Sunday Safe Spaces
This is a monthly program hosted by April Jackson and Wesley Hamilton every third Sunday of the month. Join them on their livestreams and podcast for insightful discussions that dive into pressing issues, hot topics, and current events, featuring a diverse lineup of guests. April and Wesley draw from their lived experiences at the intersections of race and disability, creating an inclusive and thought-provoking dialogue. Through personal stories and expert insights, they explore healing and wellness tools for the mind and body, with the aim of inspiring and empowering listeners. With 43 episodes and over 50 guests sharing lived experiences, Sunday Safe Spaces is dedicated to supporting the community by fostering connection and understanding, especially in a society where marginalization is all too common. Tune in for conversations that challenge, inform, and uplift.
Check out this past episode
Sunday Safe Spaces: Episode 46: Reflections & Gratitude for 2024
This month, we will discuss our reflections & gratitude for 2024 with April Jackson and Wesley Hamilton.
Catch Sunday Safe Spaces on Facebook Live!
Join April Jackson and Wesley Hamilton on every third Sunday of the month on Facebook Live.
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April Jackson
Host
Open Up Pittsburgh’s Advocacy specialist April Jackson is also an empowering facilitator and coach. April ignites passion and fosters collaboration in individuals and teams. With over twenty five years of experience in education, administration, and leadership, she cultivates inclusive environments where everyone thrives.
April incorporates mindfulness practices to create a supportive and human-centered space. This, along with her commitment to equity, ensures all participants have a chance to contribute and achieve their goals. April's background in holistic support aims to empower all people.
Wesley Hamilton
Co-Host
Wesley Hamilton stands (sits as he would say) as a paradigm of resilience and empowerment, challenging the world to rethink its perception of disabilities and embrace the power of disruption and personal transformation. His journey from paralysis to purpose-driven living has made him an influential figure in reshaping narratives around overcoming obstacles and harnessing one’s potential.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Wesley’s early life was marked by challenges unique to African-American men. His life took a dramatic turn just after his 24th birthday when a severe injury left him paralyzed below the waist. This life-altering event, however, did not deter Wesley. Instead, it fueled his determination to redefine his life and purpose.
Wesley’s response to his paralysis was nothing short of extraordinary.
https://wesleyhamilton.life
Anea Michelle
Producer and Showrunner
Anea Michelle, Open Up's Advocacy Lead, is the Producer and Showrunner for SSS live recordings, managing all behind-the-scenes operations to ensure a seamless and high-quality production.
Anea brings over a decade of experience as an accessible yoga teacher, doula, writer, and educator. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Texas State University. Anea holds numerous certifications, including being a 500 RYT yoga teacher, an accessibility lead trainer, and a specialist in sound healing and mindfulness.
With a deep passion for helping individuals find their yoga and mindfulness practice, Anea meets her students right where they are, encouraging them to move in ways that honor and listen to their bodies. She is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for everyone and building strong, supportive communities. As an Advocacy Lead, Anea bridges the gap between diverse populations, ensuring that yoga and mindfulness are accessible to all.
Open Spaces
Sunday Safe Spaces is part of Open Spaces programming. Join our Open Spaces Newsletter for tools to help navigate social settings and explore individual and collective growth through community storytelling and conversations around wellness and identity.