Sacred Ground: Connection & Restoration for Gay Men of Color

Imagine a space where you are seen and celebrated, where every part of who you are finds respect, affirmation, and love. Sacred Ground is more than a retreat; it is a sanctuary built for you—a place where you can experience deep restoration, reconnect with yourself, and find community with other gay men of color who understand your journey.

In a world where our identities intersect in ways that bring both richness and challenges, finding a place that fully embraces who we are can be rare. Sacred Ground, set in the serene Riviera Mayan Jungle of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, is that place. Over five transformative days, we invite you to experience a journey designed to honor your identity, nurture your spirit, and deepen your connection to both yourself and those around you.

Here’s why you should join us:

Restoration & Rejuvenation

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into an environment crafted for peace. Disconnect from the pressures of everyday life, release the weight of societal expectations, and reconnect with your inner calm through mindful practices. Each day starts and ends with nurturing your mind, body, and soul.

Community & Connection
In this space, you’ll find men who share your lived experiences, who understand what it means to navigate the world as a gay man of color. Through sharing circles and deep conversations, you’ll build connections that go beyond the surface, finding strength, laughter, and kinship with brothers who are walking similar paths.

Reflection & Restoration
We honor the stories, joys, and trials that make up our individual and collective journeys. You’ll be guided to release what no longer serves you, let go of burdens, and embrace self-acceptance. Together, we’ll honor our ancestors and foster gratitude, grounding each of us in our shared history and resilience.

Celebration of Identity

Sacred Ground is a place where you can be fully yourself—unapologetically. Every ritual, every conversation, and every experience is designed to honor the beauty of being a gay man of color. Here, your identity is your strength, and you are celebrated for exactly who you are.

A Sacred Space for Growth
Through connection to nature, spiritual practices, and introspection, you’ll leave this retreat feeling rejuvenated, grounded, and supported. Our intention is to create a sacred experience where you find restoration, acceptance, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Join us from May 24th to May 28th, 2025, for five days of connection, restoration, and self-discovery. Together, we will create memories and bonds that will sustain us long after we depart. This is more than a retreat—it’s an invitation to come home to yourself, to celebrate your identity, and to find power and peace among brothers who understand your story.

Take this step as an investment in yourself, in your well-being, and in the strength that community can bring. Sacred Ground is calling you to find restoration, connection, and support in the company of those who truly see you.

Self Mastery Retreats International, co-created by Omar Buckner and Dr. Gerald Hassell, is a leader in crafting transformative retreat experiences that empower individuals—particularly men and women of color—to reclaim their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual power. Dedicated to serving the Black and Brown community, especially those who are underserved and marginalized by society, including LGBTQ+ individuals, formerly incarcerated persons, and those recovering from trauma, we believe in the innate potential for greatness within each person.

Our retreats take place in stunning tropical resort nestled in the heart of the Mayan jungle, providing a nurturing environment for deep self-discovery and growth. Co-created with expert facilitators, these immersive experiences combine transformative workshops, coaching sessions, and activities designed to inspire meaningful and lasting change. Through our commitment to excellence, we equip participants with essential tools and strategies for self-mastery, enabling them to unlock their fullest potential and embark on a journey of fulfillment.

Our mission is to guide individuals toward a path of self-mastery and empowerment, creating opportunities for personal transformation that foster deep reflection, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Omar Hajile Buckner 

Omar seamlessly integrates his extensive experience and skills into creating transformative experiences. With over three decades of expertise in youth, organization, and community development, Omar is not only a masterful trainer and coalition builder but also a dedicated advocate for fostering connections and empowerment within marginalized communities.

His deep belief in the transformative power of the circle process is evident in his portfolio, which includes designing, developing, and facilitating Community Building, Racial Healing, Recovery, and Solidarity Circles. Omar's passion for building bridges between communities is reflected in his work, during the past three years, he has immersed himself in the vibrant cultures of Black and Indigenous communities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

As a co-creator of two international virtual circle series, Omar leveraged his expertise to enhance the capabilities of Black and Brown communities worldwide. With his wealth of experience and heartfelt commitment, Omar brings a unique blend of skills and dedication to his role as a Retreat Host, ensuring that every participant experiences profound growth and connection during their journey.

