PYNK Lemonade The Squeeze | Volume 5

FEBRUARY 2021 | VOLUME NO. 5

BLACK HISTORY IS...PRESENT

PYNK N’ SIP: the inside scoop writing

IS THE KEY TO FREEDOM

+8

CLASSIC MOVIES WITH THE BEST SOUNDTRACKS!

it’s comma-luh.

GET IT RIGHT.

We stand on the shoulders of giants.

Rest in Eternal Peace Cicely Tyson (1924 - 2021)

A LOOK LOOK INSIDE. INSIDE. A

steady hustlin’

38

Spice & Everything 10 Ginger, Nice Your Own 14 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

I Believed I Could, So I Did and You Can Too.

101: Lessons Taught 16 Savage

by Everyone’s Favorite Bad Gyal

Chantelle Adams articulates from root to stem the value within self-love with her rich Nigerian culture always intertwined.

Copyright 2021 PYNK Lemonade® All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review - without written permission from the publisher.

Please direct all permission requests, ad inquiries, subscription inquiries and orders to plpublications@pynklmn.com.

livin’ my best life Your Chapter 23 Manifesting Harmony A Message on 26 COVID-19: Health & Healing for the Black Community We’ve earned and deserve a right to foster a healthy future.

30 Provoking Your Thoughts Live Your Life on a 34 Don’t Timeline 36 My Pregnant Life 38 Writing is the Key to Freedom

FEBRUARY 2021 | VOLUME NO. 5

44 50 52 54

music matters The Sound of Culture

61

Exploring Oceans What’s Brewing with Brandon Vee Dissecting the Double Standard of Black Women in Hip-Hop

58

Your talk show’s favorite talk show! A peek inside the cast of PYNK N’ Sip.

Kamala Harris: The country’s FIRST Woman, Black, and South Asian Vice President

we are the culture

Many Times Do We Have 58 How to Tell Y’all to Listen to Black Women

N’ Sip: All Things 61 PYNK Culture, All Things Millennial

64 Her Body, Her Love, Her Story Soul of Blackness: 66 The Re-Rooting Yourself ON THE COVER. Photo By Rui Silvestre from Unsplash

MEET THE THE WRITERS. WRITERS. MEET asha elaine.

cynthia vasquez.

Asha Elaine is a passionate writer who uses her voice to amplify the experiences of Black women.

Cynthia Vasquez is a creative writer and journalist with a passion for storytelling, incense, natural hair products, and good music.

kyra pattillo.

nzingha florence.

Kyra Pattillo is a 23-year-old freelance writer from Durham, North Carolina. She is a recent graduate from Spelman College with a Bachelor’s in English, focusing on film and visual culture. When she is not writing, Kyra enjoys reading, watching anime, and figuring out how to become a TikToker.

Nzingha Florence is a junior English major, Film and Visual Culture minor at Spelman College. Her passions include reading, writing poetry, traveling the world, and spending time with nature. She defines herself as a womanist and advocate of breaking stigmas on mental health.

maiya sinclair.

adrinece beard.

Maiya Sinclair is a filmmaker and writer that works to curate, create and correct the narratives of Black Women around the World.

Adrinece Beard is a copywriter and storyteller focused on health and wellness in the black community.

GUEST CONTRIBUTORS. Erin Smith

Myriah Martin

Deiona Monroe

CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Chanah McKenzie-Scarlett CO-FOUNDER, CHIEF STRATEGIST ChloĂŠ Francena Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, SENIOR WRITER Ramona Roberts

EDITOR’S NOTE. NOTE. EDITOR’S

ramona roberts.

Editor-In-Chief, Senior Writer

We’ve made it back around to my favorite time of the year! Although we don’t limit ourselves to this one-month to celebrate Black history, I love the extra emphasis we put out during this time. We are Blackity Black unapologetically, and everyone has to get with it or deal with it.

We wanted this issue to address how this year hit us as a culture and a generation. Conversations around grief, mental exhaustion, depression, and the health concerns of our community were important to discuss. Everyone is feeling the pressure now more than ever to come out of this pandemic era stronger and more accomplished than when we came in. Not to mention, the many loved leaders and public figures we lost; It’s been rough.

But along with the harsh realities and tough conversations, we’ve had so much to celebrate. It’s crazy that a year full of hateful racism and injustice has brought about so much Black magic! The first female Vice President is a Black woman. Georgia, known as one of the most conservative states, saved the election in so many ways thanks to a Black woman. Georgia now has its first Black Senator, Democrat Raphael Warnock. Jazmine Sullivan’s Tiny desk broke records, the Verzuz battles celebrated music, DJ D-Nice brought Club Quarantine right to our living rooms and so much more happened! While 2020 surely took a toll, we as a community and culture have always been resilient and have proven that nothing can hold us back.

PYNK LEMONADE® PRESENTS

love is...

- VIRTUAL EVENT -

WITH

SPECIAL GUESTS MIC’A SAHARA ARTIST & INSTRUCTOR

MYRIAH MARTIN MENTAL HEALTH ENTHUSIAST

feb.12 6:30PM ET -9PM ET tickets available on

Photo By: Dami Adebayo from Unsplash

STEADY HUSTLIN’.

HUSTLIN’.

STEADY

Ginger, Spice & Everything Nice

By Ramona Roberts

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F

For over a decade we’ve watched two scenarios play out in predominantly Black communities. The first scenario is gentrification. We know this all too well; property taxes go up, and neighborhoods consisting of black people and black businesses turn into Starbucks shops, and high rise apartments catering to a new demographic of people.

The other scenario is the black communities left to fend for themselves, set up to fail. The neighborhoods dealing with food deserts and lack of healthy options. This is what ShaMyra Sylvester experienced in her hometown and decided to be a part of the solution she wanted to see.

ShaMyra took the time to really explore life, traveling all over the world, and living in other cities. “I lived in Atlanta, and from Atlanta moved to Hampton, Virginia for an internship, and from there I moved to D.C., just off a whim. I might have had like $500 and was just like, “‘Aite, internship over,’” I’m just going to try it out and see what happens, and God has been so gracious from that moment of stepping out on faith until the present day.”

While living in D.C. she worked for three presidential administrations including the Obama administration, the Trump administration and now transitioning into the Biden administration working remotely from Alabama. (We’re here for the #BlackGirlExcellence). Along with her professional accomplishments, ShaMyra was able to tap into her creative-self, and take what she learned and the connections she made back to her hometown.

“There is no cold press juicery here. In [Washington] D.C. you can find it everywhere, they’re on every corner. Here, there are none. So to be the only black woman owned cold pressed juicery in Mobile that’s huge! And not just for community awareness but also for community awareness.

I’m a part of this, I see you. Whatever brands I’m loyal to, I’m loyal because I can directly identify with the concept, the owner. We have a close connection, so I wanted that to be the forefront of my business. I see you, I’m right here with you, let’s be healthier together.”

The creative felt like she was watching her city dwindle down from afar, and knew there was something she could do about it. For her it was bigger than creating a business or a creative space, but actually informing and helping her people.

“I wanted to come home and kind of reinforce that we have to get healthier. Because if we’re leaving it to the federal government and federal programs, we’re going to be stuck in the same things continuously. I felt called by God to do that, I don’t have any fully vetted background in nutrition, and didn’t go to college for nutrition; but you Before moving back home to start this business, know what I do have— intelligence. I read about THE SQUEEZE

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“I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, which is at the very bottom of the map, I don’t think people realize how at the bottom of the map Mobile is. So with that being said it’s definitely the deep deep deep south. And when you think about the south I’m sure food comes to mind and the most unhealthy food options...Which is what motivated me to move back and open up the juicery.”

“I relied heavily on my experience in D.C., and I [knew] that when my friends from the south or Ginger and Spice is a cold-press juicery based in my friends from other places would come and Mobile, Alabama. The foundation of this company visit me we’d always have some really cool bomb is dedicated to improving access to healthy food things to do...The creative community in the south options to the community with affordable, high- isn’t as potent as it is in D.C.. I think it has potential quality products. If you’re from a popular and young to get there and fully be what creatives here see city, seeing juicery shops on every other block is for it, especially black creatives. We have Flo Mili pretty common, even having those businesses out of the city, Yung Bleu, like so many people that owned by Black people. However down in the are poppin’ out of this city, but the creative culture valley, ShaMyra is the only Black woman owned isn’t really here. I felt like when you’re in a creative juicery in Mobile, and explains how that played a environment it keeps your mind going, so I wanted to part in her catering only to this city. come back and create that.”

I wanted to come home and kind of reinforce that we have to get healthier...I felt called by God to do that...

gut health, inflammation, I read about how our bodies respond to different foods. So that’s where my credentials are. I’ve taken different nutritional online courses and things like that, and it’s been a life saver.”

