Marisa Renee Lee

Marisa Renee Lee is an author and advocate known for her work on grief and loss, particularly through her book Grief is Love: Living with Loss. In this book, she explores the complexities of grief, emphasizing that healing involves acknowledging and creating space for one's grief rather than simply moving on. Lee's insights are drawn from her personal experiences with significant losses, including her mother, a pregnancy, and a cousin during the COVID-19 pandemic. She articulates how these experiences shaped her understanding of grief, especially in the context of Black communities, and highlights essential elements of healing such as permission, care, and grace.12

In Grief is Love, Lee argues against the conventional stages of grief, advocating instead for a more personalized approach to mourning that honors the unique relationship one had with the deceased. Her writing is described as compassionate and wise, providing readers with both comfort and guidance through their own grief journeys.12 The book has been well-received, with endorsements from various notable figures who commend its empathetic exploration of loss and love.23

Lee's background includes not only her literary pursuits but also her role as a public speaker and advocate for mental health awareness related to grief. Her work aims to normalize discussions around loss and to support others in navigating their grief in healthy ways.34