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About GirlrillaVintage the Blog

PEACE! I’m Gracie Berry, a Black-Afrikan, queer, cis-woman, community root-healer/educator, multi-dimensional creative, womanist and owner of GirlrillaVintage. As a griot, its important to the integrity of my work that I share my life’s experiences and messages in a ways that honors my ancestors and comes from an Afro-diasporic centered view point before any of the margins. Showcasing my art, activism, autochthonous Afrikan-spirit, my story, vintage, words. Community roothealer. Here to love and liberate my people. I founded GirlrillaVintage in 2010, an Afrikan Roots & Empowerment Organization that shares Afrikan cultural diaspora content, events, and perspectives through the offerings of education, expressive arts, spirituality, vintage aesthetic, and workshops. A creative platform that uplifts Black and Brown communities, lineages, narratives, and stories, and uses compassion and creative problem solving to empower and reawaken possibility in and around my community. Visit my website at www.girlrillavintage.com

Versiz Poem-Post Traumatic Stress?

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“It reminds you of something a rifle once said, Click! Click! Click! I am empty. Like a freshly minted casket. Empty. Like the gun holster of a dead soldier. You’re empty like his eyes. You with the empty scotch glasses-full astray for a therapist. You must have felt it.”-Versiz

I got to perform on the same stage as him in flint Michigan circa 2006. He was my favorite. Dynamic and alive! -Gracie

An Article I Read Exposing Physical Signs of the ‘Wrong’ Relationships

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An Article I Read Exposing Physical Signs of the 'Wrong' Relationships

I can identify with about 70 % of the physical signs and symptoms of the ‘wrong’ partner given past relationships (informative article). Yet, I don’t like how the title implies gender neutrality, yet is written in heterosexual voice. Also using the phrase ‘wrong’ to describe relationships that didn’t last. I believe that all relationships serve many purposes. An intimate relationship not lasting doesn’t mean that the relationship was ‘wrong’ or failed. In most cases relationships simply run there course. I wish there was space held for these types of unions. Because contrary to western beliefs exes can actually befriend and love each other for a life time after splitting up.-Gracie
Read more here: http://madamenoire.com/329398/14-ways-body-tells-youre-wrong-partner/5/

Orange Moon Lined with Red River

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Orange Moon Lined with Red River

Heavy belly. Titties, a dangling pouch of nerve’s. Tiny bowling balls stuck to the sides of neurotransmitters inside my skull. My body is weak after a long week and my mood is irritable like bowels after red lentils. Clouds looming over sunshine. Face-frowned in a grumpy squeeze. Orange moon lined with red river is coming through. Ugh. Ps: And I get to eat delicious soul food this morning with my family, not too bad. -Gracie

Funding campaign under way for trans shelter NEWS-Oakland CA

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 Funding campaign under way for trans shelter NEWS-Oakland CA

Brianna “Breezy” Golden-Farr and Elizabeth Howard are spearheading an unprecedented project that addresses the absence of emergency shelter housing for transgender women in Oakland. Called Queens Cottage Shelter, or QCS, the housing initiative, while still in its beginning stages, is quickly establishing a foundation that the project’s team, supporters, and community are hopeful about. Donate donate please.
http://ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=69724

Pushing Up Daisies With the Sunshine My Mama Gave Me

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Dem daisies use photosynthesis to make they own food. They sprout from all of the water and the sunshine, even on clouded days-they still shine. See here I gots my moon flower, moon pennies, and Priest’s collar growing from my earth. Some rooted- well soiled earth from behind my eyes and my lips. Stands her ground, feet close to the ground in color worship of that which is alive and well and blooming.-Gracie

I Ain’t No Playa. I Don’t Crush Allot

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I Ain't No Playa. I Don't Crush Allott

Aah…like the swift ending of a toddler tantrum I’m over my crush now. Yes, I’m 34 and still get crushes sometimes. For anyone that has had a crush on someone the feeling can be confusing because they’re new to you and you aren’t sure of how to act. My crush gave me some tiny perspective on what kind of love I want when I grow up lol! Was sweet. -Gracie