Living by the quote “health is wealth,” ShaMyra describes juicing as a game changer for her overall health and self-care. “My mental health increased, my productivity increased, my interest in my overall self-care and who I am mentally and how I give myself to the world...I think it’s important to focus in on Mobile right now to provide health education, getting people accustomed to how cold press juicing works, how just being healthier in general works and what the benefits are from choosing health. [There’s] not a lot of resources in this area for that.”

Although her juices are limited to the Mobile area specifically, she explains her services, resources and merchandise is available to anyone who reaches out. “You’re a part of the brand! Even though you can’t get any juice I can talk you through a recipe, THE SQUEEZE

you can call me, email me, DM me. And I can be of assistance that way, which is valuable because a lot of times you get a juicer and you try all this stuff and it don’t taste so good. I’m serious about health consulting.”

The beautiful message from ShaMyra’s story is the importance of investing back into your community.

She exemplifies the benefit of not neglecting the neighborhoods that raise you and how we can be a part of the changes we want to see. We have to think bigger than ourselves and consider our community...our people. That is the start of breaking generational curses. You can learn more about ShaMyra, her juicery, and her other businesses through her Instagram, @sincerelysquared.

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dburnocollection.com

Overcoming Your Own Imposter Syndrome I Believed I Could, So I Did and You Can Too

By Maiya Sinclair

O Photo By: Jessica Felicio from Unsplash

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?”

Our Greatest Fear — Marianne Williamson

but it is a completely different notion to believe that you are up to the task.

The way I overcame and still overcome imposter syndrome is by believing in myself and trusting in the work of my hands. My life has taken a shift in the last three months and if someone was to tell me this time last year that I would be writing for PYNK I, too, have tossed these questions around in my Lemonade, an award winning filmmaker, taking mind. Am I really qualified to be a writer? Have I steps toward becoming a professor and having actually mastered my craft and teaching subject? secured an amazing employment opportunity…..I Have I fully come to understand and believe who would hysterically laugh in your face. Not because they say I am called to be? For the past two years I I don’t possess those qualities but because I didn’t have questioned and second guessed every step. believe I deserved it.

2020 has been a most unforgiving year and I have seen so many treasures, both people and material I’ve watched my peers accept offers for their dream things, gleaned away from me. It will sound cliche jobs, I’ve seen my friends get invited to speak on when I say this but believing is absolutely half the panels that were once in a lifetime opportunities. battle. It’s one thing to have all of the necessary Some of my closest friends purchased homes and qualifications to fill a position or start the business, dream cars and like the good friend I am I would

you find yourself in rooms and you only see one of you take solace in knowing that you are exactly where you are supposed to be. If you feel that you are in a season of waiting, assume it is because you are not yet ready to proceed on because there is still something there for you to learn.

The answer was so simple that it scared me, “Because you’re not doing it.” He was right, I wasn’t. I wasn’t putting myself out there. I wasn’t preparing myself for these opportunities. I wasn’t even in the job market at the time. I was just sitting around twiddling my thumbs hoping that wonderful things would just drop into my lap. It don’t work like that.

You can’t be given more if you are a poor steward over what you currently have. Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve been through and accomplished up until this point. Look at where you are presently and assess the care you have taken over your current situation and then turn your face to the future. With your eyes forward begin to prepare yourself for the life you want and believe that you can have it. Go do the necessary things that will prepare you to perform properly.

Keep your word to yourself and others. Set Your goals and crush them. Believe that you deserve it. Believe that you are the person for the job and place one foot in front of the other for when you take one, He will take two.

It is a glorious moment when you get fed up with your own ish and I absolutely was. I didn’t know when the next opportunity would arise but I surely wasn’t going to wait around for it to drop from the sky and would be sure that I was ready when it did. The one critical initiative I took was in personal preparation. I read a few books, attended workshops (virtually), listened to podcasts, prayed, healed, journaled, continued writing for class and set my intentions and prayers in motion. I had my resume and website redesigned so that they both spoke simultaneously to who I was as a scholar, writer and filmmaker. My period of waiting wasn’t idle time. It was spent putting my efforts towards cultivating the person I so desperately wanted to be and deep down in my heart knew I could be.

Let the fact that you are reading this article written by someone who was once in your shoes serve as proof that there is more for you in life and that If you want it, you can have it. Let this be the moment that you look back on 2 years or even three months from now and can smile to yourself knowing that you did everything you could do to get where you are. Believe in yourself as if your life depended on it, because it does. You will soon realize that you are brilliant, capable, talented and strong and at I had tapped into my power and now I walk in that moment the question will no longer be if you that, unapologetically, and you can, too. You have were but who were you not to be. to know that you are innately powerful and that everything you want is within your own grasp, but So, who are you not to be? you have to open your hand and reach for it. When

You have to know that you are innately powerful and that everything you want is within your own grasp.

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clap, jump and scream in celebration of their success. But as they say comparison is truly the thief of joy. After the fanfare passed I would sit in my room and ask God why not me? When is it my turn? I am just as good as they are so why isn’t this happening for me?

Savage 101: Life Lessons Taught By Everyone’s Favorite Bad Gyal

By Cynthia Vasquez

C

Class is in session and hopefully you’re ready to take notes! The best part about our instructor: she doesn’t simply teach. She leads by example with a mean strut and determination that can’t be shattered. Because who else can teach Savage 101 other than everyone’s favorite bad gyal, Rihanna?

Rihanna’s the embodiment of her brand and life’s motto. She doesn’t play by the rules, and that’s what made her a singer-turned-entrepreneurialgenius. Her innovative thinking fostered a creative brink and birthed fashion and beauty empires Fenty, Savage X Fenty, Fenty Beauty, and Fenty Skin. How can you unleash your savage lifestyle?

Here are several life lessons that Ms. Fenty has shown the world.

planning to do that, courage is necessary.

We can only grow by stepping outside of the box we’ve drawn around ourselves.

FAILURE DOESN’T EXIST – ONLY LESSONS As she told the New York Times Style Magazine, “Never a failure. Always a lesson.” After confirming it’s a tattoo that goes across her collarbone and shoulder, Rihanna explained it’s a reminder to keep pushing forward. After all, how else do you learn?

Mistakes are a part of the learning process. They’re also an essential part of the process to finding your passion and/or purpose. Embrace the fallbacks – they’ll only propel you further ahead. Whenever we’re most ready to give up, the breakthrough is typically inches away.

STEADY HUSTLIN’

GOOD BOUNCE BACK GAME

Rihanna is a bounce back queen. In 2009, she was nearly bankrupt. Due to mismanagement of her funds, she was only worth $2 million by year’s end.

Flash-forward twelve years later, she’s the richest woman in the music industry, valued at $600 million.

The truth is to win big, you’ll lose equally as much.

Pride and ego rule over our lives in harmful ways.

Both attempt to convince us into giving up once the journey presents its obstacles. Imagine releasing the voices in your head that tell you to worry about other people’s opinions, concerns, and fears?

It’s always easier said than done. But a savage is sure of herself - even if she’s not sure where life is attempting to take her. In the end, a good bounce back game is only developed by practice.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO EXPLORE OTHER AVENUES THAT FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY

Jay Brown CEO/Co-Founder of RocNation Oversees most of Rihanna’s business deals

THE DREAM TEAM – FRIENDS & TEAMWORK DO GO TOGETHER

Who says work and play don’t go hand-in-hand?

The best teams consider their fellow colleagues/ Believe us – we’re still waiting on that album, teammates as friends and family. #TheCorp as too! But where life beckons, Rihanna explores. they’re known, are composed of several women Sometimes, the best discoveries await in places we who’ve known Rih since the beginning of her career. didn’t expect. For example, imagine if she hadn’t come out with Fenty Beauty in 2016? She had to There isn’t a separation between the two and a step outside of her comfort zone - and for anyone healthy set of personal and professional boundaries THE SQUEEZE

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keeps the operation moving steadily ahead.

The secret sauce: find people who have similar values, passions, and thoughts as you. (Cue: PYNK Lemonade! Yes, this is a shameless plug).

DON’T FOCUS ON DOING SOMETHING “BIG” – JUST DO IT One of my favorite Rihanna quotes from the Savage X Fenty Show 2019, “When you keep yourself up at night thinking about making history, you not gon’ make it.” Overthinking kills dreams and we’re bound to find reasons “why not” in the process.

That leap of faith is the first step we’ll take into an exciting new career path and journey. Once you take the jump, the rest will start to follow. Even if it sounds far-fetched, you’re only delaying your process by continuing to worry about the “whatifs” and how to make it “perfect.”

BET ON YOURSELF – BECAUSE YOU’RE WORTH IT

Slick Woods aka Rihanna’s muse Woods has the word “Fenty” tattooed behind her ear.

