Today I’m chatting with B Merikle. (Black, They, She). In their own words, “B is a non-profit exec challenging anti-Blackness by day; mama/artist/activist by life. B believes deeply in the power of stark contrast — trauma and pleasure — to create new Black futures that free us all.”

I’ve known B since they said yes to joining the Catalyst Leadership Immersion last year. Their work and way in the world is culture-shifting, pleasure-inducing, rest-honoring, and creativity-catalyzing. B is a painter, a writer, an oracle deck creator, a facilitator of challenging and joyful conversations about identity and race, and B is nurturing a vision for The Gerri, a physical space & virtual community offering creative sanctuary to Black women and non-binary folks, and those seeking restorative room to decompress, heal, be joyful, convene, and create.

In our conversation, we talk about centering pleasure while still acknowledging pain and trauma. We touch on the nuances of racial reconciliation. We talk about job transitions and what it looks like to allow our visions to shift and change and adapt to this time. I get quiet and listen to what B has to share. I invite you to do the same.

You can connect with B on Instagram: www.instagram.com/imanisasa