My name is Candi Reddick. And I am a social justice and equity-focused founder building the largest holistic health platform to make healing and wellness more accessible to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC) online and in real life. After years of working stressful jobs in startups and corporate America, I received a disturbing medical diagnosis, which became the catalyst for my work. As a trauma-informed yogi with a certification in plant-based nutrition, I have served as a consultant for the Mayor's Office of Sustainability, taught wellness classes, and facilitated workshops on racism, privilege, white supremacy, and allyship. I believe our collective healing and liberation are inseparable.Note: Project in partnership with Marilyn Ocasio Nieves of Suspended Image.
As a Black queer womxn with deep Southern roots, I understand the power of photography and the importance of representation and visibility for marginalized groups. Yet, the wellness industry is very problematic as it regularly centers whiteness, thinness, and heteronormativity. With this grant, my creative partner and I will be able to expand a photography series started last year which showcases Black, Indigenous, and People of Color from all walks of life and sizes while inspiring people to heal and be well. Most people cannot imagine a paralyzed yoga teacher, a Muslim transman leading a guided meditation, or a body-positive herbalist and spiritual advisor. Yet, these are real BIPoC people who are erased from mainstream media, popular culture, and wellness spaces. That’s why we would use this grant to rent space for a photoshoot to create stunning portraits of everyday people not commonly seen to decolonize the wellness industry. At our own expense, we would also have prints made, framed, and exhibited at a later date.
Peerspace is on a mission to bring people together. We believe it is impossible to achieve that goal unless we also fight for equality and access to resources in the communities we serve.
Having a space to gather, create, and exchange ideas is an important part of any movement. In order to magnify voices that are often quieted, Peerspace will sponsor venues for people who challenge prejudice and fight for social justice and equality.
Each quarter, we will sponsor space for three projects that are relevant to our community. These projects can range from fundraisers and educational initiatives to art exhibits and photo series.
