Meet Rev. YaNi Davis | Pastor, Performance Artist, Disability Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rev. YaNi Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rev. YaNi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my business because I recognized there was a lot missing within the Healthcare Industry. I noticed that people were receiving care for their physical body but there was no support for their minds and their spirits. My business, My SupaNatural Life was started because I am a Kidney Transplant survivor and wanted to fill in the void for people life me with disabilities who needed a listening air, resources that were not readily available and for folks in need of spaces to be more accessible based on their personal needs. My organization was started because I wanted to be a catalyst for creating a greater culture of wholistic care in churches, organizations, family units, hospitals, and even within individuals lives.

In 2018, I was matriculating through seminary to receive my M.Div. I was called upon, by ESPN to film a Women’s Empowerment PSA in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta, Georgia is where I reviewed my English Degree form Spelman College and I was elated to return to a state that felt like home, for this awesome opportunity. As I was running up Peachtree Street, downtown ATL, I collapsed, could not stop vomiting and was quickly rushed to the hospital by my brother, who was till living in the state.

I reviewed the life-altering news that both of my kidneys were functioning at less than ten percent, that I would need an immediate blood transfusion and surgery for my catheter to be placed. The catheter was so I could begin dialysis the next morning. It was a whirlwind of events and I reached out to a dear friend who was a member of the church I helped to plant in ATL, Rize Community Church. He was a 7 year Kidney Transplant Survivor and also a Social Worker in the field. His guidance and support was unmatched and gave my family and I a sense of calm that, till this day, we give thanks for.

My 2 year journey with Kidney Disease was finally met with a life-saving Transplant from my dear donor, Mariah and a speedy recovery that allowed me to finish my degree and go on to take several course in providing counseling, coaching and trauma informed care to others. My family and I had very few people to share our struggles with as I navigated CKD and I made the choice to launch My SupaNatural Life to give encouragement, hope, companionship and valuable information to a community of people often overlooked.

We will soon be launching our coaching services to the public, as well as ASL classes, after a year of broadcasting, THE NEW WAVE (a series on accessibility and ableism), and impacting the lives of thousands around the world!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am set apart from other artists because my message has always been about peace, purpose and power. I have been making music and writing poetry for two decades. I have been an international teaching-artist since the age of 14 and give thanks everyday for the gift of words that has saved my life, time and time again. The journey has not been easy, as I grew up in a conservative household, and I was rapping at churches all around New York. My parents were a bit taken aback but slowly began to see the impact I was having on my peers. I overcame the challenges by staying committed to the art and all that I knew would come of it! Months later, I was on a flight to The Netherlands to share my message, my music and my life with students in classrooms, all around the country!

I was invited to be the voiceover and principal actress in the Women’s Empowerment PSA in 2018 by ESPN. At age 28, I was selected because the talent scouts found me online and crafted a script with my likeness in mind. This was the moment that changed everything. I thought it was going to be the launching point of career in acting but it was a moment where I had to fight for my life and heal through Kidney Disease.

I learned patience. I learned to ask for the help and support I needed. I learned that I could stay dedicated to my studies even in the midst of 12 hours of dialysis at night. I learned that I was an inspiration for others navigating health challenges while living into their dreams. I learned that my voice mattered. I learned how to “write for my life.” I learned the injustices of the Healthcare System and institutions. I learned I was a warrior. I learned the love of my community far and wide. learned how to love myself wholly!

My brand is rooted in wholistic communal care. I believe the people of the world deserve more peace, more justice, more equity, more care and MORE LOVE1

Writing my book las year and finishing my upcoming album, taught me that my story is one that needs to be remembered and that my legacy will be grounded in coaching, creative and community building! Waves (the album) and Waves Crashing Against Black Skin (my second book of poetry_ will be released in the forthcoming months!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Funny you should ask, I just had a weekend just like this! I started out at Apache XLR cafe on a Thursday night, where Atlanta Poetry legend, Georgia Me was hosting. I hopped on the mic and shared a poem, Love Activator (Sittin’ at The Salon. Friday, I went to Flying Biscuit on Moreland Avenue. Sunday morning I preached and shared some music with Unity South in Jonesboro, Georgia. My mentor and spiritual mother is the Reverend there and it was a powerful time! I then attended One Music Fest where I fell in love with the performances of Masego and Ari Lennox. Kirk Frankin had the whole crowd of thousands praising and worshipping on a Sunday. I finished my trip at Piedmont Park, sitting under my favorite tree and reading a book for a few hours. If I had the time I would have gone to Starlight Drive In to catch a double feature. One of my most favorite things to do in ATL!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate this article to mentee MacKenzie who transitioned last year October. She was my good friend from the dialysis clinic. I want to dedicate this post to all of my Kidney friends who have been transplanted and those still on the Kidney Disease journey. This is dedicated to the people who stepped up to offer their Kidneys to me so that I could live this second life. This is dedicated to my mentors, coaches, pastors, and guides who journeyed with me throughout my life. This is dedicated to my devoted and compassionate family who loved me back to wholeness! This is dedicated to my lifesaver, my friend, my soulmate and the one who literally lives inside of me,…my donor Mariah!

Website: www.WhoIsYani.com, www.MySupanTauralLife.org

Instagram: @YaNiMeansPeace, @MySupaNaturalLife

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/whoisyani, www.Facebook.com/MySupaNaturalLife

Youtube: @YaNiMeansPeace

Other: www.PeacePeople.Apparel.com

Image Credits
Jovonnie Anaya