Jacqui's Journey with the We Dream in Black Organizing Institute

Jacqui

We Dream in Black New York Organizer

Is this your first We Dream in Black Organizing Institute?  If not, which other ones did you attend? 

My first We Dream in Black Organizing Institute was in 2018 in Savannah, Georgia, and Houston, Texas in 2019. During the pandemic, I attended the Organizing Institutes virtually from 2020 – 2022 and in 2023 we met in person in Atlanta, Georgia.

How would you describe the energy and environment of the Organizing Institute to someone who has never been to one? 

Being in community and in person with other Black domestic workers gives me a feeling of excitement. As human beings, we enjoy human interaction, positive energy, and connection. Happiness and joy flow because the focus is on Black domestic workers. We Dream in Black Organizing Institute is a space of learning and a positive environment for Black domestic workers.

How did you feel after leaving the institute?

I leave the Organizing Institutes empowered. From my first Organizing Institute, I found the power of my voice as a domestic worker. I was elated to know that like-minded Black domestic workers were gathering to empower themselves. I committed myself to other domestic workers because I realized this is a mission that is not only personal to me but I also understood We Dream in Black is a gift to Black domestic workers. We Dream in Black is supporting Black domestic workers across the country to build stronger networks and communities.

Why are the institutes important for We Dream in Black to have?

Black domestic workers need space like this to learn and share. Domestic workers conduct peer-led workshops based on their experiences and take the lessons back to their work and their lives as professionals in the industry. The We Dream in Black Organizing Institute is important for us to deepen relationships and strengthen the movement. Black domestic workers have ownership of We Dream in Black and handle the space with a high level of diligence because this is our organizing home and we all have a duty to take care of it. We have a home in NDWA called We Dream in Black and we all have a responsibility to invite others to get involved because we are stronger together.

What do you want people to know about the Organizing Institute?

We Dream in Black Organizing Institute is a space of protection and support. It enables us to continue to build power to reach other Black workers and to connect them to NDWA. The Organizing Institute is a resource and a safe space for Black domestic workers to reset and heal. It is a space for domestic workers to build connections and reset to leave feeling rejuvenated. The energy spills over to their professional lives as domestic workers develop their skills and support each other to develop their leadership. We are reminded of our strength and focus on building power for us to fight for protection in the industry.

What do you hope to see the Organizing Institute become in the future?

I would love for the Organizing Institute to be a space for more Black domestic workers to access. My hope is for us to be able to reach more Black domestic workers across the country so we can continue strengthening our base. The We Dream in Black Organizing Institute is a powerhouse for Black domestic workers. I am looking forward to our 10th Anniversary!!

We Dream in Black: We Dream in Black (WeDiB) is an initiative of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and is the organizing home that centers the voices and experiences of Black, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-descendant domestic workers.