Drs. Brewster and Meeks dived into how the unexamined parts of ourselves—what Jung called the "shadow"—shape not only our individual lives but also the systems of racism, prejudice, and violence that pervade society. Dr. Brewster drew on her expertise from her book The Racial Complex, discussing how a lack of awareness of the shadow contributes to systemic oppression.
They discussed how processes like dreamwork, creative expression, and spiritual practice can serve as tools for confronting our inner and outer shadows. The dialogue emphasized that by doing the difficult work of inner healing, we contribute to the transformation of our communities and create a more just and compassionate world. This event was a rare opportunity to hear from two scholars who blend psychological theory with justice seeking, offering a path toward a more authentic and integrated life.
Due to the sensitive nature of topics discussed during this event, EDS has decided not to share the recording.
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Dr. Fanny Brewster
Dr. Fanny Brewster is a Jungian analyst, author, and psychologist based in Philadelphia. She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and is a graduate of the C.G. Jung Institute of New York. Her career began in Speech-Language Pathology and evolved into psychology, with a focus on dreamwork and depth psychology.
Dr. Brewster has authored several books that explore the intersection of Jungian psychology with race and culture, including The Racial Complex: A Jungian Perspective on Culture and Race (2019), Archetypal Grief: Slavery's Legacy of Intergenerational Child Loss (2018), and African Americans and Jungian Psychology: Leaving the Shadows (2017). Her work aims to use a psychological lens to better understand race, racism, and how individuals and communities can embrace their full humanity.
Her approach to Jungian analysis emphasizes living a meaningful life with integrity, centeredness, and joy. Dr. Brewster's personal journey has included studies in creative nonfiction, Zen Buddhist practice, and a background as an educational psychologist and an interfaith minister. She sees her work as helping others meet the challenges of creating a life worth living by committing to change and nurturing their inner selves.
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Dr. Catherine Meeks
Dr. Catherine Meeks blends scholarly excellence with heartfelt activism, shaping her as a distinguished voice in socio-cultural studies and a beacon for community transformation. She spent 25 years at Mercer University chairing the African American Studies Program and 9 years at Wesleyan College as the Clara Carter Acree Distinguished Professor of Socio-Cultural Studies.
Dr. Meeks' educational journey, enriched by degrees from Pepperdine University, Atlanta University, and Emory University, reflects her dedication to the life of the mind through the intertwining of her scholarship with Jungian psychology, African and African American Women's Literature.
In her past role as the Founding Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing, Dr. Meeks orchestrated spiritual retreats and workshops, engaging communities in the vital work of addressing oppression.
Dr. Meeks' profound community impact is recognized by the President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement and Service Award and her distinction as one of Georgia Trend Magazine's notable women.
Dr. Meeks’ expression of her commitment to wellness and freedom is captured in her current work as Founding Executive Director and Chief Midwife of the Turquoise and Lavender Institute for Transformation and Healing.