Discover the power of hope and resilience through the inspiring journey of Cheryl Aguilar, the founding director of Hope Center for Wellness in Washington DC. Cheryl, a passionate advocate for the Latino community, shares her personal story as an immigrant from Honduras and her transformative path to healing by embracing therapy despite societal stigma. Her story serves as a testament to the courage it takes to seek support and her unwavering dedication to decolonizing therapy and social work for the benefit of her community.

Join us as we explore Cheryl's journey that highlight the healing power of connection and cultural roots. We discuss her return to Honduras and her participation in the Latino Social Work Conference in Oaxaca, which reignited her connection to indigenous practices in social work. Cheryl opens up about her grief journey after losing her father to COVID-19, sharing how it deepened her understanding of identity and spirituality, ultimately leading to unexpected growth and healing.

Our conversation also sheds light on the resilience within immigrant communities and the importance of integrating cultural and spiritual practices into therapy. We touch upon the theory of self-psychology and the impact of societal dynamics on mental health, especially in the face of political and economic challenges. Cheryl's insights, combined with her commitment to fostering hope and unity among black and brown communities, offer a powerful reminder of the enduring strength found in shared struggles and the guiding light of hope.

F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM

Ever wondered how reconnecting with your roots could transform your life? In this episode of "Hope Dealer," we are privileged to hear from Jerry Hawkins, who shares his family's incredible journey from Mississippi to the Windy City. Jerry offers a heartfelt look into the struggles and triumphs faced by his grandparents as they settled in Chicago's housing projects and found solace in the Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church. You'll be captivated by the rich history of this church and the inspirational leadership of Reverend Louis Boddie, which played a pivotal role in the healing of Jerry's family and the south side of Chicago.

As we shift toward self-discovery and healing, Jerry opens up about his own path of uncovering hidden family truths and the socio-economic dynamics that shaped his upbringing. We discuss the misleading narratives about the hood and the internal conflict of being advised to leave the community for success. The conversation takes us back to my school days at Beasley Academy and Whitney Young High School, exposing the subtle segregation within the educational system and its role in perpetuating disparities. Together, we underscore the importance of acknowledging these histories and fostering shared healing to overcome collective trauma.

The narrative deepens as we chop it up about growing up amidst gang culture in Chicago, influenced by the role models within our own community. This episode is a testament to the resilience required to navigate personal, political and familial transitions. We explore the emotional journey of divorce, the professional challenges of working in predominately white spaces, and the eventual success in creating a transformative family center in Dallas.

Finally, we celebrate the grounding practices that reconnect us with the earth and our ancestors. Through Jerry's journey and personal rituals, we explore the intrinsic value found in our cultural heritage and the wealth of our personal narratives. By embracing these elements, we discover a redefined sense of wealth, focusing instead on the spiritual and cultural contributions that shape our identities. This episode is a testament to the enduring power of community, culture, and the shared human experience, inviting listeners to explore these themes within their own lives.

F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM

What can we learn from the immigrant right's movement's 30 years fight for human dignity, at this moment? We will learn what drives those leaders and community to keep resisting. Eréndira Rendón's journey from Oaxaca, Mexico to the United States is a tale of courage and determination, emerging as a beacon of hope for many facing similar paths. Through her compelling narrative, Eré illuminates the profound perseverance found in immigrant life, sharing her family's trials in crossing borders and living undocumented in Wisconsin. Her story offers not only inspiration but also a testament to the internal drive that defines many immigrant experiences, reminding us of the resilience required to pursue a better life.

As we explore themes of spirituality and community, Eré and I discuss the significant role faith has played in shaping our purposes and driving activism. From her beginnings in a small Mexican town to becoming a leader for immigrant rights, Eré reveals how engaging in church activities became a foundation for courage and public involvement, especially for women. This episode highlights the liberating power of storytelling and the vital importance of activism, centering on how personal and community liberation fueled her commitment to advocating for immigrant rights.

Turning our focus to the political landscape, we address the challenges the Mexican community in Illinois faces in achieving political representation and participation. With concerns about voter turnout and political mistrust, we explore the potential for change through the rising influence of younger generations and the emergence of young Latino elected leaders. Despite these hurdles, there is an undercurrent of optimism as we celebrate incremental victories in social justice, emphasizing the strength found in community support and the essential role of self-care in sustaining the fight for change.

F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM

What does it mean to find hope and resilience amid life's darkest moments? Journey with us as I sit down with Cecily Relucio, whose story of overcoming adversity is both gut-wrenching and inspiring. Cecily opens up about her parents' immigration from the Philippines to a predominantly white, rural town in Illinois during the mid-1960s, facing cultural alienation and the harsh realities of living in a Sundown Town. She also shares her personal experiences with gender-based violence and the trauma of witnessing her mother's abuse, all while maintaining an unyielding pursuit of safety, love, and community.

Cecily's powerful narrative doesn't stop at personal hardship. She delves into the broader implications of structural violence, gaslighting, and the pervasive influence of colonial and imperial systems carried through her bloodline in the US. Her journey of recognizing her own agency amid adversity is a testament to the transformative power of self-love and community. We explore the critical role of reclaiming indigenous knowledge and fostering connections to land and life as sacred, linking personal empowerment to collective resistance against systemic oppression.

In this episode, Cecily also reveals the significance of reclaiming ancestral wisdom for liberation. She discusses her work of founding Umuwi and the crucial role of ethnic studies in developing critical consciousness. We talk about the necessity for BIPOC educators to practice decolonized, re-indigenized ways of knowing and the importance of creating spaces of safety, connection, and wholeness. Lastly, we reflect on the value of divine guidance, community support, and self-mastery in the healing process, drawing inspiration from the historical solidarity between Black and Brown communities. Join us for a profound conversation about resilience, agency, and the power of collective care and storytelling.

F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM

How does one cultivate hope amid systemic oppression and cultural erasure? Join me, on "Hope Dealer," as we embark on a powerful journey through stories of love, resilience, and community. I am interviewed by my compañera, Cecily Relucio, as we honor the indigenous lands of San Diego and pay tribute to my late Tio Cosme, whose tireless work embodies the spirit of sacrifice and familial pride, challenging xenophobic narratives with a celebration of collective well-being and cultural strength.

Experience the profound transformation as I reflect on crossing borders and navigating identity in the face of internal colonization in the U.S. Growing up in Chicago, I reflect on the systemic efforts to marginalize Mexican heritage and the incredible perseverance of those who remain rooted in their cultural values. Witness my community's resistance to fear and oppression, from gang violence and immigration raids to the empowering moments of pride like the Mexican Independence Day parade, and the crucial role of activists in fostering safety and empowerment.

Finally, we delve into the systemic issues that continue to affect us, from capitalism to racism, and the pressing need for healing and spiritual resilience. Embrace the concept of being a "Hope Dealer," focusing on building a tribe of trust and love to create transformative experiences. Hear about the historical unity of Black and Brown communities and the importance of collective action in combating oppression. As we honor the past and look towards the future, this episode serves as a call to reignite our spirits through hope, love, and community.

F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM

How does one cultivate hope amid systemic oppression and cultural erasure? Join me, on "Hope Dealer," as we embark on a powerful journey through stories of love, resilience, and community. In the inaugural episode, I'm interviewed by my compañera, Cecily Relucio, as we honor the indigenous lands of San Diego and pay tribute to my late Tio Cosme, whose tireless work embodies the spirit of sacrifice and familial pride, challenging xenophobic narratives with a celebration of collective well-being and cultural strength.