EMPOWER YOURSELF, EMPOWER OTHERS

You are your most valuable investment. If you’re not willing to throw money down on the table for yourself and your ideas, then who else will? Stop believing the people who told you otherwise, as well. Seriously, leave it in the past starting today.

Even if it feels scary, wrong, or like you’re not ready. Releasing that weight from your shoulders will allow you to levitate up to higher ground and begin viewing yourself as worthy and capable of anything.

Do you think Rihanna has allowed any naysayers, doubters, and haters to prevent her from checking Confidence goes a long way. But we forget to realize things off her list? Nope, and that’s an amazing feat. there’s a difference between that and arrogance. To be a savage, you must be unafraid to navigate Rihanna doesn’t waste time patting herself on your own course. Go ahead and try it. We dare you! the back. In her world, everyone deserves to be empowered.

She’s also a keen advocate for young talent and creatives. Aside from being an enterprise, Rih has acknowledged Fenty as a creative hub. It’s a space that welcomes young talent and fresh perspectives. She’s actively helped young Black and POC creatives climb farther up the ladder into the beauty and fashion industries. Both of which don’t typically hold the boardroom doors open for us.

Jennifer Rosales Rih’s former personal assistant-turnedProject Manager at Fenty, Corp.

Melissa Forde Rihanna’s best friend and right hand, they moved to America together from Barbados when Rih was pursuing her career as a teenager

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Melissa Battifarano Design Director at Fenty Corp.

BLACK HISTORY IS...

C U LT U R E

In an effort to make the best out of 2020’s early quarantine days, Jasmyn Lawson, an editorial manager at Netflix, suggests a BeyoncÊ Homecoming watch party, celebrating the (almost 1 year) anniversary release of the popular documentary. Little does she know, her tweet receives a massive response that even caught the attention of Queen Bey herself via a retweet on her page.

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LIVIN’ MY BEST LIFE.

Manifesting Your Chapter Harmony

By Erin Smith

Ryen: Chapter Harmony is a digital platform for the Black Woman who deserve to be paid, loved, and rested in high favor. When I say deserve, I want women to get outside of what they think they want because sometimes what we want isn’t what we deserve. With being paid. With our rates.

With our relationships. Even how we go about our day-to-day life. Sometimes we think that we are too old to rest. Or we think that we don’t have the flexibility to rest with our schedules. I just don’t want people to box themselves in like that; specifically Black women...You deserve rest. You deserve to be paid the rate that you deserve.

Not just the number that you think you want or the number that you think your counterpart is getting... Get what you deserve!

Chapter Harmony is a digital platform that encourages and uplifts Black women to manifest the life they deserve. What started as a personal journey for Ryen Watkins, has grown into an online community of women who share the goal of breaking generational curses, healing childhood trauma, and supporting each other on a journey to happiness. From sharing affirmations, to hosting Harmony Link Ups, Ryen has created a space for Black women to let their hair down and manifest a life they deserve. I sat down with Ryen to talk E: What inspired you to start Chapter Harmony? about the growth of her platform and how we can be intentional on a daily basis.

R: I feel like I have always been that type of [person] where I manifest things. I manifested Erin: Tell us, in your own words, what Chapter moving to a new city. I’ve manifested my dream job. I’ve always been the ‘law of attraction’ type.

Harmony is?

I was really heavy on that in 2016. So it got to THE SQUEEZE

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2

2020 was the year none of us expected. Many people lost their lives and some of us barely made it through. But we made it! And although COVID is still around, it is important that we set intentions for 2021 and remain positive as the pandemic continues to progress.

the point where I was literally manifesting things that I thought I wanted and getting them, then realizing that this wasn’t what I wanted. So I was on a self-discovery type of vibe for the last 3 months of 2018. At the beginning of 2018 I had gotten out of a relationship. So I just started with Chapter Harmony being a personal blog for me. It didn’t even have a name at the time. So it started with me just encouraging myself. Like a vision board for myself but through Instagram. I started just thinking of ways that I can manifest what was going to make me happy. I manifested everything that I wanted technically, so why can’t I manifest peace of mind? Why can’t I manifest happiness?

look at anybody as competition, especially other women. That’s heavy in divine feminine energy.

And to just be you regardless of what you’re getting back. I think that has really helped me this year.

Ryen stated, at the time she created Chapter Harmony, she wanted to dismiss the stereotypes about Black women that we often see on television shows. It was important for her to show women who were career moguls and did not sacrifice waiting until 40 to be married or having children.

She uses her content to be transparent about the things that she is going through at the time. But also to change the narrative that Black women Ryen launched Chapter Harmony publicly on have to settle for what they want when they can Instagram in January 2019. At first glance, the actually manifest what they deserve. page’s aesthetic is what catches the eye. It features lots of chocolates, creams, and nudes that match E: What are 3 tips for manifesting the life you the skin of all the brown people featured along the deserve? Or any 3 manifesting tips? page. A closer look shows affirmations, self-care tips, and pictures overflowing with #BlackLove and R: Write it down. That’s why I started my #BlackGirlMagic. One message that is consistent affirmative line because when you are seeing is embracing divine energy. those affirmations over and over then you’re going to eventually believe it. And that’s part of E: Another concept you talk about a lot is Divine manifestation too. If you can’t believe it then it Femininity. How do you define that? And how do can’t be manifested. So write it out or speak it out. you suggest embracing that as a woman?

I have affirmations on my wall that I see everyday, that I recite everyday. Another manifestation R: Yasss. Okay so I feel like the divine feminine tool is vision boards. So if you don’t want to use energy is a healing force of sacred and sensual words, you can do pictures. Put it on your phone energy. Everybody has divine feminine energy in screensaver. Put it on your laptop. And lastly, I them. Male or female. love a good cup of tea. I’ve practiced that as a So I think the divine feminine energy is like manifestation technique, where you are allowing communication. It is being in tune with whether the liquid to visualize in yourself like love is or not you have the capacity to do things. coming down and you’re being so intimate with each sip. When you’re thinking about what is Sometimes in the divine masculine energy we literally coming to you, it comes to you with flow don’t worry about how we feel. But with the divine and ease. You can do it with tea, water, or alcohol. feminine energy, we feel... It’s a balance and you Whatever! And just make it a practice where every need both of them. Literally at the beginning sip you visually see and feel it filling you up as of the pandemic I was like ‘what do I do?’ I was the water is going down. And it’s like ‘ooh!’ It’s literally anxious. So I think the divine feminine coming because you see it and you feel it. energy is a healing energy that forces us to really look internal. It’s not to deal with anything girly or Chapter Harmony recently released a new line of to be feminine. That’s not what it means. But it just t-shirts called the ‘Chakra Healing Collection.’ The means to operate in that mindset. I’m going to collection consists of seven shirts representing the nurture myself. And everyday I wake up I’m going seven chakras. For more tips and inspiration on to ask how do I feel and that determines what I manifesting, be sure to follow @ChapterHarmony do. To operate out of love and with kindness. Not on Instagram or visit chapterharmony.com.

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When I say deserve, I want women to get outside of what they think they want because sometimes what we want isn’t what we deserve.

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COVID-19: A Message on Health & Healing for the Black Community

We’ve earned and deserve the right to foster a healthy future.

By Cynthia Vasquez

C Photo from Adobe Stock

COVID-19 left its mark over the world. The main message it left behind for the Black community, specifically? We’ve earned our right to enter a state of health conscientiousness and healing. After all, we’re among the marginalized communities who are hit the hardest during moments of national (or global) catastrophe.

the ethnic demographics left most susceptible to the virus was released.

CDC data shows Black people are nearly four times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19. We’re also over two times as likely to die because of virus-related health complications.

As of April, Black people comprise 21% of COVID-19 deaths, while only representing 13.4% of the nationwide population. Only the US-Latinx community compares to the staggering amount of people who fell ill and passed away during the silent battle that coronavirus imposed over the entire world.

We’re a collective of people known for taking life and survival into our own hands. Many moments in history show that we were left behind both in the past and present. Ultimately, forgotten or disregarded by the government on many accounts.

All because it didn’t know what to do with us after years of second-class citizenship. While it sounds dreary, COVID-19 laid this truth bare once data on You might ask, why? Well, for starters, the THE SQUEEZE

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racial disparities that existed before a global pandemic. Across the board, Black people were over three times as likely to work in healthcare support. Seven other industries deemed essential include: transportation, wholesale, cleaning and maintenance, and food preparation. These are high-contact working-class industries that don’t require extensive education.

We’ve earned and deserve the right to foster a healthy future. One that isn’t plagued by imbalances of mental, spiritual, and physical complications.

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start with a change in mentality toward food.

