The healing role of nature: Judy “Adjua” Williams
Judy Williams, who goes by the name of Nana Adjua Serwaa, is a spiritual healer who teaches others how to heal from generational burdens and trauma using nature. “Adjoa” means “girl born on a Monday,” with her own unique spelling.
She’s all about “sustainability of the world and our people.” An Okomfo, or traditional priest, Nana Adjua was trained in Ghana where she learned how to remove the essence of trauma spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.
“I always say, if your [physical] features come through [at birth], why doesn’t your trauma come as well?”
Born and raised in the DMV area, Nana Adjua is also a Washington, D.C.-based artist and educator. She uses art as therapy for the young people she teaches.
Her healing practices include water rituals to cleanse and purify the mind, body and soul as well as honor God, the ancestors and nature. She regularly holds community healing circles to better those around her.
“I want people to understand that nature helps them heal,” she said. “We’re all connected, so we have to heal each other in a way where we can honor ourselves in the best way we can.”
But, she teaches, “before you can heal others, you have to heal yourself.”
Her work explores healing justice, which is a framework that recognizes the connection between health and well-being and the environment, and how it can be used to advance environmental justice. In addition, she teaches the next generation the importance of nature.
As part of the school committee for the River Smart Project, she worked to reduce stormwater runoff by using plants to enhance the school parking lot and create a green outdoor classroom and garden. She teaches students how to recycle, reuse, and reduce materials, encouraging them to create art from their surroundings. She noted that the pandemic has highlighted disparities in access to resources, and children have learned to adapt to the materials available.
“While sustainability is central to my art and educational efforts, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing social and environmental injustices, especially in Black communities. Advocating for ecological justice in education involves promoting gardening and the care of living things,” she said.
She believes that both our indoor and outdoor environments influence our health. Elements like water and soil are essential to our ecosystem, and everyone has the right to live in a healthy environment.
“Adjua’s impact is far-reaching, stemming from her diverse roles as educator, artist, and spiritual healer,” said Ife Kilimanjaro, Executive Director of the US Climate Action Network. “As a teacher in DC public schools, she shapes young minds and fosters learning, while her community art workshops provide accessible creative outlets for personal and collective expression. Her art itself touches individuals, like myself, on a personal level, and her work as a spiritual healer supports individuals and communities in their journeys toward healing and personal development. Ultimately, Adjua’s work cultivates growth, healing, and connection across multiple spheres, enriching the lives of those she encounters.”
“Like Shirley Chisholm, she embodies intersectionality, serving her community through multiple avenues and demonstrating a deep commitment to uplifting others,” Ife added. “Her focus on healing and wellness, coupled with her empowering leadership style and use of education and art as tools for transformation and healing, directly aligns with the Sistership’s core values. Furthermore, her frontline work in the DC public school system and within her community highlights her dedication to developing the hearts and minds of Black folks, making her a perfect fit for a program designed to support Black femme leaders in their crucial work.”
One of Nana Adjua’s philosophies is to go “back to the land” and become one with the Earth. She says that, “Every day is Earth Day.”
She encourages everyone to protect the land and wants Black people, in particular, to know that they have ownership of the land, especially due to the psychological and emotional trauma caused by being disproportionately impacted by climate change.
“You can’t separate climate from justice. There are no divisions; it’s just a circle that goes around.” she added.