Cocoa Butter and Communion

Our Narratives with Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis

Episode 45 is here and it is with my girl, Rose-Stella! She is back y'all! Just as delightful as she wants to be. On this episode her and I chat about her family's origin story, the power of our narratives, lessons from mom, and of course hip hop. 
Rose-Stella Pierre-Louis is a Haitian-American mother, occupational therapist, speaker, author, and transformation coach for first-generation women entrepreneurs of Caribbean and African descent. She is the founder of Stellar Transformation, LLC. Her exclusive signature coaching program, Six Figure SoftLife - Stellar Transformation®️ Entrepreneur Experience offers a unique neuro-biology approach that supports purpose-driven business owners in implementing soul-care routines into their busy schedules and overcoming imposter syndrome, so they can have a lifestyle built around joy, ease and balance. Women who’ve experienced the Stellar Transformation®️ process unlearn inherited cultural beliefs and habits that keep them stuck in generational patterns of survival, to transform into the most fulfilled, authentic version of themselves and the most self expressed descendant in their lineage! Rose-Stella is a keynote and speaker on soul care for Black women, regulating the nervous system from racism induced stress, and entrepreneurship as a path to generational healing. She is passionate about helping women in prioritizing their wellbeing after meeting their cultural and family obligations.
Rose-Stella is reading "The Gospel of Hip Hop" by KRS One and the first hip hop song learned was "The Choice is Yours" by Black Sheep. 
You can access Rose-Stella's wonderful work and social media at her website, www.rosestella.com 
Follow Cocoa Butter and Communion on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 

The Art of Storytelling with Imani Mitchell

(Cue Aaliyah's beat) It's been a long time, I shouldn't of left you... without a dope show to vibe to. But don't fret...I am back and the show is back. 
This week's episode is delightful and it is with the dear soul Imani Mitchell. Imani Mitchell is a multidisciplinary artist based in Northern California who specializes in writing, directing, and acting. For the past 10 years, she has worked as a professional actor and is the founder of the film production company IAM Studios. Authenticity in storytelling is crucial to Imani's work as an artist and she strives to produce projects that introduce new narratives and experiences.
Imani and I chat about community activism, her journey, the stories she is drawn to tell, and some parenting... her own parenting journey as well as her parents' influence on her. 
Check out Imani in her play "Clyde's" at the Capital Stage and check out her website www.imanimitchell.com 
 

The Kids are Alright: A Conversation with Yuriah Hughes

Hey Village! This week, I am chatting with my little cousin, 13 year old Yuriah Hughes. We chat about what it is like being a teenager these days, why she believes they get a bad rap, and what she wants adults to know. She also weighs in on who is the cooler adult, me or her mom and who makes the best fried chicken, me or her mom :). 
Yuriah is 13 years old and she just started the 8th grade. She is the middle child and only girl with two brothers. She was adopted at 1 month old and has a loving mother, who is awesome and a dad that works away a lot. Yuriah would describe herself as colorful, unusually kind and a girl that marches to her own beat. She loves getting to know people and striking up a conversation with just about anyone from a 3 year old at the playground to an 80 year old in the line at the pharmacy. 
She enjoys writing about her life and experiences as a teenager and reading young adult books. She is greatly into rainbows and unicorns. Her favorite food is fried chicken, she plays soccer competitively and she listens to alot of pop music. Her favorite artist currently is Selena Gomez. Yuriah loves music that touches the heart. She is passionate about her education and she takes pride in being genuinely kind and caring because she believes that we could use more of it in the world. She aspires to continue to be who she is, to know who she is, and to be proud of who she is. One day she hopes to be a child therapist, a teacher, and maybe even a singer.
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 

Laying the Foundation with Alondra Thompson

Hey Village ALONDRA IS HERE!!!!! I didn't care what we talked about or if we talked at all. We could have sat and stared at each other for all I care. I just adore and love her that much. The good thing for everyone is that we did talk about her, what inspired her career path, her love for her grandma, and her children and grand baby. In addition to all of that, she shared her Tupac story, which captivates me every time I hear it (I have her tell it to me when she has the chance lol). Alondra has been an inspiration to me, she has guided me, loved on me, encouraged me, helped me... she is just everything. I wouldn't have gotten this far in my career without her love and support. I am so thankful. 
Alondra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (doing all the things). In addition to that, she does a lot of work with a Behavioral Health Racial Equity Committee. 
Alondra is exploring "Women + Patterns + Plants: A Self-Care Coloring Book" by Sarina Mantle 
Alondra and I both talk about our love for Anthony Hamilton's "Best of Me" and Jill Scott. 
 