For instance, we keep hearing food is medicine but are we really taking that into account? Food is medicine means that we’ll have to decide between swapping the collard greens and grits out for some kale and carrots. It means looking into teas and other herbal remedies instead of relying on OTC-medicine and doctors trips. We’re so focused on the cure for things, that we forget The bottom line: we can’t afford to be sick all the to realize the causes are linked to our everyday time! COVID-19 left behind a big message and it decisions. was to take our health into our own hands (again).

Even though local healthcare resources can be Just because it’s healthy doesn’t mean it won’t virtually nonexistent, that doesn’t mean we aren’t taste good, either. Believe it or not, there are capable of caring for ourselves to prevent major other ways to satisfy our souls without grease! And health difficulties. yes, it’s difficult at first, but when you can wake up in the mornings without feeling tired, you’ll Meditation is as easy as an app search or going on be happy. When your stress and anxiety levels YouTube for guided courses. Finding a quiet room are down, you’ll thank yourself for having the in your house to just sit and be mindful for ten- discipline to do it. When you can feel your overall to-fifteen minutes a day is possible. For obvious health improve, you’ll be grateful for doing it for reasons, vulnerability won’t always be second yourself or loved ones. nature in our communities. But that doesn’t mean we can’t seek support during a time when it’s really As a community, we know that it’s time to take needed. Not just for our sake, but for the people better care of ourselves spiritually, mentally, around us that we impact. We’re living in a time and physically. Our bodies, spirits, and minds where a therapist is only a Google search away, are connected. If one is lagging, then the other and sound frequencies can make us feel way more suffers. We’ve earned and deserve the right to grounded than a cigarette. foster a healthy future. One that isn’t plagued by imbalances of mental, spiritual, and physical Becoming conscious of our diets isn’t meant to complications. It’s not a luxury, but a reality that be a question, anymore. Demanding better food we owe to ourselves. options throughout our communities needs to

BLACK HISTORY IS...

TIMELESS

Dionne Warwick graces Black Twitter (and the rest) with her presence bringing a shed a positivity into 2020 and lets us know not to mess around in 2021.

SPREADING SPREADING POSITIVITY POSITIVITY ++ GIVING GIVING BACK BACK TO TO THE THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

Order Today www.igybclothing.com

Provoking Your Thoughts

A Conversation with Thoughts From a Counselor Podcast

By Kyra Pattillo

K

Kyra: Well first off, what started Thoughts From K: I know that you guys are both interested in A Counselor? How did you all meet? counseling and mental health, which is a main component of your podcast, but what would Paul: Me and my friends were talking about you say makes your podcast different or unique? starting our own podcast and getting ideas but our schedules were just conflicting...then I ran Lebert: I think what makes our podcast unique into this young brother [Lebert] through a mutual is the fact that we’re professionals but we’re not experience at a HBCU college fair. I think one day the professionals in the room. We bring every we went to lunch and we just started talking about guest into the room with the intention of them podcasts and Lebert tells me about this opportunity actively participating in the conversation and even and how he wanted to do it and you know, I leading it and guiding it. Because through my own wanted to do it too. It was something I was going homework and listening to other podcasts, they to give up on, but hearing it just reinvigorated me typically want to talk about what they want to talk and just reminded me that I should do this and it’s about. We really want our guests to be their full something I enjoy and something I wanted to try, dynamic and their human selves. so after that conversation, it just happened.

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P: To answer that, our podcast, I think it brings things down to earth. Because as Lebert mentioned, we are academics. So, sometimes just knowing the community that we’re coming from, sometimes people will feel as if we’re above or we may know something more, but as Lebert said, we’re not the only measures of success, we’re not the only auditors of knowledge in this subject and I love how our podcast just brings it to earth, brings it down to earth, and we get to interact, get to give the people what they feel they might not have access to.

when it’s in person, it’s just a totally different feeling.

K: Speaking of the pandemic and COVID-19, everything that we’ve known to be as “normal” and “taboo” is sort of up in the air. In terms of taboos or stigmas, what are some taboos you hope to help break moving forward?

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L: We try to create space for people to see that Black people should be able to fail within academia at the highest level too and still be recognized, and still be seen as worthwhile and still be seen as necessary. What we try to do when we discuss these K: What would you say has been one of your cultures, these institutions, these socializations, is favorite subjects or episodes so far? reminding people that no matter what academia tells you, when you come on our show and when L: The first one I’ll say is our episode 21: Music you listen to our episodes, we see the worth in you, and Artistry. I’m going to say that one because that you may be struggling to see in yourself. it made me uncomfortable. I recognize now that when I move forward with our production, I have K: What would be some advice you would to be prepared to be uncomfortable, and to even have for someone who is interested in going to acknowledge it on air, because we do a disservice counseling/therapy? to ourselves and to our guests when we don’t make room for that. I think there is also stigma around L: Take your time. Make room for failure. And make how people should react when they’re shocked. sure you continue to try. A lot of people tend to make the mistake of thinking that the first therapist K: You guys have touched a lot on what’s they get is the right therapist, but the average rewarding about doing this, but what has been therapeutic session is one session. Sometimes you the most challenging for you all? go to therapy thinking, therapy is standardized, and it’s not. They’re different therapeutic approaches, L: The most challenging thing is that we’re still people have different focuses, and we shrink young professionals, so we still have a lot of other our problems and think we can talk to anyone responsibilities too. Unfortunately, some things like about them. You have to feel out your therapist. school or research or just other areas of life will take Sometimes you may have to take a break from over what we’re trying to do, or will really slow up therapy to unpack. And with the awareness of what we’d like to do. So, trying to remind myself to therapy, some people forget the actions that have be patient and to allow ourselves to have our pace, to go into it outside the session. because I’d love to be able to just give my all to the podcast full time.

K: What can we expect from you all in the future?

P: I think that balance is something I struggle with daily, even without the podcast. Just understanding P: One of the ways we can take it to the next level and figuring out scheduling. Even though it’s like is start incorporating videos. We started doing we are young professionals and we’ve been doing everything audio, but now adding that visual this for so long already, you know, you think it’d be component, I think we can expand what we’re natural, but just finding the time to do it all can be doing even further, and people actually being able tricky and challenging. I think to add to that, I think to see our reactions, feeling what we’re saying the virtual adjustment adds on to it. Since COVID more so than just hearing it. has started, I’ve missed the in-studio, non-verbal cues and just the energy. I still get that virtually but L: I think another part of that would be us trying to

incorporate more physical products to our brand as well. We’ve discussed doing things like self-care boxes or maybe we do a light giveaway, or maybe even start selling merchandise. Just trying to further our brand. Cause in essence, I think that’s what our podcast is; an extension of our brands, and trying to bring it to a point where we can do a lot with it.

Thoughts From a Counselor is available to listen and subscribe to on Google Podcast, Spotify and Apple Podcast. You can also follow them on instagram for more updates at @thoughtsfromcounselors.

...When you come on our show and when you listen to our episodes, we see the worth in you, that you may be struggling to see in yourself.

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BLACK HISTORY IS...

POWERFUL

22-year-old Amanda Gorman, poet and activist, reads the 2021 Presidential Inaguaration poem, ‘The Hill We Climb,” making her the youngest inaugural poet to ever perform.

January 20, 2021

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Photo By: Maycon Marmo from Pexels

Don’t Live Your Life on a Timeline

By Erin Smith

F

“Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year?”

I think about those lyrics from the movie, “Rent,” often. 2020 has been a year filled with tons of different emotions. Sometimes it feels like days are running together. Time feels like it’s moving fast and slow at the same time.

“I have to graduate college in 4 years.”

“I want to be married by 30.”

“I need to retire by 40.”

While it may seem cliché to say, “Age is nothing but a number” when it comes to dreams and accomplishments. We can’t attach ourselves to strict expectations when we still have life to live.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with We have to allow ourselves room to grow and speaking things into existence or manifesting the make errors along the way. Getting a degree at things you want in life…you shouldn’t live your life 30 feels just as good as getting it at 22. Having a on a timeline. baby at 40 will make you just as happy as having a baby at 30. Ultimately, it’s not the age that makes Everyday Black people are breaking barriers and the event memorable. It’s the experience. showing us that it is never too late to live your best life. Kelly Rowland is pregnant at 39; Viola No matter how you define happiness, it’s important Davis was 43 when she started receiving breakout to remember that it isn’t linear. Happiness is a roles; Samuel L. Jackson got his first starring role journey with high peaks and low valleys. As you at 46; Kamala Harris met the love of her life at grow through life, things that once mattered will 49; and Morgan Freeman was 52 when he started no longer make a difference. Celebrate each appearing on the big screens. milestone that you reach along the way, whether big or small. There is no race to the finish line If there is anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that when we’re all just trying to survive. life doesn’t always go according to our plans.

