“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)
3 Wins & Mistakes From My First 90 Days In Business
I chuckled when I looked at the alignment (one of my 2021 words). Since my godfather passed, I’ve taken the 29th of the month off to rest and reflect. Earlier this month when I asked my Alexa what’s 90 days from October 31, she told me January 29 and I was straight up shook. The 7 month anniversary of my godfather's passing would be my 90th day in business. Needless to say, today has been bittersweet. I woke up and cried twice and then I eventually put it together.
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!
No, this email doesn’t find me “well”.
It reminds me of all of the companies that have been super quiet after posting the trendy black squares in June. Newsflash to all. Silence is compliance. You sure were quiet about the events at the US Capitol but now you want to post a pacifying quote from MLK? Please miss me. Please stop it. And as Crystle Johnson shared yesterday, ”we need receipts”!
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.
Dear 2020, I don’t hate you.
As I have spent the last few days cleaning like a crazy woman because, #BlackTraditions, I was extremely appreciative that I finished last night so that I could truly focus and reflect today. Instead of thinking about all that didn’t happen, went wrong, or what I lost, I’ve been trying to think about some of my favorite highlights.
To Everyone Mourning a Loved One During the 2020 Holiday Season
It is hard. It is incredibly hard. I don’t share the ugly moments I deal with daily because who wants to hear that? Unless you are in my immediate circle… or my therapist, you have no idea how I am dealing. But please, do not make assumptions about someone’s healing process because it is a lifelong journey.
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!