VITAL SIGNS: When you look at a sister in a workshop and you ask her what's been hard for her, you are totally sincere. She can see that in your eyes. But you've heard these stories before. How do you keep that sincerity?

LILLIE: ...each time I see a Black woman and ask that question, what is present to me is that Black woman, not how many other people have told that story. Each one of us are individuals, and what I try to do is recognize that individuality in each woman...In the workshops, the reason I'm able to be present, to be there...is because I don't know what it's been like for THAT Black woman. I may know what it's like with all the Black women I've asked that question, but not THAT one."