Hello,

A legacy can be thought of as something you are leaving to the world that will have a lasting impact, perhaps for generations to come. To me, a living legacy is the result of what we do on a daily basis to create change now. It can be seen through our words, ideas, art, actions, and the ways we show up for those in our lives. We don’t have to wait to become ancestors to see the impact we are having on our communities and our ecosystems.

This past weekend I tapped into my personal living legacy by voting (early).

Voting, to me, is often about harm reduction. I wish it weren’t so, but I am also accepting the reality of where we are as a country. I voted because my life and the lives of other women, trans and LGBTQ, Black, Indigenous and People of Color depend upon conservative politicians NOT getting into office. They are clear about their plans to strip away the human rights of everyone except rich white men. I will look back and know that I exercised my right to vote with a strong rebuke of those plans and their beliefs.

I hope you voted, or plan to vote today, and every chance you get. I hope that you vote for candidates who will, at the very least, uphold policies that center the humanity of folks of all identities. Your vote matters to you, your community, and to the children that will be impacted by, and who will inherit this society in the coming years.

If you are subscribed to this newsletter, I know that you want to see racial justice, equity, joy and liberation for all. There are many ways to get there, and we must make sure that the infrastructure of this country doesn’t make the road to get there more challenging than it already is.

This past weekend, I also had the opportunity to reflect back on my professional living legacy, and to continue building it in the present. As I shared in the last newsletter, I attended the Little Chairs Big Differences Annual Gathering at the historic Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, NY. Wendy Cole, Martha Haakmat and I were the co-founders of the original Conference back in 2014.

Eight years ago, we co-created a space for early childhood professionals and caregivers to center children’s full humanity, and to explore how to create inclusive, diverse, anti-racist and anti-bias early childhoods for all children. We did this at a time when there were very few conversations and resources to support this work. This conference has expanded beyond a one day event, and is now led by a larger group of visionary early childhood professionals, who continue to provide a space for our community to envision for equity, and disrupt for justice in early childhood. This is a powerful example of how one’s work can begin with an idea, be strengthened through collaboration, expanded as a labor of love… and can have a lasting impact over time: a living legacy.

This year’s gathering continued the connections, work, and the joy. A major highlight was Mama Fela’s deeply inspiring keynote conversation.

Mama Fela, Founder and Director of Little Sun People.

Listening to an elder Black early childhood visionary and leader talk about her path, her struggles, vision, and her triumphs to create and sustain an African-centered preschool for over 40 years was truly an honor and a gift.

You can check out the incredibly informative workshops and presenters here.

As time passes, I become clearer and clearer that my living legacy requires me to do at least one thing daily to create joyful and liberated lives in early childhood, and in organizations. What is your living legacy? Please reply, and let me know. If you don’t have one yet, what might you want to explore as part of your living legacy?

What we are up to!

Journey to Nia 2023 Winter Retreat

Thanks to the generosity of Defending the Early Years, there is a sponsorship available for one participant. You can apply to attend the Retreat for free by filling out the application here.
The application closes on December 5, 2022 at 11:59 am, and one person will be selected.
Please share the application and Retreat opportunity widely with your networks, and remember to tag us on social media!

If you’d like to learn more about the Journey to Nia Winter 2023 Retreat, please tune in to our info session tonight on IG live.

Takiema will be joined by Kym Johnson, CEO of Bananas Inc, who participated in the Summer 2022 retreat along with staff members. Get inspired by the work she’s leading in her organization, and find out how you can become part of our community of learners and change makers for young Black children.

SNEAK PREVIEW and SAVE THE DATES: We will be hosting 3 half day (virtual) workshops on Identity, Anti-Racism and Belonging in early childhood on Dec 9th, Jan 12th and Feb 3rd.

These half day workshops will be open for individual registration shortly. We will make a wider announcement in the coming days, so stay tuned to our FB, Twitter, IG and our website.

Resource Corner!

We have been sharing this book with early educators and caregivers across the nation and the feedback is that it is a phenomenal resource to help them begin conversations about race and racism with young children. Purchase a copy here and then download the new educator guide here. Follow @firstconversations to see the other wonderful books in the series, too!

CEO, Takiema Bunche Smith (me!) prepares to read Our Skin to participants in Identity, anti-Racism & Belonging Workshop for Educators. (New sessions are coming...not yet open :) )

Check out our affiliate Bookshop list for some recommendations for children’s books and books for adults. The Anahsa team is still building it, so check back often, and please feel free to share your recommendations with us. We read every email that you send to us, and will reply!

Note: Using the Bookshop link will provide support for Cafe Con Libros and a small portion of the sales will also go to Anahsa Consulting.

Thank you for reaching the end of our newsletter! If you’ve enjoyed it, please share with a friend!

In Collaboration,

Takiema and Team Anahsa

Founder and CEO

Creating joyful and liberated lives in early childhood, and organizations.™

Don’t forget to follow us on social media.

What is your living legacy?

​Listening to an elder Black early childhood visionary and leader talk about her path, her struggles, vision, and her triumphs to create and sustain an African-centered preschool for over 40 years was truly an honor and a gift.

Professional development opportunities: You’re invited!

Are you participating in OR disrupting the preschool to prison pipeline for Black children?

Listening to an elder Black early childhood visionary and leader talk about her path, her struggles, vision, and her triumphs to create and sustain an African-centered preschool for over 40 years was truly an honor and a gift.