X Grief: Mustafa & Ahwoolay, His Incarcerated Friend

Unprocessed grief can damage our mental, emotional and physical health. It can lead to harmful decision-making and contribute to cycles of trauma and violence. How could creating spaces to process grief help build healthier, safer communities? We talk to Mustafa, a singer, songwriter and poet whose EP “When Smoke Rises” chronicles his grief for loved ones he’s lost to gun violence, including his friend Smoke Dawg. We also talk to Ahwoolay, Mustafa’s incarcerated friend and Smoke Dawg’s older brother. This is the final episode of our first season. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Make sure to follow the podcast and hit the bell icon to get updates on when we’re coming back with more of these important conversations. @mustafathepoet @vicmensa @indigomateo @richiereseda ============== Make sure to check out Mustafa’s critically acclaimed EP When Smoke Rises, which was named one of the best albums of 2021 by the New York Times. Check out the amazing music videos for “The Hearse,” “Ali” and “Stay Alive,” songs written in dedication to Mustafa’s friends who have been lost gun violence. Read this 2018 study breaking down the effects of police killings of Black people have on the mental health of Black Americans. Watch people talking about Mustafa’s 2021 concert at Massey Hall and what he means to the Regent Park community and the city, as a whole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices