Welcome to the Black and Buddhist Summit!

All Summit Sessions will be posted here as they become available. Click below to access!

Day 8

LIVE FEBRUARY 25th AT 2pm ET: Vimalasara Mason-John and Pamela Ayo Yetunde: Live Closing Session

Day 7

WATCH NOW: Claudelle Glasgow, Kamilah Majied, Breeshia Wade and Pamela Ayo Yetunde: Blackness, Buddhism, and Trauma

Introduce yourself to the community below!

196 Comments

  1. Rhonda February 18, 2021 at 4:43 pm - Reply

    Hello from Nashville. Settling in now to watch the recordings!

  2. taintor February 18, 2021 at 5:57 pm - Reply

    Hello from Rollinsford New Hampshire, Newichawannock lands a river tribe of The Abenaki people who lived and thrived here at one time.
    I truly Loved the Opening to this summit, thank you for the Redemption song!
    I’m going to catch up with the recording from tonight.
    Blessings to all

  3. Denise Flora February 18, 2021 at 6:09 pm - Reply

    Thank you for the opportunity to join from North Carolina. Amazing to be with those participating from so many places in the world. I enjoy a very racially mixed group at our Center here.

    • Oris Erhuero February 19, 2021 at 5:57 am - Reply

      Just to say I am an sgi Buddhist myself of almost 15 years ..its such a great pleasure to meet other brothers and sisters who are Buddhist from all strans and walks of life …🙏🙏🙏

  4. Del February 18, 2021 at 6:49 pm - Reply

    Hi All,
    I go by Del. I am Jamaican born, but have lived in various locations in the United States for over 20yrs. I was introduced to Buddhism in 2007 while living in Oregon. I received a link to the summit through the Penn POC (people of color) mindfulness meditation group. I look forward to what will be shared over the upcoming days of the program.

  5. rev. Gena Jefferson February 18, 2021 at 8:13 pm - Reply

    Hello, I am so excited about this Summit! So excited to learn and get to meet all of you. I am joining from the occupied territory of Lenape people in New York/ New Jersey. I am an ordained interfaith minister and founder of Just As I Am (JAIA) YOUth Empowerment, a leadership program for teens and young adults in New York/New Jersey. We co-create with BIPOC youth to create conscious leadership while we enhance their understanding and experience of mindfulness, ethical decision-making, and mental wellness tools.
    Being within Black and BIPOC spaces has been extremely supportive, healing, and encouraging for me as a black woman and a leader in my community. Thank you for this space.

  6. Valerie Geaither February 18, 2021 at 8:51 pm - Reply

    This is beautiful! What a great affirmation. Joining as a Buddhist practitioner from Minnesota/Wisconsin and a co-founder of BAD, Buddhists of African Descent: An Association of African-descended Buddhists in the Diaspora.

  7. Takeshi Kimura February 19, 2021 at 2:17 am - Reply

    Hello, everyone. My name is Takeshi, and I am a Professor in the History of Religions at the University of Tsukuba, Japan. I have just watched first two videos, which I enjoyed and learned from very much.

  8. Cherri L.H. February 19, 2021 at 4:42 am - Reply

    Greetings from Athens, Ohio,
    My name is Cherri and I live among foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Southeast Ohio. The home of the Adena, Hopewell and Shawnee peoples I am looking forward to all of the speakers. I am new to Buddhist practice and I am looking for a practice community near me …… ideally with some Black/BIPOC people in attendance.

  9. Samba February 19, 2021 at 5:28 am - Reply

    Hello from Francistown, Botswana. Grateful to be here!

  10. Sonia Marcus February 19, 2021 at 5:30 am - Reply

    Greetings from Southern Dharma Retreat Center in the Southern Appalachian mountains, near Asheville NC, on i ceded Cherokee land. What an exciting program of events! Looking forward to engaging with others at Buddhist retreat centers.

  11. Oris Erhuero February 19, 2021 at 5:51 am - Reply

    Just to say I am sgi Buddhist myself of almost 15 years ..its such a great pleasure to meet other brothers and sisters who are Buddhist from all strans and walks of life …🙏🙏🙏

  12. Anel Gonzalez February 19, 2021 at 6:25 am - Reply

    I´m form Panama. I´M a Psychologist that is new in Buddhist meditation. I´m just at the begining of my search, and the Summit has become a great and worthly oportunity to learn from all of you. I know that it is going to help me in my psychotherapist work. Thanks a lot.

  13. sheila February 19, 2021 at 6:57 am - Reply

    Hi all, Many blessings to all from Kent, UK

  14. Anjana February 19, 2021 at 7:29 am - Reply

    Thank you from Long Island, NY

  15. Rebecca February 19, 2021 at 7:32 am - Reply

    Greetings from Rhode Island,
    Thank you SO much to the organizers and presenters of this summit! It is a wonderful offering and much needed at this time. Blessings to all.