Sometimes you have to pivot or take a detour.

You have to learn to adapt to change.

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may want to retire because your job stresses you out. You might have goals to break generational curses. Or maybe you’re tired of your family asking when you’re getting married during the holidays.

Truth is, we shouldn’t try to meet unrealistic “deadlines” created in our heads. We shouldn’t chase the dreams that someone else sets for us.

And we definitely shouldn’t want to live up to It makes me question: how do you measure the expectations placed on us by a society that success? How do you measure happiness? was not built with today in mind. If we’re being Oftentimes we set deadlines for the things we realistic, there are probably situations around want to happen in life before considering the us that should have changed but didn’t. Things amount of work it takes to get to that milestone. change and people evolve on their time.

My Pregnant Life

By Adrinece Beard

I

Is it just me or is everyone pregnant?

Seriously, who else (besides me) got pregnant during the pandemic. If it’s you reading and you’re excited, then I’m excited for you. I feel like there were so many of us because I can’t seem to go anywhere without seeing a bump… my cousin on Facebook, my wax girl, shoppers at Target, friends and celebs on Instagram. Did I miss someone?

Before I was pregnant, my feelings were so mixed about it. I had all these conflicting expectations of myself like wanting to be married first but avoiding commitment. Truth is, I’ve had baby fever like forever now. I’ve always seen myself with my first born before I turned 30, and now that it’s happening, I couldn’t be happier. Shoutout to God and these eight things I can’t do without for my nine months.

Photo from Adobe Stock

Fenty Skin Fat Water – You’re probably already glowing but personally, no one really notices my skin until I’ve completed step two of the Fenty Skin routine. www.fentybeauty.com

Ritual Prenatal Pills – The only gag about this prenatal pill is that it wasn’t around for women sooner. The fresh lemon smell makes them easy to swallow. You can literally see what you are putting into your body. And for $35 a month you’ll never run out of this subscription-based product. www.ritual.com THE SQUEEZE

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BuzzFeed AirVibe – Doctors will tell you that sex is perfectly safe during pregnancy, but it can be so uncomfortable. And for that reason, I bought myself something special. Pregnant or not, believe me when I say this product lives up to its’ best reviews. www.bboutique.co

Glaceau Smartwater – Drinking enough water was rarely a problem for me, but dehydration during pregnancy is real. Out of all bottled water, this one gives me the electrolytes I need to feel hydrated quick.

Bombas Maternity Compression Socks – I never would have bought these socks on my own, but these made a perfect Christmas gift.

They’re so warm and really help with aches and swelling. Oh! And for every pair you buy, a pair is donated to charity. I decided to order more and of course, I couldn’t resist the baby socks. www.bombas.com

Babylist Baby Registry – Having a baby registry app that not only helps you determine your needs but categorizes everything and allows you to search and add products from any website just makes sense.

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“The Album” by Teyana Taylor – This album will always be the no. 1 R&B album of 2020 for me. From becoming a mother to feeling like the “Wrong B*tch” from my past and present relationships to celebrating the African diaspora, it speaks volumes.

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Coffee – I read a quote once that said, “The difference between this coffee and your opinion is that I want the coffee.” That’s exactly how I feel about people telling me I shouldn’t drink it. Thanks, but I’ll stick to eight ounces a day like my OBGYN recommends.

Writing Is The Key To Freedom A Conversation with Chántelle Adanna

By Asha Elaine

S

Sitting comfortably in her bed, surrounded by pink walls and various shades of pink decor, Chántelle Adanna flipped her long braids behind her and greeted me with a beaming smile after our Zoom call connected. Before beginning the interview, we chatted about our pathways and interests, almost as if we were already good girlfriends.

Realizing that as Black women writers, we had so much in common, we smoothly began to dive into conversation about writing, expression, being a Black woman, and generational curses.

Chántelle: Writing has always been a form of release and therapy for me. When I was younger, I wasn’t an effective communicator in terms of expressing how I feel and allowing myself to just feel. I am a sensitive person. I would harbor feelings and not share. I had to learn that the action of communicating feelings to people was normal and okay.

There were events and tragedies that affected me.

My grandmother died of breast cancer in 2008.

When I actually began writing and publishing, that process triggered things. A lot began to unfold for me. Writing was something that I could do where I was able to put my words on to paper.

I could see them. I could read them to myself. It all made sense. It was exactly how I felt. I never saw myself as a “good” writer. I never saw myself as an author. I needed something to carry my load, and my burden. That was writing for me.

Chántelle Adanna is a Maryland based writer, who through vulnerability uses her words to share her story and relate to Black women. With themes of wellness and self-love exuding through her work, Chántelle inspires others to find the beauty in all parts of who they are. Chántelle believes that self-alignment is what has created avenues of opportunity for her. Learning to honor herself with patience and kindness, Chántelle Adanna built the courage to be her truest self. Sometimes the I liked the feeling of taking the pen and being able best way to find healing is to look within ourselves to go and go and not have limits or boundaries, and share our own stories. no judgment. Nobody was talking back to me. My thoughts were just flowing. It felt comforting and Asha: What made you choose writing as your felt like home. Because of that, writing took the winning spot over other art forms for me. I felt it medium of expression? complimented me the best.

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A: Writing is so personal, so what made you actually want to let people into your world?

C: In 2015, I was a sophomore in college and that’s when I felt like I was going through my midlife crisis.

I was still emotionally dealing with the loss of my grandmother. A lot of other people in my family had also passed away. I also didn’t know my worth as a person. I got into a situationship that lasted too long. Friendships going in and out. I didn’t always understand them and vice versa. Because of that I started to blog. I shared it with family and friends and the feedback was so positive. Of course, there was constructive criticism that I took into consideration and applied some of it. As you grow, you have to be receptive to how people are receiving your work. It doesn’t have to change your style, but you should be mindful.

Thinking of my book as more of a brand required a mental shift that I didn’t necessarily expect. I felt like I was sinking creatively. I wasn’t taking time for myself to sit and write. Now I have less on my plate and I am able to get back in the flow and rhythm of writing just to write. I now write without expectations or because people think I should be writing about certain topics. In honoring myself, I learned that it isn’t about the next connection you make. I got so wrapped up in that. My book related to people because I was being true to myself. I didn’t start writing for likes and comments. I began this for me and it was a way for me to put myself first. Honoring myself, my craft, and purpose in its entirety, I had to revisit my “why” and remember that. I had to redefine what succeeding meant.

A: You had to redefine success, so what is that? What would be steps you can offer for others to take when thinking of success for themselves?

A: How do you balance honoring yourself but C: Success for me is being healthy throughout my also riding the encouragement people give entire trinity, mind, body, soul. And heart. Having a you? healthy family and supportive foundation. People who celebrate you when you aren’t your prettiest, C: I’m still trying to find that. Before I published my inside or out. Success is portrayed by what we book in 2019, I did not write consistently for two see on the outside. A person could be wealthy years. I am just starting to do so now that I have and have access, but not be successful internally.

...You have to allow yourself to be whole, be broken, to heal, to feel, especially Black women.

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I was going through so much mentally and emotionally, and I’m also an overthinker, so there were things that I could’ve overplayed in my head that made me go crazy. Writing was that therapy.

People suggested I write a book. And I was like “what?! I’m just tryna get this out!” I started to think about it a little more, and as I continued to write, I realized the topics I was writing about struck a deep chord within me. I had more to say.

I downplay a lot, so the thought of writing a book didn’t seem so dynamic to me. It took me so long to write it, but I was able to take my blog posts and use them as the foundation.

my second book in my head. When my first book was published, I was focused on gaining traction.

I underestimated how much work it would take.

I didn’t do a good job balancing it all. I wanted to keep putting content out as extensions of my book, like the audio book. I started working on a personalized journal, and COVID-19 prolonged that process. I have calendars that come out each year and I used that as a way to get people excited about the book.

Once I realized that getting my mind, body, soul, brought me closer to myself. and heart aligned, it would reflect externally. I’ll be able to go after the things I want, or attract A: I noticed that you have a memoir. Most them. But you have to face yourself first. people would think you had to have lived this long life in order to write something like that.

