The Science of Black Love

About The Science Of Black Love

Our Story

At The Science of Black Love, we have been in the event production industry for over 20 years. Our journey began when our founder, a seasoned event planner, Aswad and Danyelle Aarif met in 2008 and married less than a year later in 2009. In 2012 they began hosting Black love-inspired dinner parties and gatherings intended to build connections with other Black couples and families.

Through these connections, they began to meet many more people interested in forming a community rooted in healing practices to overcome the impacts of systemic racism. This led to the creation of many projects including the KEHELLE Rites of Passage Academy, Blessed Bliss Meditative Healing, and ultimately The Science of Black Love.

Aswad and Danyelle are the parents of three amazing sons and the grandparents of one amazing granddaughter. They prioritize the health and well-being of their family while recognizing that the health and wellness of the Black community has a direct impact on their family's health and well-being.

"Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." –Barack Obama

Our Approach

The Science of Black Love strives to improve the lives of youth, individuals, couples, and families by building community, providing education, and promoting healthy relationships.

We believe that love is a powerful force that is about more than romance and companionship. We believe love is a key motivating factor in ensuring justice, equity, happiness, and fulfillment.

We are all experts in love and need only the opportunity to be heard and recognized. By driving crucial conversations and holding spaces dedicated to Black Love we hope to support collective healing and to help break unhealthy cycles of poor communication, isolation, and loneliness.

Our Events

Diaspora Dinner Parties

Come together in the spirit of community to enjoy a carefully curated menu reflecting the diversity of the global black community. Experience a one-of-a-kind night out including games, engaging conversations, demonstrations, special guests and a rotating roster of talented chefs.

Black Love Sip-n-Paint

These events invite participants to tap into their inner artist and enjoy delicious wines, beers, and spirits produced by Black-owned vineyards, brewmasters, and distillers. Led by experienced artists these all-inclusive events are a guaranteed fun evening where everyone goes home with a unique piece they created themselves. It doesn't matter if you can't draw a straight line by the end of the night you will possess the confidence of Basquiat when it comes to your artistic ability.

Black Love on Screen

Join us for a magical movie night celebrating the beauty of Black Love. Featuring classics, modern masterpieces and more Black Love on Screen is an opportunity to come together and appreciate the many aspects of Black relationships and connections that enrich our lives. Each movie is accompanied by a guided discussion about the implications and impacts of popular media on our daily lives.

Our Services

Training

The Science of Black Love offers comprehensive training in healing-centered practices, community wellness, trauma-informed conversations, and more. Our approach combines culturally relevant methodologies, evidence-based therapeutic techniques, and restorative justice principles to foster holistic healing and empowerment within Black communities. Through workshops, seminars, and personalized coaching, we aim to address the unique challenges faced by Black individuals and families, promoting resilience, connection, and collective well-being. Our programs are designed to create safe spaces for dialogue, support personal and communal growth, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of race, trauma, and healing.

Facilitation

We are available to facilitate a variety of sessions, ranging from Black Love Healing Circles to guided discussions about relationships, identity, and restoration. We bring with us a vast reservoir of experience and wisdom to support transformative healing and growth. Our facilitators are skilled in creating inclusive and nurturing environments that encourage open dialogue and meaningful connections. Whether through intimate group circles or larger community gatherings, our sessions are designed to address your unique needs.

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About Us

Our Vision and Values

The Science of Black Love seeks to enrich the lives of many through education, entertainment, information and integrated wellness practices targeting common challenges facing Black youth, indivuals, couples and families.

We envision more Black communities that are loving, healthy, safe, welcoming and sustainable. We believe that vision begins with promoting self-love, healing centered relationships and community-defined evidence practices.

We believe that Love is a powerful force that can heal, restore, and nourish. Love is a source of empowerment, providing the mental, emotional, and spiritual sustenance necessary for optimal human resilience.

We understand that all people deserve to love and be loved regardless of race, age, orientation, or beliefs and that Black love is a unique phenomenon experienced by people with a unique shared history and lived experiences. Black Love is a miracle that has helped Black people not only sustain, but thrive under some of the harshest conditions in human history.

We believe Black Love takes many forms beyond traditional relationships and family structures and that all forms of Black Love are relevant.

The Science of Black Love is guided in our work by the values of Equity, Integrity, Justice and Healing. We believe that the best solutions to support healthy Black communities reside within those communities. We are committed to celebrating and spreading the wisdom of Black people everywhere.

Aswad Aarif

Aswad Aarif is an accomplished author, artist, and community healing specialist with nearly 30 years of experience dedicated to serving at-promise families, youth, and individuals. His work is rooted in a deep commitment to fostering healing and transformation within communities. As a certified Restorative Justice and trauma-informed services trainer, Aswad brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his practice.

Aswad has been instrumental in developing and implementing programs that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized populations. His approach combines artistic expression with evidence-based therapeutic techniques, creating innovative pathways for personal and communal healing.

Aswad's contributions extend beyond individual healing; he is a passionate advocate for systemic change, working tirelessly to transform oppressive systems and promote social justice. His dedication to community wellness and empowerment has made a significant impact, inspiring others to embrace healing, resilience, and the transformative power of love.

Danyelle Aarif

Danyelle Aarif is a talented early childhood development specialist, consultant, and Afro-Caribbean drummer. With over 15 years of experience in youth services programming, she has dedicated her career to nurturing the growth and development of young children. Danyelle is also a certified Theta Healer and meditation coach and instructor, bringing a unique blend of holistic practices to her work.

Her expertise in early childhood development is complemented by her passion for whole-family wellness. This approach to centering wellness in education has led to integrating mindfulness and healing techniques into her program designs. This technique is the secret formula that enriches all of the services offered by The Science of Black Love.

Danyelle's commitment to fostering positive environments for children and families and her holistic approach have made her a respected figure in her community. Her innovative methods and compassionate nature continue to inspire and support the growth of young minds and hearts.