Iyabo Gathers
Restoring, Reclaiming and Reimaging Revolution
Reading in community - books that restore and provoke healing conversations
A reading circle committed to healing, growing & envisioning a just future.
Restorative Reading Circle 2025
Cultural Reconnection
Re-member and rediscover your roots through immersive cultural experiences, from historical site visits to traditional culinary sessions. Embrace Ghana’s customs, sounds, and tastes as you journey back to the origins of our heritage.
Healing, Love, & Self Care
Nurture your spirit in a space dedicated to wellness and reflection. Engage in activities designed for mental and physical rejuvenation, including meditation, spa treatments, and ceremonies that honor our collective resilience.
Community & Empowerment
Build lasting bonds in a community that uplifts and supports. Participate in dialogues, workshops, and group activities that foster personal growth and empower us to be the leaders of our narrative.
Restorative Reading Circle
“There is a kind of magick and power in certain words. They vibrate with spiritual frequency. They resonate with the forces in the universe." from Lilith Dorsey's Orishas, Goddesses, and Voodoo Queens: The Divine Feminine in the African Religious Tradition" (2020)
Inaugural gathering - Saturday, April 19, 2025, 10 a.m.- noon -
2nd Gathering, May 17th, 2025 / Cebo Campbell’s Sky Full of Elephants (on Audible too)
3rd Gathering, June 21st, 2025 / River Solomon’s The Deep (2020) (on Audible too)
4th Gathering, July 19th, 2025 / Joy Harden Bradford Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community (2023) (on Audible too)
Inaugural Restorative Reading Gathering
April 19, 2025, 10 a.m. - noon (via Zoom), links will be sent to registered participants
About Dr. Pamela Twyman Hoff
Founder & Visionary of "Iyabo Gathers"
Dr. Pamela Twyman Hoff, the heart and soul behind "Iyabo Gathers," is a beacon of inspiration for the community. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies and is an Endowed Professor of Policy and Equity at the University of Illinois in the School of Education. Dr. Hoff has dedicated her life to fostering spaces where Black people, particularly Black women can reconnect with their roots and flourish through shared cultural experiences.
Vision
Her vision for "Iyabo Gathers" stems from a deep-seated belief in the power of heritage and communal healing. Dr. Hoff envisions a world where every Black woman can embark on a journey of self-discovery and embrace the collective wisdom of our ancestors.
Register for the Reading Circle
We, "Iyabo Gathers," strive to support our journey together every step of the way. To register for the reading circle, if you have any questions, need more information, or want to chat about the experience, don't hesitate to reach out to iyabogathers@gmail.com or use the contact card below. Our team is ready to assist you with heartfelt service and prompt responses.