By: Precious Jones
I never expected a professional experience to feel so personally and spiritually profound.
But from the moment I landed in New Orleans for the Get Free Futures Reunion, everything about this trip was different. I had the pleasure of traveling to New Orleans, Louisiana, with my coworker Ramon for the Get Free Futures Reunion. The schedule was packed with conferences, meaningful conversations, and amazing food but we still found time for some fun. The city’s layout naturally slows things down, which makes sense considering the lenient alcohol laws. One thing I loved about being there was the deep sense of community that resonated between the awkward turns.
d “wait, was that the exit” moments.We stayed at the Hyatt, which was a blessing after ten-hour days of personal enrichment. The pillows were plush, and the bed was the perfectly firm. It made it easier to wake up for morning movement.
Fun fact: this was my very first time traveling for work. I decided to show up to morning movement in my pajamas because it was so early. To anyone else traveling for work for the first time, here’s some advice from me – a newly seasoned professional. Morning movement is likely not happening in the main conference room with all the chairs and tables.
“Yeah, we missed it,” said Ramon.
After a quick wardrobe change, we joined the beautifully dressed crowd just as the conference officially kicked off. The opening session featured Frequency, who brought powerful poetry to the stage, including a performance of her own work. The contrast between Zoe Leonard’s “I want a dyke for president” and Frequency’s “1 to 44 have lied. 45 and on will be no different” laid the foundation for what became a gathering rooted in critical consciousness and self-empowerment.
Every speaker was insightful and thought-provoking. I was especially moved by Paris Hatcher, who brought together the largest and most organized Black feminist conference in the country. Her words were carefully chosen and beautifully delivered, like a conductor leading a symphony. Her presence invited us to be fully enraptured by the space. Her grace was grounded and expansive. Her ability to move from educator to organizer and back again was magnetic. By the end of the welcome ceremony, the room was buzzing with energy. Everyone was excited for what was to come.
We started with the art gallery, which featured around seven pieces from artists Kai Lumumba Barrow and Shana M. The exhibit honored the stories of women whose voices have been suppressed. These were revolutionaries who resisted the forces that tried to silence them, asking all of us to reconsider our value in a society that often refuses to acknowledge it. An elegantly dressed mannequin wore a ball gown made of refined and raw cotton. Later, I got to speak with one of the artists. She was proud to share that she had hand-picked the cotton from across the country. If we had more time, I would have asked what it felt like to connect with the ancestors in that way.
I noticed two large lists of names in the exhibit. These were women who had liberated themselves from enslavement and disrupted the patriarchal systems that tried to contain them. Jones is the fourth most common last name among Black people in the United States, so I wasn’t surprised to see it on the list. But this time, seeing my family name felt different. It brought a distinct sense of connection to my lineage that I had not expected. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the specific name that grounded me, but at least I got to feel my ancestors as we shared space in that moment.
Ramon and I had arrived a day early, which gave us a chance to relax and explore before the conference began. We visited the New Orleans African American Museum. One of the exhibits focused on Afrofuturism and included a vision board where we were invited to imagine the future of Black people. My collage was a call for us to reconnect with nature.
Another powerful exhibit came from Maroon Queen Reesie. Her installation included several Mardi Gras Indian suits she had designed and worn in past carnivals. A documentary played in the background, reminding us of the importance of “guarding the flame” by protecting traditions that are often distorted or erased. Near the entrance was a photo of her wearing a purple suit in the middle of a forest, standing beside a lake. The depth of that image deepened the impact of her message. Her call to action echoed long after we left the room.
After enjoying the delicious buffet-style breakfast provided by BFF, we attended our first plenary session. My imagination and my present reality collided when I saw a strong beautiful Black woman in a regal purple dress and a royal headpiece walking with fierce determination. Maroon Queen Reesie walked across the stage singing “Guardian of the Flame,” the anthem she teaches the youth in her program. I knew I had to speak with her. I thank God that my ancestors cleared a path for that conversation to happen.
Outside the hall walls, joy lined her eyes as I detailed the awe I held for her work and the meanings behind her pieces. We talked about the purple suit, Oya, which featured a piece that she made a hand-stitched continent of Africa made from leather and beads. Above the patch, she had written the words “Me too.” It was a powerful symbol of how the motherland has been colonized, pillaged, and raped by Western society. She pressed purpose into every stitch, honoring the skin of our ancestors as a living legacy, not just a memory.The connection was haunting and deeply spiritual.
Time disappeared as we filled our spirits. We visited the art gallery again, watched films, and attended a workshop on masculinity all before lunch. By the time we made it to the last plenary session, we were completely exhausted. We stumbled back to our rooms like zombies, grateful for the Hyatt and its incredible beds.
Day Two
Sometimes my imagination gets away from me, sometimes I forget to reel it back in. This was not one of those times. When my body touched that mattress I immediately decided to stop pretending I’d get up early enough for the morning movement. And sweet glory did that reality play out so well. I’m grateful that I allowed myself a moment to simply lay in bed and pray.
Later that day, I attended a discussion on Black feminism and womanism. I had not understood why the term “feminism” was being used, knowing its complicated history and the ways it often excludes Black women. I wondered why womanism, which was created with Black women centered, was not the default.
The Black feminists in the room helped me understand our history. Black women have always been in the fight, even before the word “feminism” existed. Our ancestors knew their worth. They stood up for themselves and each other. Even when others stood silent, we showed up. Black feminism, they explained, is a culturally grounded approach to the work we have always done. Also, some people are uncomfortable with the womb-centered and gendered language often found in womanism.
At lunch, Paris Hatcher returned to the stage, this time in conversation with keynote speaker Angela Davis. Her calm exterior gave way to sincere excitement as she acknowledged the honor of sitting beside someone who has had such a profound impact on the movement.
During the gala, Ramon and I met both Ericka Huggins and Angela Davis. We even took photos.
This trip changed me because it helped me realize my worth. The beautiful community of healers have helped me see who I truly am. I am powerful. I am strong. I just graduated with my BA in Psychology (don’t play with me)!
Thank you to PRC for trusting us to represent this amazing organization. I believe they knew how much we would learn along the way.. Thank you to the Get Free Futures Reunion for holding me in a community of knowledgeable, driven feminists. And thank you to God, the Universe, and myself for rising to the challenge and thriving.
‘Til next time.
