The “Spirits in Darkness” Black Women’s Virtual Writing Workshop honors the spirit of Black women writers – past, present, and future – who guide our various writing projects, from songs to grant applications. We are looking to connect across genre to the written text, the spoken word, and the body’s language. Although this trio of facilitators brings a range of skills, Melchor is a university professor and the author of an academic manuscript, Danie is a singer-songwriter and life coach, and Joanne is a bodyworker and healer. This workshop aims for a well-rounded exploration of the legacies, dedications, texts, sounds, and bodily manifestations of Black women’s writing. We hope that you will join us!

This program will be online via Zoom and will follow this daily schedule:
11am – 12noon EST (8am – 9am PST): Writing Goals & Intentions with Melchor
3pm – 4pm EST (12noon – 1pm PST): Body Check & Alignment with Joanne
7pm – 8pm EST (4pm – 5pm PST): Open Mic Readings & Song with Danie

Leader(s)

K. Melchor Quick Hall is the author of Naming a Transnational Black Feminist Framework: Writing in Darkness and host of the related online series, available at www.writingindarkness.org. Born in the nation’s capital, formerly known as “Chocolate City” for its Black population, she began her adulthood with no Congressional voting representation. Both a popular educator and a university professor, she is a fifth-generation US-born African American terminal degree (i.e., PhD or MD) graduate, who was nurtured and loved by Black artists, cultural workers, and community activists.

Joanne Daley is a Birth Doula, Bodyworker, Instructor of Massage and Bodywork techniques and yoga. Inspired by “whole life” medicine she observed demonstrated in the Carribean community within the U.K and U.S., Joanne developed Daley Retreats, a Health and Wellbeing practice which curates “self care habits” to facilitate the many transitory phases of human experience. She is experienced in both Allopathic medical care in Massachusetts hospitals, and Traditional practices focused on Prenatal, Labor & Delivery, Postpartum care through, Elder wellness, and all that comes in between. Acknowledgement of the “whole person experience,” listening carefully, and patience before working deeply are cornerstones of her organically evolving practice. Joanne uses this same foundation to creatively express herself using Voice, Dance, and the written word. She continues, with great respect, to study and apply these qualitatively, and quantitatively proven, alternately documented indigenous medicines.

Danie Ocean is a Media native. After graduating Strath Haven, she went on to Chestnut Hill College to earn a degree in Psychology and then the University of Pennsylvania to earn a masters in social work. During this time she practiced music and performed music. After schooling she became a child and family therapist choosing to work in Philadelphia schools. During this time she also founded a nonprofit that supported musicians with affordable rehearsal and recording space. In 2016, Danie moved back to Media and bought her family home. Recognized by Governor Wolf in 2017 as Pennsylvania’s young Black professionals under thirty five doing incredible work, Danie has been written up in many publications for her dedication to social justice through non-profit work and music. Danie has since retired from therapy to pursue music full time. She performs with her band “Danie Ocean Band” and solo across the United States and Canada but she calls Media home. For her recorded works, please check Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, or other places you stream music and for more about Danie Ocean visit her website at www.danieocean.com.

Financial aid may be available. If you are seeking funds to participate in this program, click to review and complete our Financial Assistance Application and a Pendle Hill staff member will follow-up with you shortly (please do NOT register online). Thank you for your interest.

Travel directions to Pendle Hill.