Sawubona Healing Circles
Sawubona Healing Circles
“I see you” “We see you”
Sawubona [Zulu]
Sawubona Healing Circles
The Association of Black Psychologists, Inc. (ABPsi) Sawubona (“I see you”) Healing Circles (SHC) provide culturally grounded spaces for individuals of African ancestry to address racial trauma, societal stressors, and community challenges. While not therapy, SHCs integrate ancestral wisdom with African-centered wellness strategies rooted in Ubuntu (“I am because we are”). Participants gain tools for self-healing, self-determination, and resistance with access to mental health professionals for follow-up as needed.
Trained community-based circle leaders, including mental health professionals, youth leaders, and organizational representatives, facilitate SHCs. Leaders are guided by African-centered frameworks such as the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles): Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith). Additionally, the virtues of Ma’at—Truth, Justice, Righteousness/Propriety, Harmony, Balance, Order, and Reciprocity—inform and enhance the healing practices.
Each SHC follows a culturally affirming format that includes opening rituals, courageous dialogue, the introduction of African-centered healing strategies, and experiential closings. Elements such as libation, Adinkra symbols, African proverbs, and affirmations enrich the experience, grounding participants in their cultural heritage and shared humanity.
Goals of SHCs:
- Reduce social isolation and build community connections.
- Address personal and racial trauma through storytelling and shared experiences.
- Promote culture, resistance and alignment with African-centered principles.
- Decrease race-related stress and enhance emotional well-being.
- Strengthen community self-care and activate self-healing.
- Expand the mental wellness workforce to meet the unique needs of Black communities.
- SHCs honor African traditions, while providing sacred space for participants to navigate challenges with strength, connection, and purpose.
Crisis Response Initiatives
- 9Sawubona Healing Circles
- 9COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S.
- 9The January 6 Capitol Insurrection
- 9The Trial of Derek Chauvin
- 9Displacement of Black Ukranians Refugees
- 9Buffalo, New York Tragedy
- 9Make Impact on border crisis
- 9 Haitian community healing spaces
Healing Circle Facilitator Training
The Sawubona Healing Circle Program consists of a dedicated team of ABPsi members. The SHC Team provide training for mental health professionals and community leaders who identify as individuals with lived black experiences and wish to work with members of African/African-diasporic communities to create safe spaces for healing.
Our training provides an overview of the complexities of racial trauma, as well as the importance of culture and not race as representative of the humanity of African ancestry. More specifically, the training provides the knowledge, skillset, and methodology to enhance attendees’ ability to provide effective culturally-affirming services in countering the adverse impact of exposure to racial trauma.
To register for upcoming facilitator training
Sawubona Healing Circle Program Team
Program Chair:
Evan Auguste
Administrative Assistant:
Sherryn Luma
National Programming Subcommittee Chair:
Joniesha Hickson
Crisis Response Subcommittee Chair:
William Parham
Training Subcommittee Chairs:
Ciara Dennis-Morgan, Norma Harris, Cecile Gadson
International Liaisons Subcommittee Chair:
Nimot Ogunfemi
Research Subcommittee Chairs:
Angela Haney, Chyrell Bellamy
New Initiatives Subcommittee Chair:
Joanne LeBrun
Elder: Mawiyah Kambon
For More Information Email: virtualhealingcircles@abpsi.org