ASCENDtials is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in critical consciousness, by providing thoughtful holistic educative tools, resources, and training programs that prepare, are preventative, and instill and reinforce a deeper appreciation for self and community, a oneness that builds capacity, and environmental care. Since 2014, we have been committed to developing leaders who will chip away at the structures impeding progress to build more systems based on truth, and science, equitable, diverse, fair, and inclusive of communities that hold everyone accountable. We strongly believe in providing support by enhancing, emphasizing and reinforcing increased problem-solving skills, offering dialogical engagement within familial, academic, and community, and an ongoing relationship building with these parties to increase civic and social competency. The true intent is to bring about self-awareness and create technologies that are good and humane while sustaining constant collaboration with community businesses and leaders to strengthen and secure these ties.

KOS is (Knowledge Of Self) and Melanin is a black biochemical substance that everyone has that drives emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual life. Melanin is found in the environment, springs, lakes, soil, plants, animals, and the atmosphere. The Pineal Gland secretes melanin, which regulates all functions and glands in the body. Black Bodies have the highest concentration of this biochemical but aren’t aware of how to nourish it or gain positive usage from it. It is necessary to know thyself in order to solve what plagues us most, and that is racial problems. But it is also necessary, should we want to transform our lives and all those with lesser quantities of it.

This series of events brings our focus and awareness to the subject of Melanin (condensed sunlight) that all black bodies have, but to uncover the power it holds for those with the highest concentrations of it, with the goal of gaining positive use from its many benefits. Melanin, which is in the universe (black hole) allows for energy absorption, and on Earth, it's clear the movement of black bodies is well known and loved, in all areas of art, music, transformative social movements. Black bodies on Earth are aware of the pineal gland, and yet, aren't incorporating this knowledge into a regime to build our mental capacity to transform this energy enough to solve our social problems. If it holds the key to improving our problem-solving skills, why not give more attention to nourishing and nurturing it to aid in our success. And keeping a practice that reinforces this knowledge as holidays do, media and television are designed to do.

ASCENDtials’ (pronounced Essentials) focus is on re-developing skills in problem-solving resulting from societal issues. And, Societal issues result from a system that imposes the Oppressor/Oppressed model and standard of life. This requires new thinking based on Knowing Thyself, knowing the true science of self, instilling and abiding by certain principles of nature to keep in balance with this knowledge to transform problem-solving abilities with Melanin in mind.

For ASCENDtials, ascending with proper tools is an ancient African way of thinking, Knowing Thyself, following natural laws and maintaining balance, applying this knowledge, and transforming systems for the benefit of all. You can’t transform the problem if you don’t focus on the system at play, which itself is flawed.

ASCENDtials has four fundamental goals:

Focusing on structures that are oppressive by design

Bringing awareness of Knowing Thyself, thy purpose and place and science of science

Creating/growing and maintain balance by adhering to and applying this knowledge

Transforming structures to ensure all are benefiting

Designed for Black Bodies, no experience required otherwise.