Taqiyyah Knight began meeting with women to trade health information in living rooms; “We’d meet for tea and talk or have dinner or drink,” says Knight. “We wanted to talk about issues that people were avoiding, issues that stay hidden in our community.”
The collective, which became known as “Body and Soul by Taqiyyah” gathered around kitchen tables and coffee tables talking about problems like domestic violence, cancer, and HIV/AIDS; each time, they’d share ideas, resources, and hope. Sunday, they’ll bring the results of these discussions to the Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Center in an event, aptly titled, “Love Me.” The event will offer educational workshops, dance, and song surrounding the topic of love and health.
Workshops include belly dancing and karma sutra, as well as information on nutrition, STDs, and domestic violence.
“It was imperative that we offer the tools and skills to help women both nurture and heal themselves,” says Knight. “Too often, the woman is exploited for her back of steel. Our sheer makeup is designed inward. With this, we not only shoulder the burden of our families, but of society itself.” Knight hopes the workshops will inspire and heal women.
Body and Soul by Taqiyyah has partnered with Honest Weight Food Co-Op, Whitney Young Health Center, and the Sahara Belly Dancers.
Don’t miss this important and enlightening look at women’s health.
The event takes place on December 11, at 5pm at the Linda, 339 Central Avenue, Albany. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, visit the WAMC website at www.wamcarts.org
