We are what we speak. Our thoughts manifest our realities. The words we speak become the truths by which we live. In the summer of 2015, we asked people around downtown Oakland, CA to share their personal mantras; words that remind them of their power, that help them through the day.

What kinds of messages do you tell yourself? What words remind you of your power?

Mosaic Mantras was created as a part of UGODS, an ongoing interactive exhibition by Malidoma Collective, which reflects the divinity and power embodied by womyn of color.