For others, you have to know yourself and spend You’re only 25. Why was this project special to time with yourself. Learn how you think, how you to put out at this point in your life? you act, and why. People don’t take the time to know themselves. You have to allow yourself to C: I published it at age 23! But I want to make a be whole, be broken, to heal, to feel, especially note - before my writing is for anyone else, it is Black women. Then you have to be honest and for me. I had to honor the fact that I had a story. transparent with yourself. You’ll be able to work I had a voice, and I was allowed to put this out. I through things without a wall being up. Having wrote it so that I wasn’t carrying the load. I was at that crucial sense of awareness is something peace with everything. When it came to concepts people don’t always get to experience because and messages I wanted to relay, I had to create a of not knowing themselves. balance between what I felt and how it translated to other people. Doing this at 23 was terrifying A: How do you hope to evolve as a writer or because of outside influences questioning my life creative? and experiences. But I knew my story was going to relate to at least one person, and that was C: I want to work in the entertainment industry. I important to me. It isn’t about age. It’s about your want to ghostwrite music, write screenplays and journey and your path. movies. I want to do voiceovers. Maybe even modeling and fashion.

A: Before you said Black women are fighting generational curses, so what would you tell A: So what does being a Black woman mean to your younger self in an attempt to prevent you? those?

C: Being a black woman means persevering despite the odds set against me. We are fighting from every angle: sexuality, colorism, sexism, generational curses. We have so many things we are arming ourselves against. Being a Black woman means we are warriors, being focused.

We are not defined by our past or misconceptions people have of us. We are multidimensional.

C: I would want her to realize what she’s worth. I would tell her to honor her mental and emotional spaces. Currently, I am trying to break the cycle of unhealthy communication. I would tell her to communicate effectively and efficiently how she felt, even if it is not easy at first. It is important to learn how to communicate because that openness can lessen the amount of strife. I would tell her not to overthink. I tell myself this everyday. (laughs). I A: How does your identity as a Black woman would want my younger self to know that there influence how you write and how you navigate may be people who may not physically continue life? the journey with you, but they are always with you internally. I think that’s important, too. Be open to C: When I first started writing, I did not lead with saying I love you. Try the things that are on your that. I lead with the fact that I was a female who mind. was sensitive and went through things. Once I unpacked more and learned my ancestry, I came Embracing the limitless possibilities of what she to the conclusion, almost an epiphany, that I am can do and who she can become, Chántelle is a woman and even though I have tried to count looking forward to what’s to come in her life. To out the fact that being a Black woman doesn’t learn more about Chántelle and to purchase her affect me, it actually does. We are built different books, visit chantelleadanna.com.

- mentally, spiritually, emotionally. That realization

RELEASE YOUR Purchase Your Copy of The Rebel Journal Today!

www.chantelleadanna.com

Photo By: Chris Bulilan from Unsplash

MUSIC MATTERS. MATTERS. MUSIC

BLACK HISTORY IS...

I N N O V AT I V E

The Verzuz battle, created by Timbaland and Swizz Beatz, brings positive disruption to the music industry, reaching millions of viewers on social media and Apple Music.

The Sound of Culture

By Maiya Sinclair

T

They say that if paintings and pictures decorate the empty space on a wall, music is used to decorate empty time.

Music is a beautiful way to tell a story, sometimes one without even words. Movies like​Black Panther, The Photograph, and the Bodyguard are amazing as stand alone narrative pieces.​​When you closely look at the scores and soundtracks, it pulls it off the screen and into​​your heart allowing you to hear and see it in a different way.

one

Follow me….close your eyes and think about the last movie you saw, allow yourself to be​​brought into the theater. Did you hear a familiar song and find yourself bopping your head to the familiar notes, or did you ask Siri to tell you what song was playing so you can add it to your playlist?

Let’s take a closer look into these quintessential films and their accompanying sounds. ​And, hey you never know. You may walk away with a new playlist:

THE WIZ - 1978 First up we have one of the most iconic musicals ever, The Wiz. I know we can all remember singing “Ease on Down the Road” and wishing we could catch one of those famous taxis. Numbers like “He’s the Wizard,” “Home,” and “Brand New Day” bring back feelings of nostalgia and warmth. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Mable King’s “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News” as allowing us to understand her character’s mental space after losing her sister. Quincy Jones was and is still a musical genius as he worked to create a score and original music that gave us hope, magic and love.

two

PURPLE RAIN - 1984 Easing on down into number 2 we have a clear standout classic, Purple Rain. In this film we get “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,’’ and the ever in rotation​f​eatured title, “Purple Rain.”

Prince gives so much emotion in his music and whenever I hear “Beautiful Ones,” I always remember the agony he felt when he realized Appolonia could possibly love another. That’s what we need, music that forces us over emotional cliffs. But let’s not look past Morris Day’s “Jungle Love” and Vanity’s​ ​“Sex Shooter.” I know I couldn’t be the only one who wanted a satin cape with black long​​satin gloves…..It’s giving me Vanity!!!

THE BODYGUARD - 1992 Whitney Houston is the greatest vocalist of all time. Her voice was​l​iterally….IT. This movie surrounds a beautiful superstar, a risky romance, and a few​​nearly successful assasination attempts.

While the plot is riveting, so is the sound track.​ ​Whitney gave us “Run to You,” “Queen of the Night,’’ “I Have Nothing,” I’m Every Woman,”​ ​and the ballad she is forever known for “I Will Always Love You.” Pass the tissues​p ​ lease *sniffs*

four

WAITING TO EXHALE - 1995 The production that Kenny “BabyFace” Edmonds put into creating the sound and feel of this movie was next level. He gave us the classic feelings of women who had been through something but had found a way to hope for the future. Of course Whitney lent her vocals and acting chops...she gave us “Exhale” (Shoop Shoop). Toni Braxton wanted us to “Let it Flow.”Brandy had us racing home so we could think about boys in “Sittin’ Up In My Room,” playing Mary J. Blidge proclaiming we “Not Gon’ Cry.” We saw this movie and we’ve been shoop shooping ever since.

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three

five

HUSTLE AND FLOW - 2005 And the Winner for Best Original Song from the 2006 Grammys iiiiis? It’s “Hard Out Here For A Pimp” by Three 6 Mafia. Now it was an easy choice for this to make the list. John​​Singleton is known for creating movies with excellent soundtracks. Having Three 6​​ Mafia added an element of rawness that would be missed. The Hustle and Flow​ ​Soundtrack is full of down south heavy hitters like Lil Scrappy, Boosie Badazz, E-40,​​8ball & MJG, Webbie and Trina to round out the list. It’s very clear that the movie was​​set in the south and the soundtrack matched. It’s giving….real, gritty and powerful.

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BLACK PANTHER - 2018 Wakanda Forever! Black Panther is one for the culture. We loved the Afro-beat touches​​throughout the film and the accompanying soundtrack. Ryan Coogler enlisting Kendrick Lamar to produce the soundtrack was genius. Of course we are familiar with “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar and Sza as that was the title track but some of my other favorites were, “Kings Dead” with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, and James Blake, “Redemption”

by Zacari and “Bloody Waters” with Ab-Soul, Anderson Paak and James Blake.​ They are important additions as they take us into the darker side of the film and complement the storyline of a villain who wasn’t quite a villain but just a misunderstood child looking for his people.

seven

THE LION KING - 2020 Beyonce really stepped up to the task to deliver​​us an album for the ages. The Lion King: The Gift was truly just that, a gift. I love EVERY. SINGLE. SONG.​ ​but to name a few, “Bigger,” “Water,” “My Power,” are essential because Nala had to force Simba to realize who he was, as the song says “They’ll Never Take My Power.” The special attention that​ ​she took with writing “Brown Skin Girl” has forever left an imprint on my heart to sing to​ ​my daughter as her first lullaby. Lastly, “Spirit” has a very intentional feel to it. The choir​​adds a nice touch to it. *Scuse me while I go get my choir robe*

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THE PHOTOGRAPH - 2020 The Photograph really touched my soul, but the music is what really makes me swoon. The music that Robert Glasper crafted and selected to carry the story of the film was brilliant and added so much emphasis on the NOLA roots and the Mardi Gras. Some of his amazing choices were “Umi Says” by Mos Def, “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Al Green, “Fady Away’’ by Lucky Daye, “Caught Up In the Rapture” by Aunty Anita Baker and “​Comfortable”

by H.E.R. The most swoon worthy song is “Michael Helps Mae” written by Robert Glapser himself. The best part of the music for me was his use of “Twin” which was created by the NOLA native and Jazz Trumpeter Christian ATunde Adjuah Scott. “Twin” is about his brother but I think it speaks to the twin flames that Michael and Mae are.

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These are just a few examples of how songs truly highlight the importance of having a strong score to accentuate the story line. So often do we watch movies with bland elevator music while something pivotal is happening. But with ​ these​ eight, we see the musical genius of the composer as they meticulously chose songs to jerk our tear ducts or make us jump out of our seats in disbelief.

That’s why these are so pivotal. Check out the accompanying “Sound of Culture” playlist, as my gift to you!

WINTER 2021

DISCOVER YOUR GENIUS A Self Discovery Book by Shaun & Tia Adams Are you ready to do the things you were created to do? Are you searching for something different because the familiar isn’t working anymore?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, this book is for you!