  16. S. Rae February 19, 2021 at 8:13 am - Reply

    Greetings from cold and snowy Boston, MA! I’m looking forward to soaking in this experience.

  17. Ana February 19, 2021 at 8:34 am - Reply

    Hi everybody, joining from UK. I am a white buddhist practitioner, married with a fantastic black body and mother of two awesome black girl bodies. My deep bow of respect and love for the black community and the panel. So much wisdom and insight. May you be well.

  18. Judeth Wesley February 19, 2021 at 8:45 am - Reply

    Hi everyone….greetings from Morristown, NJ. looking forward to Day 2 and beyond. Embracing all that is presented. Namaste!

  19. Nicholas February 19, 2021 at 9:33 am - Reply

    I just learned of this event this morning; Friday 19th. I am scrambling to catch the sessions from yesterday as I wait for today’s sessions to begin. At age 67 I have followed diversity in spiritual practice and pursuit from the very beginning. Thank you so much for accomplishing this summit.

  20. James February 19, 2021 at 9:52 am - Reply

    Hello from Johnstown, PA. I loved the discussions yesterday. Thank you to all involved.

  21. Dolores Watson February 19, 2021 at 10:05 am - Reply

    Greetings to everyone. Sending love from New Orleans

  22. Joanne Murayama February 19, 2021 at 10:07 am - Reply

    Greetings from Port Townsend, WA–on Chemekum and S’klallam lands. I am Japanese American. As a POC, there were several moments that resonated on the very first day. I look forward to more.

  23. Carlos Julio Jara February 19, 2021 at 10:35 am - Reply

    Hello I am Carlos Julio Jara, I will like to express my gratitude.. from Quito, Ecuador..

  24. Carla Cerrato February 19, 2021 at 11:04 am - Reply

    I am very grateful for this opportunity.
    Thank you all. 🙏🏽
    I am Carlotta Cerrato, an abstract painter. (on Facebook under Carla Cerrato). Painting, meditation and social justice activism are my spiritual practice. ❤️

  25. Mariama February 19, 2021 at 11:48 am - Reply

    Hello Yogini and buddhist liver in Geneva Switzerland West Palm beach FL. Loving this Sangha

    • Rinmei Skjefstad February 20, 2021 at 8:48 am - Reply

      Hello. I live in Norway and practice Soto Zen Buddhism. I learned of this offering through SFZC. I am very grateful to be able to partake through watching the recordings. Thank you to the organizers and the teachers for bringing this summit to life.

  26. Michaela McCormick February 19, 2021 at 12:22 pm - Reply

    Hello Everyone. I am Michaela McCormick from Portland, OR – an old white-bodied transgender woman, a practicing Buddhist student and teacher, and a life-long activist particularly focused on fighting white supremacy within and without. To the summit hosts and teachers, thank you for doing this.

    • Amy D Aycrigg February 19, 2021 at 4:45 pm - Reply

      greetings from Amy Aycrigg.

  27. Toshia Kole-James February 19, 2021 at 12:23 pm - Reply

    Hi! My name is Toshia and I have been learning, reading, watching and incorporating the dharma into my individual and social work practice. This Summit gives me a feeling of location. I means so much that people like myself are also interested in as well as studying buddhism/dharma. Many blessings to all!

  28. Gaynell February 19, 2021 at 12:42 pm - Reply

    Hi everyone, my name is gaynell udohnichols, I’ve was introduced to the group by, youngest sister: Lee Colbert, who, resides in Seattle WA.
    I’ve been practicing Nichiren Buddhism, since 1988.

  29. Furyu Schroeder February 19, 2021 at 12:47 pm - Reply

    Hello everyone. My name is fu Schroeder. I am deeply grateful to have been able to see and listen to these amazing and compassionate black women teachers. I have been living and studying the Buddha’s teaching for many years at the San Francisco Zen Center. Beginner’s Mind.
    Nine warm bows to you all.

  30. Dana February 19, 2021 at 1:07 pm - Reply

    Hello From Indiana. Interested in learning about Black Buddhist communities. Is there a local community in Indianapolis, Indiana?

  31. Margaret Gilman February 19, 2021 at 2:04 pm - Reply

    I am an elder seeking a good journey to the far horizon with liberation on my mind ~

    • Forest February 20, 2021 at 8:58 am - Reply

      Thank you for your comment, Margaret.
      As I was reading through these, I wondered what I might write and when I saw your comment, I felt “ditto” for your eloquent words. I’m finding this summit good food for inner journey to the far horizon.

  32. Barbara February 19, 2021 at 2:49 pm - Reply

    Tashi Deleg, Everyone. I am grateful for this opportunity to be in a community of like-spirited beings. My name is Barbara, and I live in a sacred valley in the Green Mountains of Vermont, where Rinpoches from the Drikung Kagyu Lineage and Nyingma School discovered a feminine cave of the deity Vajrayogini. Liberation on the mind, beautifully said, Elder Margaret G.!

