Peace and love family. Thanks for coming back to read another incredible interview in this "Black Legacy" interview series. These stories are so good. These brothers are out here making monumental impact in the world. I'm honored to be connected to each of them and honored they agreed to participate in this project.
Brother Yomi Love is our featured guest for this article. I first met this brother at an event for parents, mainly mothers, who had lost their children before they were born. That was about 10 years ago. We've been in communication since then. I love the work this brother does. He is definitely one of the brothers I believe is tapped into a higher vibration than most. I'm grateful to call him my brother.
Enjoy this article and be sure to leave a comment a share it with your networks. Thank you.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Yomi Love is a transformative healer, visionary, and co-founder of the Abundance in Ujamaa Movement. As a dedicated student of Queen Afua, Yomi’s journey embodies the essence of love, healing, and spiritual elevation. Known as the Shrine of Mer(Love), his very presence radiates a profound energy of restoration and empowerment. His sacred practices include Kemetic Reiki and sacred drumming, tools through which he facilitates transformative healing spaces. Yomi’s intuitive listening goes beyond words—he hears and feels what is left unsaid, creating a safe and non-judgmental space that allows for the release and transmutation of stagnant energies, ultimately raising the vibration of both individuals and the collective.
As the author of Cosmic Conscious Creators, Yomi guides others on how to consciously manifest their reality by channeling Divine energy with intention and purpose. He is also the facilitator of the “Brotherhood Build,” a program dedicated to healing the Divine Masculine through sacred medicine and spiritual practices. In addition, Yomi serves as the Operations Manager for Coexist Ceremonies, a wellness collective that creates elevated, sacred experiences for underserved communities, promoting holistic healing, growth, and collective empowerment. Through his work, Yomi continues to inspire others to live with intention, healing, and love as they awaken their divine power.
Personal Legacy Journey
Q1: Tell us about your upbringing. What early influences shaped who you are today?
A1: I was born and raised in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, by two revolutionary Pan-African
Caribbean immigrants. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my involvement in the
Young Pioneers Institute, the youth wing of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party,
which instilled in me a strong foundation of political consciousness and activism from an
early age. I was also a member of the Joy of Performing Ensemble, where we were
taught African culture through the arts, blending creativity with cultural pride.
Brooklyn itself was a cultural classroom—its vibrant mix of people, music, and traditions
shaped my worldview. On top of that, I was surrounded by a loving family and an
extended community of my parents’ friends, all of whom shared similar Pan-Africanist
tendencies. These experiences gave me a strong sense of identity as an African and a
deep connection to community, both of which continue to guide me in everything I do.
Q2: What inspired you to pursue your career path? Were there pivotal moments that
changed your direction or perspective?
A2: My career path as an author, energy healer, and workshop facilitator is deeply rooted in
my love for people and my calling to raise collective consciousness, specifically to be a
healer for my community. While my early years were grounded in political organizing,
shaped by revolutionary principles, a pivotal moment in my life—facing the health
challenge of kidney failure—caused a profound shift within me.
That experience forced me to confront not just my physical health but also my spiritual
well-being. It opened the door to exploring my spiritual gifts and deepening my interest
in metaphysical truths, moving me beyond the framework of philosophical materialism
that had been central to my political training. Through that transformation, I realized that
healing isn’t just about systems and structures; it’s also about energy, spirit, and
consciousness.
Today, whether I’m writing, facilitating workshops, or practicing energy healing, it all
flows from that same source—a deep commitment to the well-being of my people and
the belief that true liberation begins within.
Q3: Who have been your biggest role models or mentors, and how have they
impacted your journey?
A3: My biggest role models have been my parents, Kwame Ture, Queen Afua, Mama
Nyaah and Baba Shanto. My parents showed me what it means to love deeply—both
each other and our community. They gave me my confidence, my cultural grounding,
and a profound love for my people.
Kwame Ture was instrumental in shaping how I politically analyze the world. His
dedication to serving Africans globally and his undying love for our people are reflected
in how beloved he continues to be. Queen Afua has been a guiding light in my
understanding of holistic healing, expanding my view of wellness beyond the physical.
