We had the good fortune of connecting with Kajara Nebthet and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kajara, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Chicago in the seventies. Chicago was segregated then with most Black people living on the South or West sides. We had black schools with black teachers. I learned about marcus Garvey, John H Johnson, The black panthers and black entreprenuers in third grade. We learned to be proud of our skin and our history at a young age and we also learned to be mindful of racist people who did not like us. When I left Chicago to go to school in Florida, I was called a nigga for the first time within a week. I will never forget that. It led me to want to know more about my history. I studied the truth about our history and the history of this nation. I began to realize that we have been caught in a state of victimization, pain and oppression as a people and that we would not be able to build and grow until we heal the wounds of our minds, bodies and hearts. I made a commitment to dedicate my life to uplifting our people in my early twenties and I still honor that commitment today.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist, for over twenty years I traveled the country selling my handmade creations which included clothes, jewelry, home art & accessories, and altar pieces to name a few. As I began to move into the healing arts for personal healing and self care, I found that there were many others who needed healing as well. I continued to heal and learn, studying under the tutelage of Dr Lliala Afrika and many others in regards to wholistic healing, energy healing, proper eating habits , yoga, meditation and more. My personal healing process led me to write and to teach what I was learning to others. Our community has been in need of healing from racism and oppression since we were brought here. We have to release layers of anger, abuse and dysfunction. We have to heal so that we can rebuild ourselves, our families and our community. Hurt people hurt people. but those who are whole can build the future. As I heal myself, I heal my family, children, community, ancestors and the world.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends come to visit Atlanta, some of my favorite places to take them are Tasilli’s Raw Reality for a delicious raw vegan treat. Mango Carribbean Restaurant on Auburn is another favorite dining spot. We also drive through the west end to support other Black businesses., like Wadada & the Afrocentric Network. We go to Sweet Water Park for some time with nature and maybe the cascade nature preserve which is quite popular these days. We also drive through the little five points to do some shopping. Atlanta is a great town for shopping and foodies.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this Shout out to my mother. She was an entreprenuer who created a business as a mobile pedicurist. She was a healer who helped and cared for hundreds of people for over thirty years. My mother taught me to be myself and to use my God given talents to assist and uplift others. For this I am eternally grateful.
Website: https://www.rasekhihealing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rasekhi_arts_temple/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Sekhmet9
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rasekhiartstemple
Youtube: www.youtube.com/rasekhiartstemple
Other: https://www.rasekhistore.com/
Image Credits
Photos by Jahaan and Tehuti films