Come take the #GeniusJourney with us and unlock the door of your mind.

Purchase your copy today on defragyourlife.com

BLACK HISTORY IS...

I M PA C T F U L

Netflix’s Strong Black Lead focuses its attention and marketing on capturing the beauty and essence of the black experience in film and TV.

Exploring Oceans

N

By Nzingha Florence

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MUSIC MATTERS

Nina Rivera is a 28-year-old upcoming R&B album is that I and everybody like me just want to artist residing in the Washington D.C. area. who be free. We just want to be free and we have the recently dropped their first album “Oceans’’ for keys, so respect it.” the world to hear.

Although the “Oceans” album was released in Identifying themself as she/they, Nina was born 2020, some songs on the project were created in Suffolk County, New York before she moved 2-3 years prior to it being on streaming platforms. to live with her grandmother in Flagler, Florida. For many musical artists, the COVID-19 pandemic Today she lives between both Washington, D.C. had both pros and cons to their creative processes. and Miami, Florida. The artist has been making While this time of solitude allowed some artists music since 2014 but originally went to school to really focus on their work, Rivera temporarily for theater where she developed her passion for struggled this year in creating music due to the music through initially writing poetry. “My father social and political climate of the world. “What was an instrumentalist and I learned how to play happened to Breonna Taylor, what happened to the guitar at 14. It was a redefining journey that everybody leading up to Memorial Day when the reminded me that I have musical genes,” said country exploded in protest, I had a dry period.

Rivera.

And then I had a push one day and all I had was my story. And if I wasn’t going to tell my story, no Through individualistic sounds, vibratory beats and one would tell my story. I’m still here, six months Rivera’s own vocals, “Oceans” becomes a body later and COVID hasn’t gotten me,” said Rivera. of work that cultivates a peaceful environment to anyone who listens. The album opens with a When it came to the production of the “Oceans” conceptual song that Rivera produced, using album, Martin J. Ballou and Mav Rock helped meditative instruments such as a singing bowl and Rivera bring their vision to life. “Martin is from tingsha. These are vocalist instruments created to Baltimore and is a musical genius in my opinion,” assist singers in deep breathing. “In the first track, said Rivera. Mav Rock produced Rivera’s single I used sounds of the ocean from the trip I took to “Push,” which also has its own music video on Puerto Rico. The second track is kind of my ‘woke’ YouTube, shot by Jada Imani M. Rivera’s favorite track, a reminder to look for the divine in yourself song off her project is “Toe the Line” because it’s outside of where we are taught to look for value,” one of the more resistant songs on the album. “It’s explains Rivera. very defiant, which I feel like I deeply identify with.

I feel like it summarizes my vibe and my energy,” As the album continues, Rivera explains that said Rivera. Three of Rivera’s biggest inspirations they are continuing to grow into their selfhood when it comes to her music are Sadé, Frank throughout each track, however the climax is the Ocean, and Yung Baby Tate. Rivera emphasizes fourth track, “Shipwrecked (Interlude).” In this to upcoming artists such as herself that in order track, Rivera is realizing their worth and divinity to get to where you want to be, dedication and as a Black woman and relates it to other Black devotion is key. “Keep going,” says Rivera. “Seek women and people’s experiences with the assault out people who have knowledge and research. on their selfhood by society. Growing up at the Practice every day. The only thing that makes a hands of the state and having a close relationship difference between anybody and you, is they’re to poverty, Rivera relates her own life experiences practicing, and they are making it something that to others in an attempt to exemplify a journey of they do every single day.” self-empowerment. “The main message of this

What’s Brewing with Brandon Vee

By Maiya Sinclair

S

Spiritual, Intentional, Funky, Groovy and Real are all words I would use to describe the music and vibes that Brandon Vee makes. He hails out of Brooklyn, New York but finds himself a Orlando Florida Transplant of the last 6 years.

Brandon’s musical journey begins rooted in jazz and classical composers with Bach being one of his favorites. As a child he would listen to this music on his cassio that he describes as dark and having the ability to paint beautiful vivid pictures.

He finds his music career coming full circle as he’s started weaving his lyricism into his music and incorporating live instruments. He now finds that he’s in control and creating music from a place where he should have been creating from all along.

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Being that he is one of five children and the middle child, he has found that it has made him more observant. Growing up he described himself as an anti-social nerd. He didn’t really like school or people but realized that he was able to express himself in poetry. During his childhood he thought he wanted to be a stuntman, a pilot, and lastly a doctor. As any adult knows, trying to figure out your life’s purpose can be difficult. When his mom stepped in to help, she told him that he would be confined to his room until he could figure out what he wanted to do with the rest of his life.

After sometime in his room he rushes out and tells his mom he wants to be a rapper. His mom was shocked but was supportive. That’s when he decided that music would no longer be a hobby but something that he would take seriously and

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put his all into.

These seeds inspired him to record “Java Love,” which at its core, critiques the way Black Women are treated by society. He at first considered making the song political and a way to critique

It is important that people feel something with my music.

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the state of society amid the George Floyd protests, but instead he wanted to discuss when Being a rapper is not all there is to Brandon Vee, did Black People ever get a break from all of that. he is a girls dad and that has been very fulfilling He used “Java Love” as a way to give us a break as it has allowed him to tap fully into his Divine from struggling and protesting to get some fresh Feminine Energy. He says his daughters have air and feel some joy and love. taught him how to be mindful not only to how he parents and treats them but also how he creates When thinking about the social climate of the music. He makes clean music (cursing/swearing world and the George Floyd Protests he says free) He now creates music with them in mind so that we should “Just Be A Good Person.” With they can listen to his music with him. love being at the center of his work and his life, Brandon describes that he’s had Malcom and One of the most poignant statements he made Martin moments. He realizes that the differences was “As an artist you can only reflect from the between the two got smaller as they grew in age. place that you are currently in.” The music that he He believes in both systemic change as well as makes now is very indicative that he has evolved accountability. He doesn’t quite want to put it in beyond one of the darkest periods in his life. After his music because he’s still learning and bearing experiencing a car accident he states that there is witness to what is taking place in the world. a part of him that died. Who the world sees him as right now is after rebirth and new life.The car With a new album coming in March, Brandon crash was the breaking point. It showed him that Vee has amazing things on the horizon. After he couldn’t control everything. completing a show with Lion Babe he has many things to look forward to.

Deciding to surrender after experiencing a life threatening car accident, Brandon decided to “Hopefully I can bring something new into people’s create “the Coldest Winter” where he explored lives. If it’s not my music, maybe it’s my spirituality his trauma that led him to a path of healing. or my choice to consciously parent. I want you Evolving from this place has played a tremendous to keep an open mind. Love first and always use role in the type of music that he makes. He has Love as your north star and a foundation for how transformed mentally, physically and spiritually as you show up in the world.” he states, “I wear my spirituality Outward. I bring it with me everywhere. It is important that people feel something with my music. I don’t preach my beliefs but I plant seeds.”

Dissecting the Double Standard of Black Women in Hip-Hop

By Kyra Pattillo

O

On June 16th, rapper J. Cole dropped his single “Snow on tha Bluff.” Being the North Carolinian that I am, I was excited that my favorite rapper dropped a new single on the eve of my birthday.

With all the protests and racial injustices taking place at this time, I just knew J. Cole was going to drop some sort of wisdom, some sort of powerful poetry that would further our advancements as a race. Instead, I was met with the reminder of how often Black women are mistreated in HipHop. Instead of calling out the racism going on across the country, in his single, J.Cole decides to call out Noname, a rapper who has dedicated her time and resources into creating a book club for Black people, and, for lack of better words, told her to adjust her “tone.” While many people, especially Black women, were upset that J. Cole used his platform to call out a young Black woman about her apparent “tone” during a time of police brutality and protests, many people jumped to defend J. Cole and applaud him for shining light on an apparent issue.

Fast forward to almost exactly a month later, on the night of July 12th, rapper Megan Thee Stallion was taken to the hospital after being shot twice in her feet. While rumors and speculations circled, it was finally announced that the suspect of Megan’s shooting was Tory Lanez, a Hip-Hop singer, who THE SQUEEZE

was in the car with Megan Thee Stallion at the time. Although it seems to be pretty evident that Tory was the one to shoot Megan, months later, people are still debating on whether or not Megan was lying about the ordeal. Many people, specifically men, still want to believe that Tory is “innocent until proven guilty,” even after Megan has spoken out and confirmed the shooting.

These two very different yet similar experiences are only a small fraction of what happens to Black women in the Hip-Hop industry. Whether it’s online or in person, verbally or physically, on almost a daily basis, Black women in Hip-Hop are harassed for doing the same things as Black men. Black men are allowed to rap and sing all day about sex, money, and drugs, but when Black women are the ones doing it, there’s a sudden outrage, and a sudden urge to tell women they need to “respect” themselves or to talk about something “more.”

