In this episode of Gracefully Imperfect, Brother KD Toon introduces the concept of liberatory self-knowledge, a program designed to support individuals, particularly within the Black community, in navigating their identities and experiences. He discusses the roots of liberation social work, drawing from Afrocentric scholarship and ancient African wisdom, emphasizing the importance of collective consciousness and traditional healing practices. The conversation highlights the distinction between modern therapy and traditional healing, advocating for a return to community-based support systems.

Power is the ability to influence the enviornment consistent with one’s self-interests. It is true that power in this respect carries the implications of domination, but definitely not the domination of other people. This definion of power has implications for the domination or mastery of our needs. Power is intended to put people into the unique position that they can obtain and achieve within the context of their environment those things that maximize their survival and the continuation of themselves to the best of their ability.” Na’iam Akbar, Know Thy Self, p.35

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In this episode of Gracefully Imperfect, Brotha KD Toon explores the themes of transformation, vulnerability, and the importance of self-knowledge through the lens of fatherhood and ancestral wisdom. He discusses the philosophy behind Gracefully Imperfect, the lessons learned from his children, and the significance of mental liberation in understanding one’s identity and history.

“Mental liberation requires that we locate ourselves on the time line and map of human history, that we name and define ourselves, and that we rectify the problem of loss of knowledge of self wherein we are overwhelmed by other people’s knowledge.” - Na’im Akbar, Know Thy Self, p.ii

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A poetic expression on the importance of remembering the process and purpose for liberation, through the use of ancestral memory and cultural knowledge.

I am because we are,

Brotha KD, MSW

brothakd@liberationsocialwork.com

liberationsocialwork.com

A poetic expression of the realities of Black Power.

In this episode, we reflect on becoming a Father to a 12-year-old. From selfishness to realizing the sacred mission of fatherly nurturance and protection, our Firstborn continues to teach us about the essence of living life to her fullest capacity.

In the spirit of Ubuntu (e.g., “a person is a person through their relationship with other people”), this intimate reflection will help you draw parallels, become inspired, and develop a sense of curiosity.

Proclamations for deep reflection:

“Fatherhood is healing-centered, and consequently, a liberating force.”

Recent Collaboration:

Collaboration Special w/ Revolutionary Social Work Podcast

6/28/2025, 12 pm MST / 2 pm EST

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In this episode, we explore personal facets of life, such as addressing past, present, and future traumas, family, graduation, and seeking meaning through fatherhood, as well as domestic and global geopolitical realities. We also examine the power of collectivity as a people-oriented instrument of power to combat systems of oppression.

In the spirit of Ubuntu (e.g., “a person is a person through their relationship with other people”), this intimate reflection will help you draw parallels, become inspired, and develop a sense of curiosity.

A quote for deep reflection:

“We must understand the tremendous value of the study of history for the re-gaining of power. If our education is not about gaining real power, we are being miseducated and misled and we will die “educated” and misled.”

- Dr. Amos N. Wilson

Upcoming Events:

Juneteenth Collaboration Special w/ Revolutionary Social Work Podcast

6/19/2025, 7 am MST / 8 am CST / 9 am EST

https://riverside.fm/studio/aces-studio-T1Ehj

Ways to Connect and Support Genuinely:

Order my self-written poetry anthology,⁠⁠⁠⁠ "The Depths Below"⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, share with a loved one, and write a review - We are on Spotify, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, too!!

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Last article on Soul Medicine: A Liberation Social Workers Perspective

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In this episode, we delve into the multiplex realities informing the sociocultural and sociopolitical experiences of Black and Brown bodies. The focus lies on the forces and apparatuses interfering, disrupting, and generating chaos in our ecosystems, worldviews, value systems, priorities, interaction with reality, and consciousness. In the spirit of Ubuntu (e.g., “a person is a person through other people”), this intimate reflection will help you draw parallels, become inspired, and develop a sense of curiosity.

A quote for deep reflection:

“…if Afrikans are to liberate themselves from European domination, empower themselves, enrich their quality of life, they must repudiate the power of Europeans to characterize their ethnicity and through it, gain power over them by characterizing their own perceptions of themselves..” - Dr. Amos N. Wilson

Ways to Connect and Support Genuinely:

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, share with a loved one, and write a review - We are on Spotify, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, too!!

Subscribe and share the Substack publication,⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREATIVST.⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe and share Soul Medicine

Last article on Soul Medicine: A Liberation Social Workers Perspective

Listen/Watch the last episode of Gracefully Imperfect:

Order my self-written poetry anthology,⁠⁠⁠⁠ "The Depths Below"⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send comments and feedback to the business email -kyle.liberationsocialwork@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠

Connect, follow, and share on⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn ⁠⁠⁠⁠and the⁠⁠⁠⁠ Service page⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect, follow, and share on Fanbase

Connect, follow, and share on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