‘How do we practice this revolution in a way that embodies the best of what we have as humans and the best of what we can observe in other species?’ - Marion

In Season 3 of Black Earth Podcast, we are meeting visionary black women who are creating innovations inspired by nature. 

Today we meet Dr. Alexis Pauline Gumbs from North Carolina, United States. Alexis is a queer black feminist, love evangelist and an aspirational favourite cousin to all living beings. 

They are also the author of numerous works including the incredible book, ‘Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals.’

In this inspiring and deeply moving episode, Alexis and I explore ways to uncolonise our humanity, our creativity and our relationships with more-than-human beings.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introducing Alexis

02:15 - Alexis’ relationship with nature

09:00 - Alexis reads the preface from their book ‘Undrowned: Black feminist lessons from marine mammals’

27:00 -  Alexis shares an example of black feminist lesson they learned from witnessing the harbour seal

37:15 - What we can learn from apes about mothering and care

43:50 - Why it’s important for black people to reconcile with other living beings and how decoloniality helps us

56:55 - Alexis’ advice on how to give ourselves radical permission to create 

01:06:00 - Alexis’ upcoming book on Audre Lorde

01:18:00 - How to support Alexis

01:20:00 How to support Black Earth podcast