African American Saturday School
2026-03-21 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-05-16 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-20 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-07-18 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-15 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-09-19 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-10-17 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-11-21 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) and 15 more dates | Meeting Room of CSSC
African American Saturday SchoolThird Saturdays | 12:00–3:00 PMMeeting Room, Common Street Spiritual CenterFacilitated by Deborah Mitchell
African American Saturday School is a monthly gathering devoted to learning, reflection, and community rooted in the rich history and cultural legacy of African Americans. Led by educator and community leader Deborah Mitchell, this program offers a space to study African American history through autobiographies, guided lesson plans, book discussions, and presentations from guest speakers.
Participants will explore the stories, struggles, creativity, and contributions that have shaped African American life in the United States and beyond. Sessions may include storytelling, music, and artistic expression that illuminate the historical journey and cultural traditions of African Americans.
The program will also provide space to examine current policy issues affecting African American communities today. Through dialogue and shared learning, the gathering aims to serve as a thoughtful forum—a place where people of all races, creeds, and denominations can engage deeply with history while reflecting on the challenges and possibilities of the present.
African American Saturday School is also intended to inspire the next generation of leaders by connecting historical knowledge with a sense of responsibility for the future.
The program is open and free to the public. A goodwill offering is welcome but not required. Books and African-American-inspired artwork by local, regional, and international artists will also be available for purchase.
All are welcome to join this ongoing space for learning, culture, and community.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79271727876?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 792 7172 7876
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Death Café - A space for open, respectful conversations about death
2026-04-09 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-07 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-04 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-06-04 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-02 18:30 - 19:30 | Meeting Room of CSSC
What is a Death Café?

A Death Café is a facilitated gathering where people come together to talk openly about death, dying, and mortality.
The goal is to increase awareness of death in order to help people make the most of their lives.

There is no set agenda. Conversation is participant-led and guided by curiosity, listening, and mutual respect.

What a Death Café Is
•A welcoming, confidential space for conversation
•A place to share thoughts, questions, stories, and reflections about death
•Open to anyone, regardless of beliefs or background
•Based on respect, listening, and equality among participants
•A non-commercial space – no products, services, or businesses will be promoted

What a Death Café Is Not
•Not grief counseling or group therapy
•Not a support group
•Not a place for medical, legal, or financial advice
•Not affiliated with any religion, ideology, or belief system
•Not about persuading others how to think or feel
•Not a venue for promotion of any business or service

A Brief History
Death Café originated in 2004 with Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, who created informal gatherings called Cafés Mortels.
In 2011, Jon Underwood brought the concept to the UK, where it became known as Death Café.
Since then, Death Cafés have spread worldwide as a grassroots movement, held in homes, libraries, cafés, community centers, and online.

What to Expect
•Open conversation
•A respectful, non-judgmental atmosphere
•Tea and cookies will be served

This is purely a conversational space, with no intention to sell, persuade, or lead participants to any particular conclusion.

https://www.truthdig.com/articles/preparing-to-meet-your-maker-plus-cake-the-life-of-a-death-cafe/

African American Saturday School
2026-04-18 12:00 - 14:00 | Online
African American Saturday SchoolThird Saturdays | 12:00–2:00 PMMeeting Room, Common Street Spiritual CenterFacilitated by Deborah Mitchell
African American Saturday School is a monthly gathering devoted to learning, reflection, and community rooted in the rich history and cultural legacy of African Americans. Led by educator and community leader Deborah Mitchell, this program offers a space to study African American history through autobiographies, guided lesson plans, book discussions, and presentations from guest speakers.
Participants will explore the stories, struggles, creativity, and contributions that have shaped African American life in the United States and beyond. Sessions may include storytelling, music, and artistic expression that illuminate the historical journey and cultural traditions of African Americans.
The program will also provide space to examine current policy issues affecting African American communities today. Through dialogue and shared learning, the gathering aims to serve as a thoughtful forum—a place where people of all races, creeds, and denominations can engage deeply with history while reflecting on the challenges and possibilities of the present.
African American Saturday School is also intended to inspire the next generation of leaders by connecting historical knowledge with a sense of responsibility for the future.
The program is open and free to the public. A goodwill offering is welcome but not required. Books and African-American-inspired artwork by local, regional, and international artists will also be available for purchase.
All are welcome to join this ongoing space for learning, culture, and community.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79271727876?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 792 7172 7876
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Connection with the Yawanawá - Music, Ancestral Wisdom & Healing.
2026-05-12 18:30 - 21:00 | Sanctuary at Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street, Natick, MA, 01760, United States
Experience the transformative power of the Yawanawá traditions through sacred songs, and ancestral teachings in a night of deep connection.
Step into a sacred evening with the Yawanawá culture, guardians of ancient wisdom from the Amazon rainforest. This gathering is an invitation to connect with ancestral traditions through music, prayer, and cultural sharing.
✨ What to expect:
• Sacred songs and music that carry the healing vibration of the forest
• Stories and cultural sharing that transmit ancestral wisdom
• The Sacred Rumã Circle, a traditional Yawanawá practice for grounding, clarity, and connection
• Moments that unite body, mind, and spirit, supporting balance and harmony
Guided by Yawanawá traditions, represented by our wonderful teachers, this immersive concert is more than a cultural experience – it is a call to healing, expanded consciousness, and remembrance of our deep connection with nature.
During this event, you will be embraced by the energies of the forest, carried by voices that echo the ancestral power of the Yawanawá lineage. It is a unique opportunity for those seeking to heal, transform, and walk in beauty with spirit and community.
