“I believe there is power in words, power in asserting our existence, our experience, our lives, through words.”
— Jesmyn Ward, The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race (2016)
My 2021 Black-Owned Business Round-Up
Today is my favorite day of Kwanzaa because it’s UJAMAA aka Cooperative Economics. Why? Because you can say a lot about me, but one thing you CAN’T say is that I don’t support Black.
In 2020, I determined that I supported 67 Black-owned businesses and I was BIG proud of myself but I knew that I could go harder in 2021. Keep reading to see if I was over/under my 2020 number of 67 businesses supported.
The Diverse Stock Photo Round-Up You’re Looking For
Fun fact about me: Anytime I see a conference I am interested in, the first thing I do is check out the speaker lineup. If I’m not feeling the diversity or lack thereof, I’m not going. Period. There’s no excuse.
Another thing I do as a consumer when I’m reviewing a brand’s social media is to check and see if they have people that look like me (you know, darker skin, fuller features, coily hair, etc). If I have to continuously scroll, I’m not spending my coins, and it’s as simple as that.
35 Quotes That Make Me Proud to Be Black AF
I wanted to be intentional with starting the month off with some positive vibes because last week’s full moon energy had me going crazy (true story). As I began to curate this collection of quotes, I found it to be therapeutic. There is so much foolery happening around us during this pan dulce and I have found myself retreating inward more than I normally do. However, reading these quotes gave me hope and drive. It is my hope that you also find one or a few that jump out to you and you hold onto them. Tweet it, write it down, or put it on your mirror. I write this in love and say “thank you” to the brilliance of our ancestors, legends, and people as a whole.
That One Year I Read 40 Books… All By Black Women.
8,645 pages read.
Your girl did it. Multiple funerals, mental health issues, leave from work, and just being a whole busybody, but I did it. I knocked down 40 books in 2020. What made my reads even more special was the fact that every single book I read in 2020 was written by a Black woman. Famous Black women. Established authors. Breakout authors. Caribbean authors. British authors. American authors. Fat authors. All of it.
My 2020 Black-Owned Business Round Up
I decided to challenge myself and see if I could put it all together. I’m still almost certain some are missing but this is a fairly accurate representation. Don’t judge me! Mind the business that pays you. Buying Black is not simply a square on your social media or a cute gif, but it’s a lifestyle. Let’s be intentional with our shopping in 2021 and beyond!
100 Black Women In DFW To Book For Your Next Event
I really wanted to be intentional about celebrating all things Black women because the start of 2021 has already tried to rip away some joy, but NOT today! I was so shocked to see how much my original post, “60 Black Women to Book In DFW”, did that I knew I needed to add some more heavy hitters. So, this is for you. We know that Black History Month is coming up, and you should already be prepared (insert side-eye here), but in case you’re not, here’s a resource for you! I’ve added some names based on recommendations and continuing to expand my network.
The DFW Black Giving Tuesday Guide
Want to find a local nonprofit to donate to on Giving Tuesday? Look no further! I've curated a list of 25 Black nonprofits in Dallas-Fort Worth that you can donate to for Giving Tuesday 2020 and beyond. Let's give Black!
The Ultimate Black-Owned DFW Holiday Shopping Guide
Looking to support a Black-owned business for Black Friday and the holidays? Look no further. I've got you covered with over 125 Black-owned businesses in North Texas!
60 Black Women In DFW To Book For Your Next Event
As we close out a very wild March, I wanted to do something special and necessary to close out Women's History Month 2020. As our community has adjusted and responded to the Covid-19 pandemic, I kept finding myself incredibly frustrated and appalled at the lack of color on panels and "community conversations". While reflecting I simply asked myself was I going to keep complaining about it or would I help tilt the trend. In true CJ fashion, I chose the latter.