It all started when…

Ayesha Walker and Benjamin "BJ" McBride embarked on a transformative journey that led to the founding of BE-IMAGINATIVE, a creative sanctuary with a profound purpose on January 23, 2017.

As co-founders, Ayesha and BJ shared a vision of creating a collective of artists, healers, teachers, and leaders committed to healing communities and driving social change through their artistic expressions along with the indigenous healing practices of the ancestors. Inspired by historical movements like The Black Arts Movement, The Harlem Renaissance, and The Black Panthers, they were determined to carry forward the legacy of artists who believed in reflecting the times through their work as Nina Simone said, “It’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times”.

In a transformative meditation, Ayesha made the courageous decision to bathe in her grief. Through this powerful experience, she embraced the depth of her pain, allowing it to become a catalyst for change. In this sacred space of introspection, Ayesha felt a profound connection with her angel babies, Mali and Assata, whose spiritual presence guided and inspired her. From this place of healing, a powerful vision emerged – to create healing experiences for grieving families, give voice to untold stories through meaningful art, and establish community spaces where art would be a force for healing and social change.

During the formative period of BE-IMAGINATIVE, BJ, who was managing SOL Development back then, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to justice by assembling Ayesha and other creatives, along with the powerful SOL Development, for an event honoring Mario Woods, a victim of police brutality in San Francisco, back in 2015. This tragic incident provided a unique opportunity to address trauma and healing through alternative channels beyond traditional protests. Collaborating with local Bay Area artists, inspiring activists, and uplifting music, they not only aimed to promote healing but also provided much-needed support to Mario's mother, Gwen Woods, while addressing the underlying social issues perpetuating such traumas. The profound impact of SOL Development's music resonated deeply, making them an extraordinary source of inspiration, and thus, they naturally assumed the role of founding artists for BE-IMAGINATIVE, forever at the forefront of Ayesha and BJ’s minds as they shaped the foundation of their collective vision.

During the conception phase of BE-IMAGINATIVE, we were fortunate to receive seed funding from Pico California, a significant milestone that allowed us to bring our healing model to life. With this invaluable support and trust, we initiated healing retreats for grieving families, offering them a sanctuary to find solace and strength in their most difficult times. The seed funding also enabled us to create powerful conceptual healing art, giving voice to untold stories of pain, hope, and resilience. Sharing this transformative art with the larger community through art show activations became a catalyst for social change, challenging prevailing narratives and fostering a deeper understanding of the issues faced by marginalized communities. Pico California's belief in our vision has been instrumental in shaping BE-IMAGINATIVE into a place of healing, empowerment, and positive transformation, and we remain deeply grateful for their unwavering support.

Central to this transformative process was the invaluable support and guidance of Mama Gwen Woods, Mario's mother, who graced us with her care and precision in holding space. Her profound impact on our journey cannot be overstated, as she played a pivotal role in shaping the very essence of BE-IMAGINATIVE. It was through Mama Gwen's nurturing influence that we embraced the power of music in our healing retreats today, a legacy that continues to resonate and uplift those we serve.

In our transformative journey, more pivotal figures emerged – Monifa Akosua, a powerful legacy and co-facilitator in this sacred space. Her presence and contributions were profound, making her an instrumental founding healer of BE-IMAGINATIVE. Monifa's impact extended beyond her role as a co-facilitator; she played an essential part in Ayesha's personal healing journey, particularly in her connection with her angel babies, Mali and Assata.

Shirley Johnson and Salina Mae Espinosa, dear friends and mentors to Ayesha, were pivotal in her healing process and served as crucial guidance in the formation of BE-IMAGINATIVE. Their unwavering support and profound wisdom became beacons of light, illuminating Ayesha's transformative journey. As trusted advisors, they enriched

BE-IMAGINATIVE's vision and mission, infusing it with compassion, empathy, and purpose. Together with Ayesha, Monifa Akosua, and Mama Gwen Woods, they actively built out the first healing retreat, creating a transformative space where healing and empowerment flourished through the power of art, mindfulness, and collective engagement. Their legacy inspires us to continue creating spaces of healing, guided by the strength of friendship, community, and the transformative potential of love and compassion.

We were blessed to receive the trust and wisdom of two very important women, Mama Myra Jones and Mama Sharon Bailey (Karega's mother), who joined us during that inaugural healing retreat. They became the founding mothers of BE-IMAGINATIVE, infusing our collective mission with their love and guidance. Their presence enriched our journey, and their contributions continue to inspire us as we strive to foster healing, empowerment, and positive transformation within our communities through art and collective engagement.

The convergence of ancestral healing and creative storytelling gave birth to BE-IMAGINATIVE. Our mission is to organize holistic healing retreats, led by black, brown, and indigenous survivors, that empower and engage communities. Through empowering narratives and impactful art shows, we challenge prevailing cultural norms and curate spaces for collective healing and community engagement. Grounded in honoring our sacred ancestors, BE-IMAGINATIVE seeks to foster healing spaces and promote a deeper understanding of the resilience we possess as a people. With our work, the ultimate goal of transforming societal norms.

We believe in the transformative power of art and storytelling, using them as tools to bring about powerful change and healing. Join us on this empowering journey as we continue to create and cultivate spaces that celebrate creativity, honor our roots, and inspire social change. Together, let's reimagine a world where healing and art intersect to shape a brighter future for all.