Meet Jaacalyn Davis of A Gathering of Goddesses

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaacalyn Davis. 

Hi Jaacalyn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey begins when I was placed into the loving arms of the black community here in Nashville in 2000. I came here to matriculate at Fisk University and I was given an opportunity to participate in an internship to work with youth through the Village Cultural Arts Center. This organization used the arts (performance in dance, music, theater, poetry, and public speaking) as a tool to communicate values, provoke critical thinking that lead to introspection and revolutionary conversation. I met some of the most amazing individuals during my time at The Village Cultural Arts Center: Charmaine Gibbs West, Kysa “Novichi” Estes, Kawema Kinley, Cheryl Benion, and Iyalosa Osunyemi Akalatunde, to just name a few. These women were the walking examples of the woman I wanted to become. They possessed the business savvy, poise, wisdom, revolutionary mindset, intellect, ferocity, and nurturance that made me proud to be a black woman. While in community with these sages, my spirit continued to draw me to places and spaces where black women were searching for healing and support. I found myself in such a place in the summer of 2004 when A Gathering of Goddesses had a retreat where the legendary Queen Afua would be in-house to take us through the gateways of the sacred woman initiation. This experience changed my entire life. I was meant to be there. 

The wisdom and life-affirming ways of my ancestors that was shared that weekend blew new life into me. The bond formed by the women that gathered has not been broken till this day. That bond, once felt, was the catalyst for the drive to be a part of creating safe spaces for black women to just BE. I joined the AGOG (A Gathering of Goddesses) team in the spring of 2011 where I was thereafter groomed for greatness by its founders, Charmaine Gibbs-West, Barbara Fason, Cherokee Lewis, and Sakalyah Thomas. I was entrusted with the vision from the founders and the ancestors in 2012 and I have been dedicated to the work ever since. 

A Gathering of Goddesses was founded in 2004, and it has been doing the work of empowering black women and creating a safe place where just “BEing” is enough. We support our sistren with our Power, Presence, and Purpose. 

I take pleasure in continuing the visionary work of creating, curating, and participating in the healing of ourselves and our ancestors through the work that we do in the community now. The sisterhood exists because we NEED each other, and there’s no other place I’d rather be. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road we travel is not paved and has many potholes! Sharing information that can break individuals out of antiquated and oppressive mindsets is not always welcomed. It is everyone’s birth rite to be well, but not all want to be “cured”. The struggle is always in the mind. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
AGOG (A Gathering of Goddesses) was founded in 2004. This organization is dedicated to cultivating holistic health and inspiring spiritual awakening in woman of the African Diaspora, especially black women in America 

We conduct Monthly New Moon Gatherings, Woman’s Retreats, Workshops, Conference Calls, and Webinars… All focused on Woman’s Empowerment, Spiritual Enlightenment, and Personal Growth. 

The focus of our content is being and providing, support, connection and education about the topics that matter to black women most. From the mundane to the magical, we explore it all. 

I’m most proud of the culturally conscious and consistent presence we have in our community. 

The uniqueness of our organization lies in the holistic needs of Black women in America. The Spiritual, Psychological, Physical, & Emotional are all explored through the lens of our ancestors. We offer exclusive content and courses through our online Patreon platform, and our very own Goddess Ascension University. 

Our brand is about cultivating the divine feminine energy within all of us. AGOG means safe space, a respite for those who want to learn, heal, and grow together. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Emma R Davis, my mother has been my inspiration and motivation towards greatness since the beginning of my life until this day. She constantly reminds me that I can do anything I put my mind to and that limitations to my greatness are only illusions. 

Charmaine Gibbs-West is the big sister and mentor that I never knew I needed. We had instant connection and friendship when we met almost 20 years ago at The Village Cultural Arts Center. Since then, she has been an amazing example of a businesswoman with integrity, community organizer, educator, and friend.

I honestly could not have done any of the things I have done in Nashville without the support, love, and guidance of my extended family (which are too many to name, but you know who you are😉). When I came here in 2000, I had no family here, and now in 2021 my cup truly runs over. I’m forever grateful. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://agatheringofgoddesses.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXdYoQvo5Bj/?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/AGOGSOUTH/?tsid=0.12642761894487164&source=result
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/GoddessGathering

Image Credits
Willette Dupree