A Black History Month Celebration: Exploring and Restoring Our Path to Healing through Empathy and Music

With LaVerne McLeod and Melanie DeMore

February 21 - 23, 2025

Workshop Schedule

Friday
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm*How to Drop into Esalen*
7:15 pm – 9:30 pm
Saturday
9:30 am - 12:45 pm
3:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Sunday
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

See general schedule information including arrival, departure and meal times.

  • Sleeping Bag Space – $560.00
  • Bunk Bed Space – $740.00
  • Standard Shared Space – $930.00
  • Standard Queen Room – $1,230.00
  • Standard Room Two Beds – $1,950.00
  • Premium Queen Room – $1,710.00
  • Premium King Room – $1,830.00
  • Premium Plus King Room – $2,070.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt – $2,070.00
  • Premium Wooden Yurt Two Beds – $2,070.00
  • Rolf Suite – $3,930.00
  • Point House – $3,930.00
  • Fritz Point House – $3,930.00
  • South Point House – $4,800.00

Join LaVerne McLeod and Melanie DeMore for a weekend of exploration and celebration of Black History Month as we express ourselves, connect, play, and honor humanity.

Together, we will explore what it is like to walk in another person’s shoes to understand and empathize with viewpoints that might differ from our own. We will build a safe container of trust and get curious about what might be lying beneath the surface —  while moving toward resilience and empowerment.

Using empathy, songs, visualization, and movement exercises, we will connect and relate to one another, letting go of what no longer serves us and learning effective responses to life’s challenges.

In this workshop, LaVerne McLeod will lead the group in  empathetic practices that call forth bridging gaps of separation. In celebration,Melanie DeMore, a vocal activist, will lead soulful ballads to energize spirits and exemplify the rejuvenating power of healing through music.

This workshop is highly recommended for all races, identities, gender expressions, and nationalities. It can be a creative catalyst for educators, therapists, and artists that leads to one’s own inner healing. Those in leadership roles working with diverse populations may find this workshop to be a source of empowerment. Together, let’s connect our heart centers to the path that nourishes and heals us.

‍Recommended Reading: Corn Hollow, 2nd edition by LaVerne Hillis McLeod and The Crossroads of Social and Climate Justice by LaVerne Hillis McLeod.

About the Leaders

LaVerne McLeod

LaVerne McLeod is a workshop facilitator, author, public speaker, theatrical presenter, educator, and founder of Bridge Building to Equity Workshops and Purple Feather Press.

Learn more about LaVerne McLeod

Melanie DeMore

Melanie DeMore is a preeminent vocal artist helping to preserve the African American folk tradition through song and Gullah stick pounding. She is a singer/songwriter, composer, conductor and vocal activist who believes in the power of voices raised together. www.melaniedemore.com

Learn more about Melanie DeMore

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