Mama Nyaah and Baba Shanto, both powerful holistic healers, have offered me
invaluable guidance and love over the years and have also shown me what a beautiful
marriage should look like.
Each of them has helped shape who I am, weaving together the threads of political
consciousness, cultural pride, and spiritual healing that define my life’s work
Community Impact and Responsibility
Q4: How has your work contributed to the Black community?
A4: My work has contributed to the Black community by creating spaces where connection,
healing, and inspiration can thrive. I’ve been committed to building community in various
forms—whether it’s cultural spaces that celebrate our heritage, political spaces that
foster critical dialogue and action, ceremonial spaces that honor our spiritual traditions,
or healing spaces that support holistic well-being.
Through this work, I’ve been able to connect activists, artists, and healers with one
another, as well as with those who are seeking healing, community, and a sense of
belonging. It’s about weaving a network of support and empowerment, where people
can find not just resources but also resonance with others on similar paths.
Q5: In your opinion, what does Black male leadership look like today, and how can it
grow stronger?
A5: Black male leadership looks like doing the deep, transformative work to heal the
generational trauma that has been passed down through our lineage for centuries. It’s
about breaking cycles that no longer serve us and creating new legacies rooted in
healing, strength, and self-determination.
It means being a protector—not just in the physical sense, but emotionally, spiritually,
and culturally—of Black women, Black children, Black elders, and the Black community
as a whole. Leadership is also about accountability, holding oneself and other Black
men responsible for upholding cultural standards, like showing respect for our elders,
honoring our women, and standing firm in our values.
Black male leadership looks like taking responsibility to be positive role models for Black
boys, guiding them with love and wisdom as they grow into men. It’s about being faithful
husbands, loving fathers, and community pillars who embody integrity, compassion, and
commitment. True leadership isn’t just about what you say—it’s reflected in how you
live, love, and serve.
It can grow stronger as Black men come together to council each other and become
accountable to each other.
Q6: How do you empower others, particularly younger Black men, to succeed and
leave their own legacy?
A6: I empower others, particularly younger Black men, to succeed and create their own
legacy by holding space for them to share their struggles without judgment. I believe it’s
essential to provide counsel and encouragement, not from a place of authority but from
genuine care and understanding.
I help them recognize their unique gifts and talents, which are often overlooked or
undervalued in a world that doesn’t always affirm who they are. My goal is to instill
confidence and love in them, to remind them of their worth, their power, and the legacy
they’re capable of building. It’s about nurturing not just their potential but their sense of
self, so they can move through life with purpose and pride
Black Culture and Heritage
Q7: What does Black culture mean to you?
A7: To me, Black culture means collectivism. We’ve always carried a spirit of all-for-one and
one-for-all, rooted in the understanding that our strength comes from our unity. It’s
about community, connection, and knowing that we thrive when we support and uplift
each other.
Black culture also means resilience. We’ve had to overcome more than any other
people, facing generations of oppression, displacement, and struggle. Yet, through it all, we’ve not only survived—we’ve created, innovated, and flourished. Our resilience isn’t
just about enduring; it’s about transforming pain into power, struggle into strength.
And at its core, Black culture is love. It’s the most loving and accepting culture in the
world. That love shows up in how we care for our families, how we create art, how we
move, how we celebrate, and even how we fight for justice. Our culture is infused with a
deep, abiding love—for ourselves, for our people, and for humanity.
Q8: How do you stay connected to your heritage, and why is it important for others to
do the same?
A8: I stay connected to my heritage by honoring the teachings and traditions passed down
to me by my parents, elders, and mentors. I actively practice the values of Pan-
Africanism, community, and cultural pride that were instilled in me from a young age.
Whether it’s through the work I do, the spaces I create, or the relationships I build, I
make sure to center my African identity in everything I engage with.
I also continue to study the history, philosophy, and spiritual practices that are a part of
my lineage, ensuring that my understanding of who I am remains rooted in the wisdom
of our ancestors. Staying connected to my heritage is not just about preserving the
past—it’s about using that knowledge to guide and inspire my future and the future of
those in my community.
It is important for others to do the same as our roots and our culture is a weapon
against a system that devalues us and leaves most of our people at the level of
depression and hopelessness.
