The Reflections of Us
The Reflections of Us is a joint storytelling campaign between We The Diaspora and The Good Mirrors Institute, inspired by Good Mirrors’ 2021 “Mirror Work” affirmation deck. We invited participants to choose an affirmation from the deck and pair it with an archival image of someone, whether a family member, community member, or historical figure, who embodied the spirit of those words. The result is a tapestry of personal and collective memory, where affirmations become portals into lived histories and images carry the weight of both legacy and hope. Here are some of the thoughtful, moving pairings that emerged from this collaboration.
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“This is my grandmother Lenor on her graduation day from nursing school—August 11, 1978. Just days after her birthday, she stood proud, determined, and accomplished. She did this while raising three kids, even welcoming my aunt that same year.
In a time when many women in The Bahamas weren’t educated past primary school, my great-grandmother Lillian saved every penny to ensure my grandmother attended GHS—opening the door to this milestone. Education was everything to her. She pursued studies in Baltimore, Maryland, and Kingston, Jamaica, at UWI, always striving for more.
She embodies resilience. In a world that told her she was unworthy, she pushed forward, stepping fully into her vision. She was deserving. And so am I.
Affirmation (Mirror Work Deck, 2021): Lean into the fullness of who you are. You are capable. You are worthy. You are deserving.” - Jiya Pinder
“Sometimes we need to be reminded of who we are and whose we are.
For me, Black women writers, feminists and artists - through their use of language and creative expression - create the mirrors I need to see myself more clearly. I find interacting with their words and art to be a grounding practice - a practice of self-care. @genelambrose, founder @good.mirrors
Pictured (counterclockwise):
bell hooks
June Jordan
Alice Walker
Sonia Sanchez
Audre Lorde
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“Mirror Work” Affirmation by Good Mirrors: You are a visionary like Toni, healer like Maya, muse, like bell. Your lineage is strong.”
““Diane is my first home. She is the quiet strength that has shaped me, the steady presence that made sure I always had what I needed—even when it meant putting herself second. She taught me care not just through words, but through action—the way she moves through the world, the sacrifices she’s made, the love she gives without hesitation. She is the reason I know how to hold space for others while standing firm in who I am. She made a way out of no way, not for recognition, but because that’s just who she is. And through it all, she never let me forget that I was loved, that I was capable, and could dream beyond what was in front of me. This is my love letter to her, a reminder that I see and honor her. Love you mama 🤎” - DeLisha Tapscott, Ed.D., (@delishatapscott) Founder of @blckgirlnarrative on her mother, @dianeasylvester ✨
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“Mirror Work” Affirmation by Good Mirrors: You are a vessel of immeasurable potential.”
“Pauli Murray was a trailblazer, and their work echoed so far beyond their lifetime. Being a black queer woman in their time, inventing the language we use today for intersectionality, and countless other firsts - writing was their ritual. I also write on a regular basis, and too often I thought of it as a small gesture of self maintanence. Pauli’s complex story demonstrates how powerful the ritual of documenting your journey can impact generations to come. I am grateful for their contribution to my world.” - Mia Ross (@iammai.creative)