Alex

Name: Alex
Age: 26
Location: Chicago, IL
Religious Practice: Rootwork

Alex, who is 26-year-old, bisexual, and non-binary identifying, practices Rootwork. For them, Rootwork "allows [them] to slow down and take a breath. To be grateful for the shining sun, the freedom and autonomy." For Alex, "being Black and living through capitalism and the diaspora can be such an intense and harrowing experience, especially psychologically. Getting deeper into rootwork has allowed me to regain trust in my intuition and in myself." Being able to attune to themself, gain depth and understanding to work thorugh personal and fimaly histories are some benefits comig out of rootwork. Additionally, practicing has help them reflect about "being able to live in ways that my ancestors were not allowed to. In turn, that gratitude allows me to be charitable, to use resources I have to provide some sort of aid to others in need."
As far as advice for others, Alex "would tell them to learn. Not necessarily by the book spells and practices but to learn how to reflect inward. Learn about their special talents and if any of their ancestors had talents in the same areas. (I.e. if they’re drawn to writing poetry, did they have any other writers in their family)." They also recommend speaking to elders, and learning family stories - histories of the diaspora that affects your family, then slowly working backwards and connecting West African traditions and stories to modern Black culture.