  33. Mary Ziemer-McGinn February 19, 2021 at 3:02 pm - Reply

    Hello from Portland Oregon, Thank you for sharing your heart and truth with us.

    • Amy D Aycrigg February 19, 2021 at 4:48 pm - Reply

      hello Mary- from another Portlander

  34. Ricardo Lundi February 19, 2021 at 3:10 pm - Reply

    Hello from Canton, NY

  35. Jodie Mack February 19, 2021 at 3:42 pm - Reply

    Greetings all, Jodie Mack from Memphis, Tennessee

  36. Kourtney Andar February 19, 2021 at 3:50 pm - Reply

    Hello everyone, I am a Black male living and practicing at Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, NM. Thank you for this wonderful online summit.

  37. Kate DuVal, SSND February 19, 2021 at 4:37 pm - Reply

    Namaste to all. I am a caucasian female of Roman Catholic faith tradition who continues to search for that Divine Light and Love that draws me more deeply into the Heart of the Beloved in order to be freely drawn forth to spread this same Light and Love wherever I am called and sent! Grateful for these myriad ways of being called and sent through gifted presenters!

  38. Sari February 19, 2021 at 10:28 pm - Reply

    Namaste. As a pinkish person I am learning, learning, learning.
    Thank you for giving me more perspectives from sensitive insightful teachers.

  39. haqqika-linda bridges February 19, 2021 at 11:19 pm - Reply

    Wonderful to see more than one dot on the page spreading the GOOD NEWS!

    My name means Great Truth Take Care of Bridges. This has always been my unction and my nature. Having studied many paths towards wholeness, i have found my home in the heart of Buddhist practice as first presented by my root teacher, HE Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche.

    Through teaching, practice and caring for my mother THE HEALING DANCE (1986) and THE HEALING DANCE for PEACE (1990), a meditation process for the individual and/or the group as mandala was given birth. My practice is sustained through diety, met daily, through all experiences.
    May all beings experience their Ancestor in mirror reflections towards pure awareness.
    Namaste!
    HAQQIKA-LINDA BRIDGES

  40. Elaine February 20, 2021 at 5:58 am - Reply

    Hello from St Louis! I practice in the Plum Village tradition with the Midwest Moon and Rooted River Sanghas. Thank you so much for this amazing resource.

  41. Jeanne Guerbet February 20, 2021 at 6:13 am - Reply

    Hello! Joining late from Montreal, Quebec.

  42. Heidi February 20, 2021 at 6:20 am - Reply

    Joining from the occupied territory of the Lenope people in PA outside Philadelphia.

  43. Oni February 20, 2021 at 6:41 am - Reply

    I have been enjoying this. But I wish it was not so USA centered! I would love to see speakers from places other than just the USA. As this has less of an appeal to me not living in USA. Here in Europe I am curious as how Buddhism for Black people is viewed.

    • Konchog February 20, 2021 at 7:53 am - Reply

      Hi Oni, check out the session on day 2 with Suryagupta and Lama Dawa Tarchin from the UK and Germany.

  44. Megrette F Fletcher February 20, 2021 at 6:43 am - Reply

    Thank you, for hosting this event. I am loving the talks and feel so privileged to have access to this level of content and experience.

  45. Sally Noel February 20, 2021 at 6:48 am - Reply

    Hello from Southern CT! Thank you for these beautiful and poignant teachings, so very grateful. As a half European, half Native American from the Nooksack Tribe these teachings from your eloquent and very real presenters give me much hope and help me deal with my own awakening and inner struggles. Blessings.

  46. Ellen Mefford February 20, 2021 at 6:55 am - Reply

    Good morning looking forward to viewing the recordings

  47. Mary Angela Santos February 20, 2021 at 7:23 am - Reply

    Hello! I am a Buddhist practitioner in Brazil, I found a link to this event in a group of sangha after a lecture on Buddhism, discrimination and human rights. What a great call! I am very grateful.

  48. Joseph Engum February 20, 2021 at 8:19 am - Reply

    Hello from Pendleton, Oregon.. My name is Joseph Mugaku Engum, practicing zen buddhism with Dharma Rain Zen Center in Portland, Oregon. I learned of this summit from a fellow DRZC member, both of us participating in a workshop entitled Awakening to Whiteness. Thank you for doing this, it is spot on what we need. bows…

  49. peter February 20, 2021 at 9:55 am - Reply

    We’ve done two days so far. I’m loving this summit; learning so much, feeling so inspired by the participants, their commitment, ideas and approaches, while contemplating ways to change how I lead my buddhist community. While this may not be the focus of the summit, it is certainly one collateral benefit of listening to what the teachers here are offering. Thank you so much to all.

  50. Jewell Cobblah February 20, 2021 at 10:12 am - Reply

    Hello I’m so pleased to be apart of the summit.

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