Q9: What does the word "legacy" mean to you as a Black man?
A9: As a Black man, the word legacy means becoming an honorable ancestor for future
generations. It’s about living a life that is grounded in integrity, love, and purpose—so
that when I’m no longer here, my actions, my words, and my example continue to guide
those who come after me.
Legacy also means leaving tangible resources—whether that’s financial, intellectual, or
spiritual—that can empower future generations to succeed and build on the foundation
we've laid. But beyond just material resources, it’s about leaving a cultural
framework—values, principles, and traditions—that can help future generations
navigate the world with strength, resilience, and pride in who they are
Vision for the Future
Q10: What are your hopes for the future of the Black community?
A10: My hopes for the Black community in the future are rooted in the vision of freedom,
unity, and healing. I envision Africa as free, unified, and socialist, with the power to
shape its own destiny. I also hope for Black communities throughout the diaspora to
experience similar freedom, unity, and a return to their rightful power.
I believe that for Black communities to thrive, we must embrace our heritage and
culture, reconnecting with the principles and values we lived by before our history was
violently interrupted by colonization. This reclaiming of our cultural foundation will be
key to our healing.
As Black communities heal—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—I believe that the
world will heal as well. Our collective healing holds the power to transform not only our
communities but the global consciousness, offering a model of resilience, love, and
unity that the world desperately needs.
Q11: What advice would you give to young Black men seeking to define their purpose
and build a meaningful legacy?
A11: My advice to young Black men seeking to define their purpose and build a meaningful
legacy would be simple: Know Thyself. Each of us has unique gifts and a calling, and
it’s important to take the time to go within and truly connect with your Spirit and Higher
Self.
You are not alone in this journey—call on your ancestors for guidance and wisdom.
They’ve walked this earth before you, and their energy and teachings can offer profound
direction. Also, seek out your elders. They’ve lived through challenges and triumphs,
and their experiences can help you navigate your own path.
But remember, a meaningful legacy cannot be built in isolation. Find others who share
your vision, who are aligned with your values, and build with them. Together, you can
create something that transcends your own lifetime and leaves a lasting impact on the
world.
Q12: How can we, as a collective, work toward a stronger, united future for Black
people?
A12: As a collective, we can work toward a stronger, united future for Black people by
prioritizing our own healing. Healing from the trauma of colonization, oppression, and
systemic injustice is essential for us to move forward as a unified force. When we heal
individually and collectively, we become stronger, more resilient, and better able to uplift
each other.
We must also prioritize collaboration over division. The power of unity is
undeniable—whether it’s in political action, community-building, or cultural expression.
By aligning ourselves with others who share our vision and values, we can create a
movement that amplifies our voices and resources. We should build spaces for open
dialogue, learning, and mutual support, where we can exchange knowledge and
strategies for collective advancement.
Finally, we must reconnect with our heritage and cultural roots. By embracing and
celebrating our history, we strengthen our identity and deepen our sense of pride and
belonging. When we collectively remember who we are, where we come from, and what
we’ve endured, we ignite the power within ourselves to shape a future that is free,
unified, and thriving.
Rapid-Fire Insights
Q13: What is your favorite book or movie about Black excellence?
A13: My favorite book about Black excellence is "Stokely Speaks".
Q14: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A14: The best advice I ever received is "Liberation through purification"
Q15: What’s one word that describes your legacy so far?
A15: One word that describes my legacy so far is simply Love
Q16: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A16: My favorite childhood memory are the “Family Day” Bus rides organized by my Roots Groundation
Q17: What was your dream as a child?
A17: My dream as a child was to be like Kwame Ture
What depth! Seriously, I believe I can listen to this brother speak, or even like now, read his words, for hours on end. Man. Both his passion and insight are felt when reading his words. I'm grateful.
I hope you all enjoyed this article on brother Yomi Love. To get in touch with him, just hit this following link which will take you to his linktree - linktr.ee/ShrineOfMer.
Please remember to leave a comment and share this interview with your people. Thank you so much.
Peace & Love,
Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston
Founder, Lashawn Marston Enterprises
Commenti