Providing Poetic Justice
Slumflower
Your strive for liberation shouldn't cost more than it gives.
Jamia Zarzuela
(she/her)
Founder
About Me
Jamia Zarzuela is a strong believer in Nina Simone's philosophy that, “An artist's duty... is to reflect the time.” For Nina, it was only natural to combine her love of art & passion for social matters. For Jamia, it is storytelling through various art mediums to digestibly present complex nuances and overwhelming data then translating it into a tangible package towards change. She is a self-published poet, award-winning filmmaker, podcaster, and photographer. Jamia is a true digital renaissance woman and an American sweetheart who believes that “Storytelling is black heritage.”
Driven by her passion for social impact and creative expression, Jamia founded Slumflower, a groundbreaking nonprofit organization that blends community activism with communal artistic endeavors. As the owner of Ja Bodega Cafe, she created a welcoming space where individuals from all walks of life can gather, connect, and be inspired.
After earning her master's degree in public administration, Jamia realized the need for a space that harmoniously merged her dedication to serving people with her profound love for the arts. Thus, Slumflower and Ja Bodega were born, reflecting her commitment to fostering cultural stewardship, promoting social justice, and nurturing the creative spirit within her community.
About Slumflower
"Pouring into the village that watered you" embodies our ethos of reciprocity, compassion, and justice. We recognize the resilience and potential within marginalized communities, much like roses blooming through concrete, needing to be nurtured instead of cut down like undesired weeds. By investing in our community, we sow the seeds of a brighter future, nurturing growth and empowering everyone to thrive in a more equitable and inclusive society. Our philosophy is simple: we believe when reimagining diversity, equity, and inclusion in historically neglected spaces, then transforming them in a way that honors their history provides overdue poetic justice.
Vision
We envision a society where roses bloomed from concrete are nurtured, not weeded.
“Pouring into the village that watered you"
Mission Statement
Our mission is to advocate and create spaces for historically marginalized communities through a holistic, human-centered approach.
“Reimagining diversity, equity, and inclusion in historically neglected spaces, then transforming them in a way that honors their history is our poetic justice.”
Our Values
Equity: We strive to provide equal opportunities and resources, recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by different individuals and groups.
Justice: We are committed to addressing historical and systemic injustices, ensuring fair treatment, and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities.
Compassion: We approach our mission with empathy and understanding, creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Our Incentives
Cultural Stewardship: We are dedicated to cultural stewardship, actively preserving and celebrating the rich heritage, traditions, and expressions of the Black diaspora, ensuring their vitality and continuity for the enrichment of present and future generations
Foster: We embrace a holistic, human-centered approach that fosters healing and empowerment, recognizing and nurturing the potential for growth and well-being in individuals and communities.
Reciprocity: We embody reciprocity, recognizing that we are part of the village that nurtured us. Like the Sankofa bird, we understand the importance of looking back to move forward.
What we do
$.99 Bodega
enBloom
We oberate as a misfits market that partners with local farmers and vendors to close the gaps bwtween food waste and insecurity.
Our urban garden of Eden, serves as a sanctuary, providing fresh produce in collaboration with the neighborhood. It fosters communion as we come together to cultivate a land of healing
Culture Curation
From sunrise to sunset, our array of events fosters unity, promotes mental health, and nourishes the soul. Whether it's Sunday morning yoga or Friday poetry nights, each gathering exemplifies our commitment to community and holistic well-being.
Slumflower is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and we welcome donations to further our impactful initiatives
Donate
Our Partner
a
Bodega
Pouring in to the village that watered us
About
a
Bodega
a Bodega is a community-based organization, masked as a cafe, dedicated to creating a space that fosters cultural stewardship and reciprocity. Located in a food desert, our cafe operates as a dollar bodega, providing affordable food options to tackle food insecurity and reduce food waste. We partner with local farmers & vendors, such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, to ensure a continuous supply of fresh, nutritious food.
At a Bodega , we are committed to uplifting marginalized groups, providing them with a supportive environment where their strive for liberty, success, and happiness isn't seen as trendy but recognized as a fundamental fact. Our space also serves as a cultural hub, hosting poetry nights, art exhibits, pop-up markets, and workshops that promote holistic healing and community empowerment.
Through our efforts, we aim to create a vibrant, inclusive space where the rich heritage and aspirations of the Black diaspora and other marginalized communities are
celebrated and nurtured. Slumflower ‘s
Bodega Cafe is more than just a place to
eat—it's a sanctuary for growth,
creativity, and community resilience.
enBloom with Slumflower
Community urban farming in the food desert of Austin, TX
Polycrop provides verity of fresh produce
Addresses food desert issue
Rooted in unity and nourishment
Culture Curation & Stewardship
You have a place here
Come joinour many events that happens throughot the month at Ja Bodega
Art Exhibit
Currently not showcasing pieces
Poetry Nite
Saturday Nite
From nine ‘til midnight
Other Events
Learn more about whats going on at Ja Bodega
a
Cementality
of Roses from concrete
The "Cementality of the Roses from Concrete" is a concept that embodies the spirit of resilience and growth in the face of adversity, inspired by Tupac Shakur's poem "The Rose That Grew from Concrete." It merges the words "cement" and "mentality" to signify a mindset of strength, mindfulness, and wellness cultivated in urban environments, particularly in marginalized communities. This concept highlights the importance of fostering mental and emotional well-being in areas that often face the harshest conditions, akin to roses growing through cracks in the concrete.
Join us for culturally curated yoga classes, meditation sessions, and mental health/wellness workshops that embrace the. These offerings are designed to provide a supportive space for individuals in urban communities, fostering resilience, mindfulness, and empowerment.
a
Bodega
Experience the rich, full-bodied flavor of Cup of JA Coffee, grown with care on a family-owned coffee farm in the Dominican Republic.
Contribute to a cycle of empowerment and sustainability. The coffee farm in the Dominican Republic benefits from fair trade practices, ensuring that farmers receive fair compensation and can continue to produce high-quality coffee beans. Meanwhile, JA Bodega's mission to "pour into the village that watered us" is realized
Every cup of JA Coffee is more than just a drink—it's a way to make a positive impact, supporting sustainable farming practices and fostering community growth. Sip with purpose, knowing that each brew helps to uplift and nourish the villages that make this exceptional coffee possible.
a
more life,
J
Contact Us
lovelyday@jabodega.com
(123) 456-7890
Location
1111 Magnolia St.
Austin, Tx. 78333
Our Hours
Sun
9am ‘til 9pm
Mon thru Thurs
8am ‘til 10pm
Fri thru Sat
8am ‘til 2pm
