Black Joy Sundays - Hiking & Authenticity

July 17th - Hiking & Authenticity

Thrive and shine with Black Joy Sundays! ☀️

Black Joys Sundays is a FREE monthly wellness initiative dedicated to Black self-care, Black healing, and Black empowerment.

Through a joint partnership with DESTA and BMHC MTL, Black Joys Sundays will offer a safe(r) space for members of the Black community to navigate their mental, physical and emotional health and cope with everyday stressors in their lives through different activities and healing modalities.Topics that are relevant to the Black community will be explored in an intimate setting. A judgment-free zone, Black Joy Sundays is a space to heal, reflect, and grow.?

Our third session will be a full day hiking experience led by Hike MTL. We will meet at DESTA for 10:30 am, and then we will head to Alfred-Kelly Nature Reserve by bus. This will be an introduction to hiking, so people of all skill levels are welcome. We will practice embracing nature as well as the feelings that come up during this hike, which will also reinforce self-acceptance and authenticity.

Afterwards, we will discuss themes of exploration, creativity, connection to the land, embracing nature, embracing shadow self, shadow self integration, as well as connecting to our emotions and true self. We aim to release tension, be in the moment, practice gratefulness, disconnect from technology, and intentionally b in a space without obligations.

To secure your spot for this event please register through our eventbrite *and* fill out our google form to ensure you get the lunch you'd like. Space is limited, and registration is required, so sign up today!

Accessibility information:

Snacks and refreshments will be served based on your selections.

Single-ride OPUS bus passes will be provided to those who request them.

To prepare for the hike:

Bring sunscreen, a backpack with good support to fit the lunch we'll provide you, as well as a 2L water bottle if possible, we'll also be providing water bottles. Wear moisture-wicking and quick-drying clothing when hiking. This means choosing polyester, nylon or merino wool clothing and avoiding cotton, which soaks up moisture. Dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as the temperature changes (like a tshirt, and a light sweater or a windbreaker etc). Wear hiking boots or sneakers with ankles support if possible.

About the facilitator:

Jamillah Jean is the founder of Hike MTL as well as a social advocate at heart who looks to break barriers, challenge the status quo and strive for social change. Having a career in social work and a background in education has allowed Jamillah to work very closely with youth and families, with over 15 years. She created Hike Mtl out of a need for representation, a sense of belonging outdoors and a therapeutic outlet. As a Black woman and mother of two young children, Jamillah rarely felt a sense of belonging in exploring the outdoors. She wants others to have a sense of belonging and encourage them to take up space outdoors.

Hike Mtl is a social enterprise. They are outdoor educational facilitators who curate excursions and experiences for all. They work to deliver high quality, fun, safe, and inclusive adventure based outdoor activities to a wide variety of user groups. Their biggest focus is to get more Black, racialized and marginalized people in reclaiming their space outdoors.

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About DESTA: Based in Little Burgundy and serving participants across Greater Montreal, DESTA offers access to a hub of services and partnerships that empower the Black community through programs rooted in social and economic justice. We offer holistic, individualized services and advocacy to promote well-being and opportunity. Learn more about DESTA: https://destabyn.org/

About BMHC Montreal: Black Mental Health Connections Montreal (BMHC MTL) is an alliance of organizations and individuals focused on the mental health and well-being of the English-speaking Black community in Montreal. We help our community by developing and offering services that spark bottom-up social change. Learn more about BMHC MTL: https://bmhcmtl.ca/

Host or Publisher Desta Black Youth Network