Healing and Liberation with Marilyn Julia Brown

Hey Village! As you all know I love a good book, an independent bookstore and making sure that the bookstore stays in business because we need them. One of our local bookstores needs our support. A Seat at the Table Books is a bookstore that sells books and gifts that are geared towards Black voices, people of color voices, queer voices, and all of the voices that are wrapped in all the intersectionalities. All Cocoa Butter and Communion listeners will receive 10% off of anything in the online store if you go to the website https://www.aseatatthetablebooks.org/ from NOW until August 16th (closes at 6 pm). Just use the promo code COCOACOMM at check out. Go shop until you drop. 
This week, I talk to my newest friend, Marilyn Julia Brown, who inspired me to go by Chioko Juliette (all of my government names) to honor my grandmother, just like she honors all of her grandmothers. Marilyn Julia is the epitome of grace and calmness and I am excited to share her with y'all. Her and I talk about the decolonization of mental health, global liberation, and connection. 
A little but about her, she is a licensed psychotherapist, registered yoga teacher, writer, musician, and energy healing practitioner that lives in Southern California. Marilyn firmly believes in the liberation of all beings and works specifically to liberate Black folks across the globe because she believes none of us are free until we are all free! Her offerings are culturally and LGBTQ+ affirming and Marilyn is committed to decolonizing the mental health field and wellness spaces to bring true equity across all marginalized populations. Marilyn utilizes her talents for writing, music, and speaking to cultivate spaces for healing and liberation. She firmly believes true healing must address the mind, body, and spirit and her mission is to connect each person her work touches to the powerful well of healing energy that lives within them to promote collective healing across the planet. 
Marilyn is reading: Healing Justice Lineages: Dreaming at the Crossroads of Liberation, Collective Care, and Safety by Cara Page and "Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole Authentic Self" by Thema Bryant 
I finished "The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" 
Marilyn's favorite decade of music is the 80s. I love it too. 
Contact Marilyn Julia: 
Email: marilyn@amindfulwaycounseling.com
Private psychotherapy practice virtually serving all of California!
A Mindful Way Counseling & Consulting
www.marilynjulia.com
www.amindfulwaycounselng.com
www.liberatedwell.com
Social Media
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@marilynjulia
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilynjulia_is/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindfulmarilyn
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marilynjulia_is
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynjulia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amindfulwaycounseling
Podcast: anchor.fm/blackmessymindful 
 

The Light that Shines Brightly- A Conversation with Chi Chi Anyanwu

Heeeyyyy we are at episode 40! This week I am bringing in the heat (literally and figuratively) with Chi Chi Anyanwu. We chat about names, the elders telling us lies, drinking wine and bourbon, being a Tik Tok star (Viola Davis knows her y'all), preparing ourselves for our kids leaving, parenting and some other stuff.  
A resident of Sacramento for over 28 years, Chinyere "Chi Chi" Anyanwu is a Los Angeles born, Bay area raised wife and mother of three Black children: one girl and two boys.  She is an avid lover of music, books, cocktails and a firm believer in having an established tribe of sister friends with whom one can relax, relate, and release.  Though she now refers to herself as “retired”, Chi-Chi is a forever dancer and has performed in faith-based and secular venues across the state…as well as on TikTok.  
Chi Chi is reading:
King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa by Adam Hochschild
1968: The Year that Rocked the World by Mark Kurlansky
I am reading: 
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois (Still...its a big book)
In the summertime, Chi Chi listens to:
Jazz on vinyl (she is classy)
I love listening to songs about the summer in the summertime. Right now, it is still The Chicks "A Cold Day in July" and "Goodbye Earl" 
Go dance in some classes! Phyllis Cook teaches a Zumba class every Thursday at Mosaic. It's just $10! Also, check out the Sac Dance Lab's Afro Beats class. 
 
 
 

Talking to Sacramento’s Future Mayor, Dr. Flojaune Cofer

Hey Village! It has been a few weeks since the last episode but here we are, in the HEAT of the summer, but staying cool with conversation. This week, I am communing with the future Mayor of Sacramento, Dr. Flojaune Cofer. We talk about the seeds planted for greatness, books, of course, her vision and love for Sacramento and the take over of a kid's podcast (who's kid? My kid). Dr. Flo has been a leader in Sacramento for some time and I am glad she is taking center stage to lead the city into greatness. Dr. Flo's drive and passion is something the community and the village can get behind. You will begin to know that Dr. Flo has been that girl. 
Dr. Flo is an epidemiologist and serves as the Senior Director of Policy for Public HealthAdvocates. She manages a team of staff leading health equity initiatives focused on Californiastate policy and prevention, response and recovery from public health emergencies. From2019 - 2022 her portfolio also included boys and men of color (My Brother's Keeper),community-based 911 response (First Response Transformation), youth trauma prevention incities (All Children Thrive), and Building Healthy Communities: Health Happens in Schoolsinitiative in Boyle Heights. Prior to joining Public Health Advocates, she led the preconception health initiative for the California Department of Public Health, working to ensure vital maternal health andreproductive coverage was included in the Affordable Care Act. She is a proud alumna of Spelman College, where she graduated with two Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Women's Studies, before going on University of Michigan, School of Public Health where she earned a Master’s in Public Health and Doctorate of Philosophy in Epidemiology. She is an alumna of the California Epidemiologic Investigation Service and the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program. She is deeply committed to civic engagement having served in various capacities on local boards, committees and commissions, including the Active Transportation Commission, Mayors' Commission on Climate Change, Sheriff's Outreach Community Advisory Board,Board of Directors for Girl Scouts Heart of Central California. She served four terms as chair ofthe City of Sacramento Measure U Sales Tax Community Advisory Committee and she is a  member of the People's Budget Sacramento. Dr. Flo helped create the Sacramento Sister Circle Voter Guide in partnership with the Sacramento chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) and she co-hosted the Sacramento political podcast, Voices: River City.
Dr. Flo is listening to Barack Obama's "A Promised Land" and "We are the Land: A History of Native California" by Damon Akins and William Bauer Jr. 
I am reading the Love Songs by W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers 
Y'all might be surprised if you knew Flo has a karaoke playlist and that I dig Garth Brooks, the artists formerly known as The Dixie Chicks (now..The Chicks), Wynona Judd, The Judds, Reba McIntire, Tim McGraw, Vince Gill... and the list goes on and on (but not too far) 
Find out how you can support Flo for Mayor at https://www.floformayor.com/ there are so many ways to help! 

