Meet Assétou Xango | Healer. Poet. Witch.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Assétou Xango and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Assétou, how do you think about risk?
My whole career has been one risk after another; at least, that’s how other people see it. I see it as this undeniable pull towards the things that light me up, fill me up, make me feel like I am living in my purpose. I have never understood that draw to play it safe. Maybe cause I always knew that playing it safe meant being miserable. If all I am doing is survival, but I hate it, what’s the point in extending that life? Not to mention, there is no such thing as security or a safe bet. EVERYTHING has risks. If 2020 taught us nothing else, it’s that. There will be challenges down every path you take. You can lose your job at any time. The idea that traditional jobs are safe and entrepreneurial ones are risky an illusion. It’s all a risk. So if I was going to fight for something, why not let it be your wildest dreams.

What should our readers know about your business?
Everything I do and am is in service to Black Femmes (femmes meaning all womyn and trans people). All the poetry, coaching, and healing work is designed to make the world safer for us, to heal us, and give us a place to rejuvenate. The work I do is to liberate Black Femmes from the internal and external limitations we navigate. I could tell you many reasons why this is important, but truly, it is my contribution to removing the cogs of the white supremacist society to which we are bred. I have arrived at the conclusion that I cannot change the world. The sweeping injustices I wish to fix are out of my grasp in one lifetime, but I can do this. I can empower as many Black Femmes as I can reach and help us break the chains that might otherwise impede our glory. As one of the most marginalized groups in America, that matters.

When Black Femmes have the resources and access to create, we end wars, speak truth to power, and hold entire nations accountable.
Black and Indigenous Femmes are at the helm of virtually every modern and herstoric movement. We put first the needs of the world. It is time we are placed first in the world we delivered.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Alright, bet. So, in no particular order: Tne Nile Ethiopian Restaurant is a MUST. Best Ethiopian Restaurant in Colorado, quite possibly the Nation.
Whittier Cafe is the hub of our community and activists so definitely. We’re probably going mountain biking and hiking.
We’re scouring the net for all the LGBT and Poetry events.
But mostly (especially coming off the heels of COVID we’re going to make some good meals and chill with some good people. Oh! but we will need to stop by the mural made in my likeness by the great Detour, just sayin.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Oh my lord, where to begin?
I would not know what I know without the revolutionary work of Building Bridges. I would not be a coach without Fabi Paolini’s incredible coaching and graphic design skills. Then there are my mentors, Bianca Mikahn and LadySpeech Sankofa. Also, becoming a Poet Laureate was pivotal in my career to shout out to Debi Holen-Hunter and Patti Bateman for creating the role and constantly advocating my existence in it!

Website: assetouxango.com

Instagram: @assetouxango

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assetou-xango-they-them-b40146192/

Facebook: Assetou Xango

Image Credits
Karson Hallaway, TEDxMileHigh and Light of Day Productions