Returning to Self: A Black History Month Culmination

Free and open to all. RSVPs are recommended, but not required.

Governors Island's third annual Black History Month culmination, a free indoor gathering centering healing, creativity, and collective care, will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1-6PM at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) Arts Center at Governors Island. Bringing together artists, healers, and educators, Returning to Self is an afternoon of restorative experiences that allows participants to slow down, honor their feelings, and begin to return to themselves.

Featuring:

• Sound Bath: “On Gathering,” with – A grounding sound bath experience featuring tank drums, chimes, crystal harp, and ocean drum, paired with readings inspired by Black women and femmes. Participants are guided through a body scan to release tension and open to sound vibrations, closing with time to reflect and gather. Participants will receive custom essential oil rollerballs to support their healing journey.
• Hydrosols: The Healing Power of Plants with and – An educational and meditative workshop exploring hydrosols—aromatic herbal waters created through steam distillation—and their role in plant medicine and self-care. Participants learn how water carries medicinal and energetic properties while engaging in hands-on exploration and guided reflection.
• Breath & Body: A Somatic Exploration with – A workshop that begins with gentle breathwork to calm the nervous system and support emotional release before flowing into intuitive somatic movement. Participants are invited to explore free-form motion that awakens joy, expression, and embodied connection.
• Typewriter Poetry with and the – Throughout the day, typewriter poet Dylan Gilbert will engage guests in short conversations inspired by the event themes, transforming responses into original poems typed live on a typewriter for participants to take home.
• Make Your Own Bouquet with – Using a selection of seasonal plants and dried cuttings, participants create winter bouquets celebrating natural beauty in all seasons while connecting directly with Governors Island’s landscapes.
• Food and drink from – A selection of tea, coffee, and light bites from year-round Governors Island vendor Makina Café will be available to participants on a first come, first served basis.

Presented by the Trust for Governors Island in partnership with A Safe Space Mentor. Event space generously provided by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

Photos of 2024 & 2025 Returning to Self by Radhika Chalasani and Cirsty Burton, respectively.

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Host or Publisher The Trust for Governors Island