Change Agent Bre Scullark Is Making Herstory Everyday

You don’t have to be a politician or public figure to make history. History is made on the frontlines in our communities everyday through change agents like Bre Scullark. For the Harlem native, that begins with teaching her own son emotional intelligence and giving a voice to the voiceless and powerless incarcerated population.

Scullark, who is being honored this weekend at the Supermom Mission gala, knows the importance of active listening and how lending an ear goes so far in underserved and justice involved populations. The 39-year-old boy mom has been servicing Riker’s Island inmates since 2016.

“The most rewarding aspect of working here is allowing people their process of coming home to self,” she explained. “Many people have given up on the possibility of their future way before they were remanded. Witnessing individuals find the courage to motion forward in their thinking and ways of being is phenomenal and inspiring.”

With her holistic approach to self-care, she incorporates prayer, stillness, meditation and silence into her methods of healing. She started the Urban Peace Squad, in 2015, and began offering donation-based classes to People of Color in Harlem, NY.

“I realized that many people in underserved communities were/are only provided basic knowledge on health. The space to explore their anatomy and their emotional health seemed obsolete. Urban Peace Squad started by me practicing yoga randomly in project houses on basketball courts where people would walk by and laugh or some were curious. Either way, they engaged and later participated. Everybody deserves Peace.”

Scullark’s work extends to her brand God Lives in the Ghetto, also known as GLIG. “GLIG acknowledges that God is everywhere. We do not need to perform for God, we do not need to have our sh-t together in order for God to be with us. God is abundant, poetic, compassionate and the greatest gentlemen. (My God is a “he”) He is always there waiting for the invitation to be welcomed in. God is in our suffering, poverty, powerlessness, brokenness and isolation. God is within us. Anywhere and Everywhere, no one and no circumstance can exempt you from God.”

She approaches motherhood with the same delicacy, describing herself as a leader, a protector, a provider and a nurturer. It’s important for Bre to teach him self-care in a space where Black boys and men are not typically allowed.

“I am actively teaching my son emotional maturity,” she said. “We constantly talk about our feelings and where we sense them in his body in real time. I work with my son on empathy. Beginning with how he sees and treats animals to observing people on public transportation. What does their faces say about their possible mood? Does it match their words (if conversations are had).”

She also practices what she preaches. Describing her own self-care and holistic methods, she talks about being selective about who she shares her energy with. It is essential to her wellbeing to incorporate prayer, stillness, meditation and silence in her daily life. “I enjoy being of service to others without the expectation of it being reciprocated. I choose to surround myself with people who genuinely love me and accept me entirely. I avoid spaces and people who tolerate me or attempt to neutralize my joy. I appreciate journaling without reason. I value sharing warm Matcha in the morning while my son drinks hot cocoa as we prepare for our day. I laugh A LOT. I give eye contact to everyone I converse with. I tell people I love them even if I do not know them. I hold hugs for longer than 2 seconds. When people gift me with compliments I don’t shy away or deflect, I say thank you and receive good. I smile.”

Follow Bre Scullark, here.