It is impossible to declare thatBlack lives matterwithout reiterating the fact that Black trans lives matter.
But this fight didnt start in 2020.
Its imperative to recognize and support trans organizers and trans-ledorganizationsthat have been consistently working toward change.
Lugao/Courtesy of Ianne Fields Stewart
However, nourishment remains a core mission.
It taught me the value that comes when someone chooses you and cooks for you.
It makes me wonder how youre practicing self-care at a moment like this.
Stewart:Oh, I am wondering that too.
I have my owntherapist, and that is pretty important to my self-care.
And then the rest of it is trying to establishboundariesaround when I work and when I won’t.
Can you take me back to the moment when you decided to start the Okra Project?
The idea just popped into my mind.
I proposed the idea to Nyla on a Sunday.
On Monday we had a meeting with our first chef, Meliq August ofZaddys Kitchen.
On Wednesday we released the project, and on Friday, we had raised $6,000.
Wed only anticipated that this was going to be a holiday thing.
No, no, no.
Organizing is never seamless.
We have been through periods of transition, when we have had to pause our direct services.
Unfortunately were going through another one of those due toCOVID-19, as far as our chef services are concerned.
Can you say a little bit more about why you decided to start these funds?
And so I knew that there was something deeper that needed to happen.
And we also see that there is not enough attention or reaction to either of those deaths.
In this moment of widespread attention and support, are there other programs youre launching or ruminating on?
Whats the long term vision for the Okra Project?
We have to constantly resist the capitalist push to move at a pace that doesnt make sense.
A long-term vision is to open a brick-and-mortar location.
The dream is that this would be a community center where Black trans people can gather and commune.
Ive watched videos of you speaking at protests and talking to Black trans folks.
Whats one thing you would want to say to Black trans people at this moment?
I love you.Take a nap.
To learn more about the Okra Project or to explore ways that you candonateand get involved visitwww.theokraproject.com.
