Preston Coyote Vargas

Dr. Preston Coyote Vargas embodies a rich tapestry of identities: a Black queer spirit-worker, author, artist-healer, and scholar. Rooted in ancestral wisdom and academic excellence, he serves as the Director of the Center for Black and Indigenous Praxis at the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. With a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies and an M.A. in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness, Preston's journey is a testament to his commitment to reclaiming and celebrating diverse cultural traditions. His work is a fusion of scholarship and spiritual practice, aimed at empowering Black and Indigenous communities to heal soul wounds through ancestral wisdom, oracular art, and ceremonial collaborations. Coyote's ancestral heritage spans African American, Cape Verdean, Wampanoag, Irish, West Indian, and more, rejecting colonial structures of identity in favor of co-created bio-cultural narratives within his communities. His deep connection to the land of his ancestors informs his work, bridging the past with the present. With over two decades of experience in community-based organizations, Coyote has dedicated his life to serving marginalized populations, particularly those affected by substance use, HIV/HCV, and neurodivergence. From counseling to policy development, he has tirelessly advocated for health justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, leaving an indelible mark on organizations like the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. As a storyteller and oracular artist, Preston Coyote weaves narratives of resilience and transformation, inviting others to explore their own experiences and creative talents for healing. Grounded in anti-oppression, Pleasure Activism, and Decolonial Love, his work is a beacon of hope and empowerment for all who seek to reclaim their heritage and shape their own narratives of healing and liberation.