Deaf Woke Artistic Wellness
        #DeafWokeArtisticWellness

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[Video Description:

 

The video length is 4 minutes, 45 seconds, and is part of a series by Courage relating to her wellness journey. Courage is a dark skinned black Guyanese woman with very short, nearly buzz cut red hair, wearing a cream colored button up short sleeved shirt and light blue jeans. She has a tattoo on her left wrist. She is surrounded by an orange checkered pillow and XO shaped cream colored pillows as she sits on a tan couch. Behind her is a cream colored wall with a black bookcase filled with books in the corner. 

 

TITLE SLIDE: A still shot of Courage reading on her couch. Pink and yellow text bubbles on a black background read: DeafWokeArtisticWellness  Day 1: Discovering through reading By Courage Bacchus Closed captioning and sign language interpretation logos are features to indicate accessibility.

 

DISCLAIMER SLIDE: yellow text on a black background with a warning label log: Disclaimer: All information presented in this video, including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you learned through this video.

 

  [Begin Transcript: My daily wellness journey: reading about Nova Scotia. It’s in Eastern Canada near the ocean. There was a community there of escaped black slaves who arrived from Africa to the Caribbean, then to the Americas, and finally escaped to Canada. They arrived in a small town over the hills in Nova Scotia called Africville. This city was demolished, and now there’s only a church left standing. That’s what I’ve heard from others, but my friend gave this book to me (shows the book to the camera “The Nova Scotia Black Experience Through the Centuries”). I just read a few pages and now I’m on page 13. Whew, it’s very very profound. It takes me time to read, to think about it. I thought about whether long ago my ancestors came from Nova Scotia or directly to Toronto. My mom moved here from Guyana. I’m on a self-discovery journey, to learn more about where I’m from. I value black history and want to preserve it, especially for Nova Scotia in Canada. I remember an article from Loyalist, a politician who had a club in Nova Scotia as well. I’m learning more and more about Nova Scotia, making me motivated to go. I haven’t been there yet, but I will someday! This is important, my journey and mental health is connected to the history, African history, and the trauma endured. But joy and ancestors are missing, yes, but my journey is exciting. This Nova Scotia book gives me a good chance to go even deeper. (Zooms closer to the book cover again, then zooms out to see Courage.) I was thinking about this book and how it applies to me, everyday. My perception of Nova Scotia is that if it existed to this day in 2023, it would be very different. More like black wall street in Nova Scotia, which is a cool idea. This street would be filled with black businesses lined up, including restaurants, doctors, lawyers, which is cool, even veterinarians. They could research the biochemistry of the water, they’re close to the ocean! It’s sad that it’s been demolished, with only a church left standing. A Church! Their community is gone. They spread all over Canada, to the west, to the north. The black community of Nova Scotia became smaller and smaller over time.  That’s why I have this book, to remind me to remember and honor Nova Scotia. My mental health, thoughts, and feelings apply to this story, this real life story.  When I visit, will the impact make me cry, feel angry or feel touched? I don’t know, so I’m reading to prepare myself to be strong and feel good for my visit to Nova Scotia. Reading means caring for myself, giving myself a new perspective. It’s a break from the outside world, from stressful work, the responsibilities, and duties that are piling up. I can set them aside to take a pause, lay down on a comfortable couch, with comfortable pillows, and sit comfortably for reading. It makes me feel more relaxed, and ready for some sleep as I get tired. Oh and at the same time stretch too!  What are you reading or will read? Please share with me and let me know through #DeafWokeArtisticWellness. Bye!

 

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CLOSING SLIDE: Yellow text on a black background reads: #DeafWokeArtisticWellness

 

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