Vibrance: Exploration of Black Women Healing Exhibit & Panel Discussion

Join us for a special exhibit of the photography of Zhané Gaybyrd's powerful collection, "Vibrance: Exploration of Black Women Healing." Vibrance is a multi-media exhibit that delves into the mental health, healing, and beautifully diverse experiences of Black women.

Historically, Black women have shouldered countless responsibilities and social burdens at the expense of their mental health, leaving little room for self-care, self-love, and deep healing. Given the generational struggles of being Black in America and the need to persevere despite trauma, there is a longstanding stigma surrounding mental health in the African American community that complicates efforts for Black women to prioritize their well-being. Zhané believes it's crucial to normalize and create safe spaces to discuss mental health, using photography to explore the many luminous facets of Black womanhood.

While Zhané's work tells a community's story, the growing acceptance of the varied experiences of Black women supports the collective growth and empowerment of all women to share their unique journeys. Her series highlights that healing is not a "one size fits all" process and that women, regardless of ethnicity, are not a uniform group with identical views and values. We invite you to join us for this inspiring event and experience the powerful stories captured through Zhané's lens for yourself.

Join us for a special exhibit and panel discussion moderated by Zhané Gaybyrd and Rebecca Sanders featuring the voices and perspectives of models Estasha Goodwin, Melissa Muganzo, and Kendall Dominique.

Melissa Muganzo

Daughter of Kenyan and West-Indian immigrants, Melissa grew up celebrating the richness of Black culture. Inspired by the resilience of Black women around her, she silently battled mental health issues due to cultural and religious stigmas. At 23, the diagnosis of fibroids and severe symptoms prompted her to seek therapy, transforming her life. Melissa credits her therapy journey with empowering her to embrace her queer identity and follow her dreams. In 2018, she founded Muganzo Entertainment, and in 2020, produced "The Big Hysto: A Black Womb Revolution." Today, Melissa prioritizes her mental health and self-love, continuing her journey of healing and empowerment. Follow her journey on Instagram @muganzoentertainment.

Kendall Dominique

Kendall spent time reflecting on her relationship with perfectionism, shaped by cultural and familial expectations. As a Black woman, she felt pressured to always appear strong, masking her true emotions. Growing up in a household where vulnerability was hidden, she watched her mother and grandmother embody an unrealistic ideal of strength.

A turning point came in her twenties when her grandmother, battling cancer, continued to show strength even in her final days. This, along with a personal crisis at 27, led Kendall to seek therapy. Therapy helped her embrace vulnerability and dismantle the "Strong Black Woman" archetype, allowing her to process emotions and seek support. She now prioritizes mental health, understanding that true strength lies in vulnerability. Kendall's journey emphasizes the importance of mental health, healing, and self-compassion. She now holds space for the “unconventional Black woman” in her podcast, “Talk Yo Shit,” where she gives room for raw and authentic emotions around navigating the often bumpy road called Life. Follow her journey on Instagram @kendalldominique_.

Estasha Goodwin

At 16, Estasha woke up with severe stomach pains and a fever. Rushed to the ER, she was shocked to learn she was pregnant and had a severe kidney infection causing early labor. This moment marked the beginning of years of disassociation. Her mother's support was crucial during this life-changing event, but Estasha's abrupt and early entry into motherhood shifted her focus from school to childcare, forcing her into survival mode.

Years later, Estasha discovered nail art as a form of self-care, eventually becoming a licensed nail tech. She is now the proud owner of Heart and Sol Nails, a private nail studio in San Francisco. Estasha sees high-quality nail services as a form of self-care that anyone can enjoy, regardless of race, gender, or social status. She strives to provide intentional experiences in a safe space where her clients can enjoy being pampered and adorned. Estasha believes that finding joy through self-care practices helps heal ourselves and those around us. Follow her journey on Instagram @heartandsolnails.

Zhané Gaybryd

Zhané is a Black queer visual storyteller based in the Bay Area. Her work focuses on capturing Black women in their full essence on their healing journey. Through moments of joy, vulnerability, sensuality, and grief, Zhané collaborates with clients to help them express themselves and their journeys in front of the camera. Her vision for Vibrance is to spark conversations about mental health and healing for Black women. Striving to create a connective thread of sisterhood through her work, she seeks to remind women that they are not alone in this turbulent, beautiful journey called life.

Rebecca Sanders

Rebecca is an intuitive healer and the Steward of SAGRADA in Oakland. Growing up in California, her journey began in Inglewood, where her parents worked hard to provide her with a private education in Beverly Hills. Despite feeling out of place, she learned the importance of creating inclusive spaces. After experiencing homelessness and overcoming significant challenges, Rebecca understands the value of community and support. Therapy helped her shed the toxic belief that she had to shoulder life’s burdens alone and realize the importance of building meaningful connections. She now prioritizes these connections and gives herself the grace to ask for help when needed.

Rebecca founded Fuego Sagrada, Inc. to lead the next chapter of SAGRADA, focusing on community building and creating a welcoming space for heart-centered living. She is dedicated to fostering transformative healing and growth for the diverse community that she serves. Follow the SAGRADA journey @sagradasacredarts.

Host or Publisher SAGRADA