The last day of Black History Month, is the first day of COP26, which brings parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Many BIPOC activists, especially from global south countries most impacted by climate change will be unable to attend.We come together with Baba Mandaza and Nobantu Mpotulo (Africa) and Valerie Brown (USA ) to honour the earth. We call on BIPOC activists to share their contributions in stewardship of the earth in honour of unheard voices of the global South.
Baba Mandaza was born a Svikiro, a carrier of many earth and water spirits, and a Mhondoro, Lion Spirit, and one who is in constant prayer on behalf of others. As a vessel of the Spirits, Mandaza receives visions and dreams, makes offerings, performs healing rituals, and serves as a messenger for the Ancient Ones.He lives in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and travels widely as a Peacemaker. As an emissary of Mother Nature, Baba Mandaza guides retreats, healing ceremonies, and gatherings around the world. More information is on his website http://www.mandaza.com.
Valerie Brown (True Sangha Power) is a Dharma Teacher in the Plum Village Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh where she has been practicing since 1995. She is member of the ARISE sangha https://arisesangha.org/. She transformed her high-pressure career as a lawyer-lobbyist, to human-scale work to foster trustworthy and authentic connections and to blossom a more compassionate and peaceful world. She is a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), a certified Kundalini yoga teacher and leads an annual transformational pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago, Spain, to celebrate the power of sacred places. Her website is https://www.leadsmartcoaching.com
Nobantu Mpotulo has been a Buddhist Practitioner for 17 years, she completed a two year Community Dharma Leadership program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, U.S.A, and is accredited as a coach through International Coach Federation as a Professional Certified Coach. In the 90s she facilitated Truth and Reconciliation Workshops for both victims and perpetrators of violence in South Africa. She facilitates Leadership Development Workshops for UN Peace Keeping and USAID leaders based in challenging countries.
