Pause, Heal, Connect: Highlights from the 2025 BWS Conference
On Saturday, October 25, more than fifty Black women gathered for FIERCE Advocates’ annual Black Women’s Sanctuary Conference, a healing space rooted in rest, reflection, and collective care.
This year’s theme, Pause: A Wellness Experience, invited participants to slow down, turn inward, and give themselves permission to care for their own well-being. In partnership with Contra Costa Health and Human Services, the day offered a rare opportunity to step away from daily pressures and enter a community space intentionally crafted for restoration.
A Warm Welcome and a Growing Community
From the moment women walked through the doors, the atmosphere felt calm, welcoming, and affirming. Many attendees were joining for the first time, a reflection of deeper outreach efforts and the growing need for accessible wellness spaces for Black women. The conference centered the emotional and mental health of Black women, a core part of FIERCE’s mission to support the well-being of families and caregivers.
When Black women have access to healing, connection, and support, entire communities thrive.
Healing Through Sound, Stillness, and Creative Expression
The day opened with grounding and gentle movement, followed by holistic healing sessions that encouraged participants to nurture both mind and body.
The sound bath quickly became one of the most memorable sessions of the entire conference:
Eye masks were offered to promote rest and quiet reflection. Some participants drifted into peaceful sleep while others meditated or simply breathed deeply. The soft sounds of snoring across the room became a gentle reminder of how deeply women need uninterrupted rest.
Creative expression also played a meaningful role:
Through a group art project, women reconnected with creativity, collaboration, and joy. Many shared that they had not engaged in art in years, and the experience felt both refreshing and grounding.
Building Trust and Connection Through Shared Stories
The keynote speaker guided women into small conversation groups, encouraging them to sit with someone they did not already know. What began as a simple icebreaker about whether they considered themselves huggers quickly unfolded into honest and vulnerable sharing. Five participants later offered reflections to the full group, establishing a foundation of trust that shaped the rest of the day.
A Moment of Compassion That Defined the Day
Throughout the conference, moments of personal connection became as meaningful as the sessions themselves. One participant arrived late and overwhelmed by the challenges of her morning. As she checked in, she shared the difficult experiences that nearly kept her from attending. When met with warmth and care, she began to cry, and was embraced with compassion and reassurance. Later, she settled into a beanbag with a blanket and finally allowed her body to relax. This moment reflected the heart of the Sanctuary Conference.
Healing begins with being seen, held, and supported.
What Participants Took With Them
Facilitators and attendees expressed a renewed commitment to prioritizing rest and self-care. Coach Paula shared her hope that each woman left with a fresh reminder of the importance of pausing, reflecting, and renewing. She encouraged participants to move from talking about self-care to actively practicing it, honoring their worth and carrying these lessons into their personal and professional lives.
The gratitude shared by participants illuminated the conference’s impact.
Comments included:
Thank you, I needed this
This was the best conference I have ever attended
Sound bath was very relaxing and restful
The conference was educational, encouraging and intentional
Please continue the conference, it is very necessary
Everything was great, from the blankets to the art making
These reflections affirmed how essential this gathering is for Black women in Contra Costa County.
Why Sanctuary Matters in Our Community
Events like the Black Women’s Sanctuary Conference are deeply aligned with FIERCE’s mission. They create space for Black women to rest, connect, and reclaim time for themselves. They strengthen families, nurture leaders, and build pathways for community advocacy grounded in emotional and physical wellness. When Black women pause and renew their energy, the entire community benefits.
We are grateful for every participant who showed up for themselves and for one another.
We extend heartfelt appreciation to the facilitators, volunteers, and staff whose dedication made this day so meaningful. Their thoughtful planning ensured that every woman felt welcomed, supported, and valued.
This year’s Sanctuary Conference was a powerful reminder that rest is not a luxury. It is a vital part of wellness and community strength. FIERCE Advocates is honored to continue creating spaces that uplift, restore, and inspire.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s conference a true sanctuary!
