Finding your Spiritual Roots through Mediumship and Activism
By: Jessica Thomas
A Seed Planted Years Ago
In February 2012, when Trayvon Martin’s life was tragically cut short, I was living in North Miami Beach, FL, just blocks away from his high school. That national tragedy ignited a powerful wave of activism, ultimately giving birth to the Dream Defenders, led by Phillip Agnew. Though we had never met, I vividly remember watching him on a PBS forum called America After Ferguson. I was immediately struck by his raw honesty and the distinct cadence of his speech, an impression that stayed with me for years.
The Catalyst: A Christmas Epiphany
I can't recall exactly when I started following Mr. Agnew, but as I scrolled through Instagram on Christmas Day 2025, one of his posts made me stop and read:
“I’m often open about my lows. My battles with sadness are no secret to those that know me. I’m far less forthcoming with my highs and joys. I keep those really, really close. I fear they’re too fleeting to share so freely. Plus, the world is burning. What right do I have to feel so damn good?
But, whatever. I feel good. Best I’ve felt in a lil minute.
Grateful beyond measure. Content with now. Thx to @jadelilly.rgb for capturing it for posterity’s sake and for giving your gift so freely to the community.
Reaching Out Through the Storm
I was navigating my own emotional storm, grieving the loss of my father and bearing the heavy strain of divorce, when I stumbled upon Phil’s post. Staring at the headshot that accompanied his words, I was immediately struck by the look in his eyes. In them, I saw a profound reflection of my own journey and the undeniable ache of someone fighting hard to rise above a war being fought on both the inside and the outside.
I felt a strange pull towards him, a sense that I might be able to help. I reached out with an invitation for a mediumship reading, though I honestly expected to be met with silence. It’s rare for someone to open up to a stranger in such a vulnerable way, but I felt I had to try.
Kindred Spirits and Lingering Light
His response was nearly instantaneous, and a few days later, I found myself preparing for our meeting. The session was a beautiful exchange of vibrant energy. Almost immediately, I felt a deep recognition: Phil was a light-worker, just like me. His activism and community building felt instinctual, resonating like a deep, guttural growl from within him. He shared stories of his upbringing in Chicago and the pain of losing his brother. At one point in our chat, I clearly remember telling Phil to look out for Blue Jays, because his brother would soon be using them to send a message.
After the meeting concluded, his radiant energy still lingered in my mind. I felt so much gratitude for the experience, and it left me with a newfound confidence, affirming that a future in mediumship was something I could genuinely manifest.
A Vow Fulfilled Among the Bookshelves
When our session ended, I quietly vowed to seek out his Bookstore the next time I was in Miami. I felt a deep pull to thank him in person for allowing me to serve as a bridge to his loved ones, or if we couldn't connect, to at least support his space and purchase a few books. I am so deeply glad I followed that intuition. That modest plan to buy books blossomed into an unforgettable afternoon, completely transforming into three spontaneous readings amidst the shelves. I’ll recount those magical exchanges soon, but that day gave me far more than I expected: new friendships and a beautiful, lingering sense of belonging.
A few days after returning home, my jaw dropped when I saw his latest Instagram post. It was a video of a Blue Jay he had spotted perched in a tree. It immediately brought him back to our initial reading, where I mentioned that his brother was planning to send him a sign in the form of a feathered friend. Mediumship has a beautiful way of bringing everything full circle, and I am so incredibly grateful for the exchange Phil and I shared.
Mediumship and Activism
Activism is often built upon the tireless fights of the generations that came before us. Mediumship directly taps into that enduring ancestral wisdom, giving a voice to those who have crossed over so their guidance can continue to fuel our work while we’re alive.
Both spaces require us to tune in and listen to voices that are often ignored, silenced, or unseen. They demand that we look beyond the surface level of our reality and act from a place of deep, universal interconnectedness.
Mediumship bridges the gap between the physical and the spiritual, while activism bridges the gap between our current reality and a more just future. Regardless of our titles, I hope you feel inspired to build communities where both our spirit and tangible lives can truly thrive.
If your travels ever bring you to Miami, please make it a point to visit The Roots Bookstore at 6610 NW 15th Ave, Miami, FL 33147. There is a remarkably beautiful energy brewing inside those walls. Leaving that space, I felt profoundly inspired, and I truly look forward to a future where community centered bookstores like this one are the thriving heartbeat of every community.
Instagram: @therootsbooksandmarket
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