Rev. Dr. Tawana Angela Davis
Bio: Reverend Tawana Angela Davis, Ph.D.
CO-FOUNDER
Her/She
I Am that I Am.
First Section Use this space to talk about where you come from and the people who inspire you to do this work.
Reverend Dr. Tawana Angela Davis is the daughter of the late Edward Eugene Davis Jr. and the late Rose Lee Davis. Born and raised in Harlem, New York in Wagner Projects, Tawana was educated in the public school system, raised in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and began her life of service in the beautiful shadows of her mom and dad. Due to the unwavering love and support of Dr. Davis’ late parents and her daughter who changed her life at the age of 16, Dr. Davis attended St. John’s University and completed her last year of studies at State University of New York Empire State with a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management. Reverend Dr. Davis earned a certificate in Project Management from New York University and Human Resources (PHR) from Cornell University. Later, she received a Master of Divinity at Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. Rev Dr. Davis earned a Master of Arts in Leadership and Change and her Doctorate of Philosophy in Leadership and Change at Antioch University Graduate School of Leadership and Change.
Second Section Talk your s*&@! Tell us your story. How did you get to Soul 2 Soul? What was your career/healing/soul journey to get here?
I fell in love with myself at age 38 while in seminary. I learned what it meant to have unconditional positive regard for myself and my beloved Black community, I was introduced to Womanism which raised my awareness of my own divinity and liberative prowess. When I relocated to Denver as the youth and young adult pastor, I found my voice. I was an advocate for young people, a social justice activist, and later became the co-founder of Soul 2 Soul Sisters.
Soul 2 Soul Sisters was born out of the Womanist liberative preaching moment followed by a meeting at Whittier Cafe. We preached Truth to power during a combined worship experience with 500+ Unitarian Universalists at the State Capitol. The resounding affirmative response we received was not one of self-aggrandizement, but one of action toward racial justice. We created a cohort based experience called Facing Racism. Without any marketing or direct invitation to white people, we found ourselves with cohorts filled to capacity with a majority of white people. Black people and People of Color who attended were always centered and affirmed.
Soul 2 Soul Sisters’ Love Based Revolution started as a racial justice, Womanist-led, Black centered organization and has expanded its racial justice prowess to one that is led and centers Black women, femmes, and gender-expansive beloveds looking to ourselves for our liberation and the liberation of all. Soul 2 Soul Sisters has been my life line since its inception in 2015.
Soon before Soul 2 Soul Sisters turned 1, I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in November of 2016. Soul 2 Soul Sisters became my sacred healing space. I was surrounded by loving healing energy from staff and the community. I had the honor to experience the true essence of Soul 2 Soul Sisters as an affirming and divine space for Black healing, health, and joy!
After serving in a limited capacity due to my health and serving on the board, I was caring for myself in the throws of healing for three years; always keeping my heart center inextricably bound to Soul 2 Soul Sisters. In 2022, I found myself back as the Executive Director at a time where we are ever evolving, expanding, and serving Black beloveds.
Third Section We are called to do the work our Souls must have. How does Soul 2 Soul Sisters meet you where you are called? What is your role at Soul 2 Soul Sisters? How do you breathe life into your role?
It is truly a calling to lead and serve and Soul 2 Soul Sisters. It calls us to deep work personally, professionally, and communally. In the words of the late Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, we must do the work our souls must have. This means we must define ourselves for ourselves (Audre Lorde,) We must tap into the essence of our values that align with life-giving purpose. Our souls call us to connect with our inner self, establish divine core passions and show up authentically and unapologetically in all that we do and who we are.
I show up as an unapologetic Black woman as Soul 2 Soul Sisters continues to create sacred space for me to be held, loved, supported, encouraged, taught, guided, and brave. I am called to lead and serve by living out loud and by example. I am called to exemplify joy in the midst of life’s challenges. I am called to vibrate higher and commune as a part of the ecosystem as we give each other life.
As the Co-Founder and Executive Director, I am a part of a leader-full organization that operates in the fullness and messiness of justice, love-based, and joyful work. I have an opportunity to lead, serve, follow, and build in and with the community.
I also have an opportunity to breathe life into Soul 2 Soul Sisters by implementing deep breath and energy work with the board of directors, staff, and community members. Breathing life into this organization is about seeing each other, honoring the divine in one another, and recognizing Ubuntu. Breathing life is focusing on the mission, engaging in community, ensuring sustainability, and centering Black beloveds in all things. I breathe life into my role through meditation, prayer, breathwork, exercise and rest. I cannot pour from an empty cup. I cannot give what I don’t have. I can’t teach what I don’t know. Therefore, I must surround myself with life-giving entities to attract all that is life affirming.
Fourth Section If Black beloveds were free, you could find me…
continuing to celebrate life.
won’t you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my other hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
won’t you celebrate with me
Lucille Clifton