Walter Crawford

Walter J. Crawford, PCC is an executive coach, and consultant. He is the Principal of Crawford Corner, LLC and founding partner of The Soul of Leading Institute, located in the Washington, DC metro area. 

Walter has a passion for supporting and developing leaders so they may unlock their full potential and achieve their goals. As a coach his approach is rooted in empathy, encouragement, and a deep understanding of human behavior, allowing him to tailor his coaching style to meet the unique needs of everyone he works with.

Walter is particularly skilled at coaching and developing senior executives, mid-level leaders, teams, individuals  moving into new leadership roles, strategic development, and leading change management efforts. With his calming and direct approach, Walter can guide and inspire individuals and teams to maximize their abilities for optimal decision-making and achieving their goals. When he's not working, Walter enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and playing tennis. 

 Gerald Hassell, Psy. D. 

Dr. Gerald Hassell is a highly dedicated individual who excels in various domains, including fatherhood, entrepreneurship, authorship, and the practice of self-mastery. He holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Wright State University and has expertise in human behavior. Over the course of the past twenty-five years, Dr. Hassell has made a remarkable and lasting impact on the lives of numerous generations of Black Men and their families. His approach to mental health, rooted in spirituality, has resonated profoundly with those he has served.

Dr. Hassell's contributions extend beyond his therapeutic work. He has authored two influential books that have become invaluable resources for personal growth and empowerment. "The Impact of Father Absence on African American Boys" sheds light on the critical role of fathers in the lives of their children. Additionally, "The Seven Keys to Self Mastery" provides readers with transformative insights and practical guidance on unlocking their full potential.

Through his unwavering commitment, Dr. Hassell continues to uplift and inspire individuals, empowering them to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery. His work serves as a guiding light for those seeking personal growth, helping them embrace their inherent capabilities and chart a course towards fulfillment. Driven by his passion and dedication, Dr. Gerald Hassell represents a beacon of inspiration, instilling hope and igniting positive change in the lives of those he touches.

Named after the Afro-Mexican Independence leader, José María Morelos, Puerto Morelos is a charming and authentic beach town and quaint fishing village. With warm and welcoming locals, Puerto Morelos offers off-the-radar beach destinations that are just as beautiful as the more extensive resort town beaches. This hidden gem, located only 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen and 15 minutes south of the Cancun Airport, is praised for its beautiful beach and vibrant coral reef, offering a casual coastal atmosphere that's both inviting and inclusive. Known for being a safe community, Puerto Morelos has low crime rates, especially compared to larger, more tourist-heavy destinations.

While some U.S. travelers may have concerns about safety in Mexico, Puerto Morelos is widely considered safe, like most of the Yucatán Peninsula. Visitors here commonly report feeling at ease at any hour of the day or night, enjoying the relaxed, friendly environment this town is known for. The community’s inclusivity also makes it an especially comfortable destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Born from a vision to create a harmonious space that resonates with the rhythms of nature, Lunita is more than just a destination and it isn’t just built on the land, it’s crafted with heart, soul, and a commitment to creating a space that fosters a deep connection with Pachamama, the nurturing spirit of Mother Earth. 

Their core values are rooted in the profound respect for the natural world, offering a tranquil escape that stands in serene contrast to the clamor of city life. At Lunita, they believe in the power of nature to restore and rejuvenate the spirit, providing an intimate backdrop for retreats that inspire and celebrate love in its purest form.

Each experience at Lunita is infused with the essence of local culture, honoring the vibrant heritage and the people who have nurtured this land for generations. Every moment is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with nature and embrace the local customs that make this corner of the world uniquely enchanting.