Lynnette White and Sabrina Francis-White sat down with Angela to share how

a Blind date turned into a Fairy Tale Come True. And to discuss what it takes to sustain 32 years

of love, understanding and marriage. As they continue to plan their next adventure in life.

Mary Hooks is a 42yr old, Black, lesbian, feminist, abolitionist, pan-Africanist, mother, wife and a member of Southerners On New Ground and part of the leadership of the Movement 4 Black Lives. Mary joined SONG as a member in 2009 and began organizing with SONG in 2010. Mary’s commitment to Black liberation, which encompasses the liberation of LGBTQ folks, is rooted in her experiences growing up under the impacts of the War on Drugs. Her people are migrants of the Great Migration, factory workers, church folks, Black women, hustlers and addicts, dykes, studs, femmes, queens and all people fighting for the liberation of oppressed people.

Mary Hooks believes that in order to reach a world that is free from fear and the safety and dignity of all people can be honored, Black people, oppressed people, and all those who are impacted by white supremacy must vision a new world, build our collective power, both locally and globally and take action. She has been passionate about transformative organizing work that changes hearts and minds and has been at the forefront of combating racism, by taking on fights that impact the lives of Black and brown queer and trans people in the South, such as the work to abolish money bail, defunding police, re-imagining public safety and developing new organizers. When she is not ripping the eyebrows off of white supremacy and injustice, you can find Hooks plotting, scheming, and dreaming, but most of all loving on her people.

“The mandate; to avenge the suffering of our ancestors, to earn the respect of future generations, and to be transformed in the service of the work. Let’s get free ya’ll!” - Mary Hooks

The ZAMI NOBLA North Carolina State Chapter holds a monthly potluck. I took a road trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, to experience one of these gatherings and had the pleasure of interviewing one of their members, Marilyn McClain.

Marilyn McClain’s Bio:
I Am a body Alchemist. One who is patient, grounded, wise, modest and
who enjoys learning and teaching. My mind and soul are open. Love is
my greatest tool. I use my inner strength and spirit to transform the
lives of others through movement and visioning. I am a licensed
physical therapist in the state of North Carolina. I have been
practicing for 20 years. I am certified as an instructor for Tai Chi
for Immunity and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. There are
many forms of exercise and I assist clients in discovering what
resonates with their whole being.

ZAMI NOBLA North Carolina Chapter info:
https://www.zaminobla.org/chapters

ZAMI NOBLA North Carolina Chapter Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1157415168054367

Janyce Jackson Jones (President- ZAMI NOBLA North Carolina State
Chapter) interview:
https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/zaminobla/id/17779127