meaningful ways. one of the primary avenues for involvement is by attending divine times collective's diverse range of events, including our annual pan-afro wisdom (p.o.w.) festival, this year on sunday, september 8th featuring laraaji, muva of earth, dianna lopez, batalá new york, and more, along with various workshops and activities. people can also attend our other monthly, free community events open to all. participation in these events not only fosters personal connection and growth but also strengthens the community's collective spirit.

volunteering is another significant way to support divine times collective. volunteers play a crucial role in the success of events like the inner-child healing p.o.w. festival, assisting with various tasks and helping to create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. additionally, community members can support divine times collective by collaborating with the organization or its partners, such as the free black women’s library and the magnolia tree earth center, to contribute their skills and resources. 

financial contributions and donations are also vital. by making tax deductible donations to divine times collective, individuals help sustain and expand our free events and workshops, ensuring they remain accessible to all. we’re also now selling merch on our website, divinetimescollective.com for those interested in supporting the mission. last but not least, supporting local black-owned businesses that partner with divine times collective, like the ones mentioned above as well as bkln blend, make manifest bk, and many others, is another way to contribute to the collective’s mission.

can you tell us what attendees can expect from the upcoming letter to
my inner child event?

all are welcome to the "letter to my inner child" event next friday, july 26th, part of divine times collective's ongoing efforts to provide transformative experiences. it is sure to be a deeply enriching and celebratory occasion. as a pre-fest concert leading up to the divine times collective pan-afro wisdom (pow) fest, this event will set the stage for the main annual, free inner-child healing festival. 

attendees can look forward to a night filled with activities designed to foster connection and creativity. performances will include new releases from last year’s festival artists, headlined by the narcotix with their sound described as west african art-folk, and featuring openers ma’at with psychedelic soul, and dj oda grounding everyone on the dance floor with sounds of the diaspora. 

the event will also feature a costume element, inviting attendees to dress up as their favorite childhood movie/tv character or a character of their own creation. this playful aspect allows participants to reconnect with their inner child in a fun and imaginative way. 

everyone who gets a ticket receives a raffle ticket, but attendees in costume will receive an extra raffle ticket, with prizes including a toni morrison book and sticker from the free black women’s library, a shirt from playground coffee, merchandise from ginger’s and divine times collective, a $25 gift card from the thrift store other people’s clothes, and more! 

additionally, there will be games and local vendors present, creating a vibrant and engaging environment. overall, the "letter to my inner child" event embodies divine times collective's mission of creating spaces where all can connect and celebrate themselves as well as each other. join the divine times collective community on friday, july 26, at trans-pecos for a beautiful evening starting at 6 PM.