Kustawi is KiSwahili for “thriving.”
Kustawi is a knowledge enterprise livicated to the inherent dignity and thriving of African descent boys, men, and those who love them. It is a shared space for individuals, communities and birth and chosen relations to explore healing, restoration of dignity, enhanced resiliency and awakening of higher consciousness for living examined and purposeful lives. Through archetypes such as King, Warrior, Magician and Lover, and, their shadow-side in every boy and man Kustawi fosters awakening to the Creator within, harmony, knowledge of self and the just uses of power.
Kustawi is grounded in the principle of Ma'at (right living) and the philosophy of Ubuntu (I am because we are). The Institute holds it self-evident that African descent boys and men are free willing. They have come to this earthly plane in the likeness of the Supreme Being, the Grantor of Dominion (GoD), who made them beneficiaries of this Earthly Estate.
Our Goal
Thriving With Purpose
Through engagement modalities such as webinars, access to specialists, access to ongoing and extant research, online library, online symposia and face-to-face conventions Kustawi aims to be trusted resource for the upliftment of African descent boys, men and those who love them.
Engagement
Building meaningful connections and community.
Knowledge
Disseminate research and education.
Service
Access to male-centred expertise and services.
The Challenge
Addressing Hidden Crises
The Institute will play an important role in raising awareness around overt and hidden forms of trauma, such as sexual violence over the life course, and offer strategies for enhanced resilience and recovery from the challenges of anti-Black misandry. Unaddressed and unacknowledged trauma can negatively affect:
What We Do
Remembering Creative Power
The Institute recognizes that many African descent boys and men are impacted by anti-Black misandrist dehumanizing stereotypes, unspoken trauma, and the silencing of their emotional lives. The Institute recognizes also that the internal narratives of many African descent boys and men mirrors the anxiety, contempt and eroticized fear that others project onto them.
Advocacy
Championing the emotional well-being and dignity of African descent boys and men.
Education
Community education, engagement and knowledge dissemination for healing and empowerment.
Research
Promote affirming and supportive critical research on identity, trauma and resilience.
Somatic and Psychotherapy
Supporting men and boys in reclaiming balance and creativity through recovery from trauma.
Featured
Health & Wellness
Resources and education for the emotional, physical and psychological well-being for African descent boys, men, and the communities that support them. Disclaimer: Kustawi does not offer medical advice
Book of the Month
The Envy of the World: On Being a Black Man in America
by Cose, Ellis
With a compassionate eloquence reminiscent of James Baldwin's Letter to My Nephew, Ellis Cose presents a realistic examination of the challenges facing black men in modern America.Black men have never had more opportunity for success than today—yet, as bestselling author Cose puts it, "We are watching the largest group of black males in history stumbling through life with a ball and chain." Add to that the ravages of police brutality, murder, poverty, illiteracy, and the widening gap separating the black "elite" from the "underclass," and the result is a paralyzing pessimism. But even as Cose acknowledges the systemic obstacles that confront black men, he refuses to accept them as reasons for giving up; instead he rails against the destructive attitude that has made academic achievement a source of shame instead of pride in many black communities—and outlines steps black males can take to enhance their odds for success.With insightful anecdotes about a broad range of black men from all walks of life, Cose delivers a warning of the vast tragedy that is wasted black potential, and a call to arms that can enable black men to reclaim their destiny in America.
Get Involved
Kustawi Institute invites those committed to enhancing the lives of African descent boys, men and those who love them to share their expertise, ideas and passion.
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