Race and Class (and many other factors) influence our perception of what is “acceptable” around grief…how we experience it, what losses matter, how we manage it, who deserves our grief, who gets supported, and the look of mourning and celebration.

“We expect respectability, but why?” ~Dr. Jamie

At The Ratchet Grief Project™, we define grief as:
What we feel and how we respond to loss, change, and transition.

Together, we are:

• Cultivating awareness about grief.
  We challenge harmful ideologies and narratives around grief, especially those that dismiss or diminish the lived experiences of Black and marginalized communities.

• Creating space for real people, real stories.
  We believe in the power of storytelling to validate experiences, disrupt stereotypes, and center the voices of those often overlooked.

• Considering the impact of race and class on our grief expressions and experiences.
  Grief does not exist in isolation. We explore how systemic inequities shape what is considered “acceptable” grief, who receives support, and how mourning and celebration are expressed.

• Constructing empathetic and equitable approaches to grief support, especially for the disenfranchised and marginalized.
  By centering empathy, equity, and liberation, we build frameworks of care that honor the fullness of human experience and make space for grief in all its forms.

• Co-creating rituals and more.
  Healing and remembrance require creativity and connection. We engage in creating rituals and practices that reflect the cultural richness, individuality, and collective wisdom of our communities.

At the heart of The Ratchet Grief Project™ is a commitment to disrupting respectability politics and creating sacred, inclusive spaces where grief can be felt, seen, and held authentically.

Stay Tuned!

If you’d like to share your story or learn more, email Dr. Jamie.