Being You- A Conversation with Olivia and Dallas Brown

We are almost to episode 40 and what is a better way to celebrate than to bring in more of my family? My grandparents had 5 children and 10 grandchildren (I am #5, Olivia is #8 and Dallas is #9). On this episode we discuss us getting to know each other as adults, race and their own identities and how that continues to show up for them; we talk family, the possibilities of establishing connection and what they know to be true about their parents. As a family, we have always connected these two together but they give a glimpse into who they are as sisters, with a shared upbringing but also who they are as individuals. 
Dallas is reading: "How Do We Know We are Doing it Right?: And Other Thoughts on Modern Life" By Pandora Sykes 
Olivia is reading: "Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones" by James Clear
A song that makes Olivia think about our grandfather is a jingle from Ross 
A musician that makes me think about our grandfather is Marvin Gaye 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion 
Visit the website www.cocoabutterandcommunion.com 
Send a message at cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 
 

Strength Like a Mother: A Conversation with Courtney Johnson

My husband tells me that I make friends wherever I go. I think he may be on to something because on one of our latest trips to Atlanta, at a family gathering (not even my biological family), I met one of the sweetest people and she is on the podcast today to talk about parenting children with special needs and homeschooling them; advocating for her babies during COVID, and how she cares for herself. Her and I have so much in common and it is fascinating. 
Future Jeopardy Champion (you'll here about this on the episode), Courtney Johnson MA, LPC, CPCS has been working in the mental field for close to 20 years. She has experience working in a variety of levels in the mental health field from locked residential psychiatric facilities to owning her own private practice. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor (CPCS) enabling her to provide direction and training to new professional counselors working towards becoming licensed. Courtney has experience treating a variety of mental health issues; however, she specializes in trauma. With extensive training and experience in the treatment of trauma, she brings with her a wealth of knowledge on how it is manifested and how to treat it. She has successfully treated many individuals dealing with trauma over the span of her career. Courtney has been featured as a mental health expert on the, “Trust & Believe” podcast with fitness guru Shaun T and on the podcast, “This Life with V3” hosted by gospel artists V3. She has participated on a panel with other mental health professionals to discuss myths and truth around seeking mental health as a Christian. Courtney has given presentations to graduate level classes on the importance of choosing, utilizing, and following a counseling theory as a mental health therapist.
Courtney is reading, "Not a Happy Family" by Shari Lapena 
Her favorite cookout song is "Summertime" By DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince 
My favorite cookout song is "Da Butt" by E.U. (I turn into a whole new person when that beat drops) 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion or send your questions to cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com 

Conversations about Intimate Partner Violence, Consent, and Culture with Timiza Wash

Hey Village! Today is the first day of summer and what better way than to kick it off with my dear friend, Timiza Wash. Timiza's works passionately to communicate to the community about domestic violence, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and teaching our boys about consent. Timiza is a boss and I would expect nothing more but it is an honor to be in the presence of her and others who are diligently making change in the community and willing to have difficult conversations. 
Timiza Wash, M.Ed. has been providing direct services in various capacities for more than 20 years with a passion for equity, community building, and systems change. She holds a Masters in Higher Education with an emphasis in Leadership from Sacramento State. She is the Chief Equity & Transformational Change Officer and has led WEAVE’s DEIB efforts and reimagine outcomes for disenfranchised communities. Timiza is a board member and chair of the Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce; serves as the Vice Chair for the Sacramento County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls; serves as Secretary for non-profit, Borne to Create and serves on the Reduction of African American Child Deaths Steering Committee and Black Health Racial Equity Committee. 
Timiza is waiting to read "Rest is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey 
I am reading "Sensual Faith: The Art of Coming Home to Your Body" by Lyvonne Briggs 
A song that reminds Timiza of her family is "All My People" by Kindred the Family Soul 
A song that reminds me of one of my ancestors, my aunt Doris, is "Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles. 
Follow the show on IG @cocoabutterandcommunion or send an email to cocoabutterandcommunion@gmail.com