UNDERSTANDING "THE WHY"
For the past 20 years, Spearitwurx has been holding space, facilitating healing, and contributing to the movement for social and racial justice. We have hosted retreats and attended numerous retreat spaces throughout the state of California that are beautiful and rejuvenating, but none have been owned and controlled by people of African descent, and only one by People of Color. More often than not, such spaces reinforce inequity and BIPOC folks often experience social toxins and micro-aggressions that do not aid in our healing process. We know that wellness is not a “white thing” and that People of Color deserve to rest and renew in a beautiful space that sees them, honors them, and understands their healing journey. Moreover, we understand that for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, our healing is a collective process that is grounded in our culture. It does not always look pretty. Sometimes we cry, and dance, and yell and release, while sometimes we are silent and still, doing the work that transforms our lives. Therefore, we are creating a safe space for this culturally-based healing and reflection, as well as for sustainability and refuge. We intentionally center art and the creative process as an essential component to the radical transformation of our world.
For the past 20 years, Spearitwurx has been holding space, facilitating healing, and contributing to the movement for social and racial justice. We have hosted retreats and attended numerous retreat spaces throughout the state of California that are beautiful and rejuvenating, but none have been owned and controlled by people of African descent, and only one by People of Color. More often than not, such spaces reinforce inequity and BIPOC folks often experience social toxins and micro-aggressions that do not aid in our healing process. We know that wellness is not a “white thing” and that People of Color deserve to rest and renew in a beautiful space that sees them, honors them, and understands their healing journey. Moreover, we understand that for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, our healing is a collective process that is grounded in our culture. It does not always look pretty. Sometimes we cry, and dance, and yell and release, while sometimes we are silent and still, doing the work that transforms our lives. Therefore, we are creating a safe space for this culturally-based healing and reflection, as well as for sustainability and refuge. We intentionally center art and the creative process as an essential component to the radical transformation of our world.
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ABOUT THE LAND
In September of 2020, Spearitwurx purchased a 20-acre parcel of land in the volcanic valley of the majestic Mt. Shasta, near Lake Shastina in Weed, CA. This beautiful land is fertile and has never had any permanent structures of steel or concrete built on it. This land is home to sprawling juniper trees and beautiful manzanita bushes, as well as deer, elk, cougar, skunk, rabbits, and too many birds to name. The property has a beautiful hill, great for morning hikes, with breathtaking views of Mt Shasta at its peak. We are located at the end of a road, with only two neighbors on either side and bordered by Shasta-Trinity National Forest for open space and wildlife as far as the eye can see. We have been listening to the land, and taking note of the seasons, the vibrations and the needs as we steward this land. The most crucial step towards development was/is water. Water is life and with the current climate crisis, we were not sure we would have viable water supply to support our Cultural Healing Space. California's drought and seasonal wild fires began to worry us deeply, with major fires occurring within a mile both to the east and west of us. The drilling had been delayed by the well company for over a year and a half, and now, as of May 2022, we have a 300 ft well, with water rising to 220 ft and flowing at 55 gallons per minute! This is huge as it opens the way for us to host rugged retreats now, mitigate any fire hazards, and continue to develop the permanent infrastructure of the space! |
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OUR VISION FOR AN
INTERGENERATIONAL WELLNESS SPACE We envision this space to serve as an “underground railroad” for healers, educators, activists, and folks who serve others as a safe space for reflection, renewal, and restoration from urban traumas and systemic racism. We envision a self-sustainable, nearly off-grid retreat space that is infused with beauty and comforts that aid in the healing process. We envision a viable farm through which to provide nutrient-rich seasonal foods in our outdoor kitchen and create space for conversations and rituals about plant-based healing. We envision intergenerational wellness activations paired with eco-education that build sustainable practices for folks after they rest and renew. We envision families of color and our allies finding peace, resting well, and deepening their internal capacity to continue to do good work and live lives full of joy and delight. CURRENT STEPS Building anything from the ground up is no easy task and we are being very intentional about our process so as to create a sustainable and viable institution based on liberatory praxis. We participated in a capacity building cohort with The Center for Third World Organizing to help us strengthen and guide our vision. We have hosted strategic listening sessions to help guide the vision of what healing and Black Power mean to BIPOC youth, families, creatives and community. We have also hosted a series of healing centered movement sessions twice monthly within the Black Cultural Zones Liberation Park. These sessions have provided meaningful opportunities for consistent engagement in wellness practice, as an essential component of sustaining our liberatory process. In addition to the permitting, and drilling of our well, we have begun to clear a road onto the property and create paths to various locations for rest and renewal. We have identified the location for the Village, Outdoor Kitchen, Greenhouse, Bathhouse/Outhouses, and Mama Yurt Sanctuary Space. We have blessed the land with our sweat equity, prayers, and love. The Lava Fire of 2021 and the Mill fire of 2022 have had major impacts on the town of Weed, and our capacity to access and build on the land. Many contractors were impacted and displaced by the fires, and we have begun to re-evaluate the types of structures that can sustain the climate conditions of the area. Instead of structures made from wood and fabric as originally planned, we are exploring how to make sustainable structures from the earth, concrete, and steel in order to withstand the arid climate, intense winds, and potential fire threats. Cal -Earth dome homes are a potential option we are exploring. In the next 12 months, we intend to continue building the infrastructure of the land to support the development of this healing-centered space. That includes (most importantly) finalizing the water system, solar-powered pump house, and kitchen and shower facilities. We have begun to host day trips to the land for small groups. Our timeline, however, has been pushed back due to delays in the well and the impact of wildfires. We intend to host our first overnight retreat in the Spring of 2023. |
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HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Spearitwurx is thankful for the support we have received from Community and generous donations from the California Black Freedom Fund, , Geo Family Foundation, the San Francisco Foundation and Dr Bronner's Soap Company. You can be a supporter too! Here's How: 1. Make a Donation today 2. Share this with folks who can make a donation and/or on Social Media (be sure to tag us: IG @SpeariwtirxOakland FB @Speariwturx) 3. Sign up for a Collective Work Party on the land (details forth coming) 4. Purchase items from our Spearitwurx Store to support these efforts. 5. Send us good vibes! |
Support the Vision and make a Donation Today!
You have 3 way to share: 1) Online: 2) Via CASHAPP: $4Spearitwurx | VENMO: @Spearitwurx
3) Send a Check to our Fiscal Sponsor*: Ujima Adult & Family Services 1898 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126 MEMO: For Spearitwurx *Contributions received through our Fiscal Sponsor are tax deductible. |
Cal Earth Dome Homes are a possible structure we intend to build