So why is this? Why is it that Black women aren’t allowed the same room or agency to do what Black men do? The answer is just one word, misogyny. As simple as it may sound, this one word carries centuries and centuries of prejudice against women. Black women aren’t supposed to do the same as Black men simply because

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Black men don’t want them to and refuse to see women as their equals. The City Girls can’t rap about wanting a man with money without being called a gold digger, but Chris Brown can rap about not dating “broke b*****s” and everyone calls him smart. Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion can’t rap about their sex life without being called “hoes” and a bad influence, while almost every rap song by a man mentions sex and women’s p*****s. The reality is that until Black men and the Hip-Hop world in general realizes their hatred and prejudice towards women, no real change will come. It doesn’t matter how many sisters you have or have much you love your mother. If you as a Black man cannot and will not sit down and look at how Hip-Hop abuses Black woman specifically, and cannot actively defend and protect them -you will always be the problem.

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WE ARE ARE THE THE WE CULTURE. CULTURE.

How Long Have We Been Telling Y’all to Listen to Black Women?

By Deiona Monroe

W

We’ve been making sense and making it happen for quite some time, and yet still gotta bring dynamite to get the door crack. Before the word history was even given its definition, Black women have been putting the world on their backs and cleaning up the messes that most couldn’t even imagine. We’ve been fighting battles of being ignored for our skin and gender--can you imagine being put in a room in which you have to defend both?

And this milestone is named Kamala C. Harris.

This is the name of the: First Black First Asian First Woman…

To be elected as the vice president of the United States. And with as white-washed as American politics have been and some try to continue for Black women have dealt with SO much, yet, time it to be, my Lord it feels good to see the color and time again, we outdo ourselves. We have palette change. It was getting VERY tiring--and adapted the notion of being a Black woman even more annoying--to see just one tone dictate means you can handle any dirt thrown at you, over an endlessly colorful nation. so people serve you with the filthiest things they can find notion so heavily, I don’t believe This Oakland, CA borden history maker made there’s any milestone we can’t surpass. it her mission to infiltrate the system and reach heights that women of color have never seen THE SQUEEZE

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WE ARE THE CULTURE

before. And from California attorney general to Then, I thought about how she’s a Black woman congresswoman to V.P., she’s definitely changed in American Politics. the game in the government.

The news shows the true hell a person who is I can’t lie, though, I didn’t know how to feel Black AND a woman goes through just living her about her. regular life--like sleeping in her own bed. But, can you imagine what she, the Black woman, The first person to look like me was the ballot at is dealing with in politics? Yes, there are a few the V.P. elect in the most significant presidential things that had me giving Kamala the skepticalelections in my LIFETIME--and probably in most squinched eyes, but: of history--and I...wasn’t too excited about her.

Of course, I acknowledged the importance of her She’s human, everyone makes mistakes. name being on a voting machine, but her prior Did I mention SHE’S A BLACK WOMAN IN actions as a politician made me wonder what kind AMERICAN POLITICS?!?!? of influence would she pour into the government.

Could I truly be excited, or would some of her The fact that she was able to reach the levels she controversial actions be reflected in her decisions has is beyond astonishing. The amount of work as a VP? I mean, there is NOTHING that compares and care she had to put in to obtain her position to the orange stain we had--and thank God I can as attorney general--I can’t even fathom it. Black say had--but I didn’t want to see us set up for a women, statiscally, have to usually do a million new disaster. times the work for the same acknowledgement.. so Kamala was doing a billion times.

There are a few things Harris did that made me raise my eyebrows: And the amount of work she most likely had to dedicate to her career says even more about

1. Inconsistency with her comments and this country then it does about her. actions in regards to the death penalty.

2. Attempted cover up of cocaine being All these years later and we still hearing “the stolen from a crime lab. first_____.”

3. Made truancy a misdemeanor, meaning parents who failed to send their children to school I’m proud to be able to witness history being would be punished. made...but these things should’ve, at least, been happening before my lifetime. Yes, I’m barely 30, Here’s why I had a problem: so I’m not talking about that long ago--I’m trying to be realistic. Expecting history to be made is a

1. I believe the death penalty is inhumane, lot to ask for from this country--trust me, I know. violates the 8th and 14th amendments, and this is But it still hurts and is going to be a narrative I too significant of an issue to be going back and hope I can help change. forth about.

2. It’s very shady that she hid information I want this country to get used to seeing Black and illegally to cover her ass--who knows how many Brown faces as the leaders, not just the silenced times she might’ve done that. This is why nearly talent in the background. A society that doesn’t 1,000 drug-related cases were thrown out. tell a Black woman to give her blood for the

3. Who does this… same thing a white man barely has to blink for.

A collection of history to be just a tad bit more Amongst a few other things, I wasn’t too sure she colorful. was for the people, like she presented herself to be. I wasn’t sure if I could look at her and actually And with Comma-Luh, we’re getting that much see me--if you know what I mean. closer.

’ It s time for a CoffeeBreak!

Relax.

Release.

Unwind with Deiona Monroe!

Stay Connected. heycoffeebreak.com

All Things Culture, All Things Millennial

2020 took away everything we knew as normal, but it also brought about some of the most creative forms of digital content. We all know what we’re used to seeing when we think of a talk show, but “PYNK N’ Sip” quickly came on the scene and introduced us to a new type of webseries perfect for the times we live in. I was able to chat with producers and cast about what “PYNK N’ Sip” is all about.

PYNK Lemonade Production Director, Khrystina Blanks, explains the idea of “PYNK N’ Sip” came to her in the summer of 2019. With her working in music she was constantly seeing new projects coming out such as podcasts and YouTube shows, but felt it wasn’t content for people her age. “I [didn’t] see anybody our age talking our mess saying what we want to see in pop culture.

So I thought it be really cool to get a group of millennials over some drinks and talk our sh*t. I just saw how pop culture was moving and I wanted to provide a platform for our age group from all walks of life because the cast is very diverse.”

Something new, something fresh and something poppin’.”

Visual Content Producer, Sherdrain Johnson, talks on how that diversity was very intentional when casting the show. “We were looking for people that can give different perspectives on any topic without hearing people sounding repetitive. That was the main thing. From appearance to what you said out of your mouth [all] had to be different than the next person, and that’s how we went about it.

PYNK N’ Sip consists of a cast of six individuals all unique in their own ways. With the show being produced during the pandemic and most communication all virtual, you would think an authentic mesh would be hard to create. However, both producers emphasize they not only worked well together, but everyone just naturally clicked.

“Every month we kept up the group chat, like we’re friends, because at this point we are! All of the people could’ve been frustrated...they could’ve just dipped. But they didn’t, everybody Working also as the host of this talk show, she stayed. And that shows me this is supposed to points out the diversity is what makes the show so happen, it’s needed, and we’re just working on special and the start to other generations putting making it grow bigger and making it better.” respect on millennials’ names. “I just wanted to show millennials don’t live in a vacuum, we’re With a little liquid courage, this cast isn’t shy spread out across so many different avenues. about sharing their opinion, discussing everything They like to think we don’t know what we’re from dating and social media to exploring talking about but we’re the ones actually making different avenues of cultural experiences. It’s fair changes, we’re the ones fighting for what we to say they’re letting the world know they have believe in. No disrespect to our elders but yea. something to say.

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By Ramona Roberts

Munir Smith The Life of the Party

This 28-year-old virgo is all about the positive vibes. Munir enjoys sharing love, laughter and life with everyone he engages with.

Why is the diversity of this show so special?

“Although we all identify as Black/poc, it’s not one dimensional. We all have different factors that make us who we are. So there’s not one stereotypical picture of a Black/brown person person that we all fit. We are all diverse and have different things going on. And that’s okay! I feel like we all have an unapologetic attitude which really encompasses what a millennial person is.”

Britney Renea Myriah Martin The Hustlin’ Mama

The Woke Unicorn

Myriah is Brooklyn born and raised, and the sober drinker of the group. Having majored in African American studies at Temple University, she brings a very afrocentric perspective to the show.

Bossy & Flossy are the best words to describe Ms. Renea. Being a mother of two, she brings a nurturer approach still staying bold to who she is and how she feels.

What do you want people to take away from the show?

“I want people to take away our stories. We all have different stories to tell, we’ve all been through something completely different.”

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How does this show represent millennials?

“I think a lot of times people have a misconception of who we are, and what we like, what we think, how we view the world.

I think this show is a great opportunity to be the voice that probably doesn’t get heard often. We’re not debating, we’re not trying to go back and forth, we’re not combative. We’re expressing how we feel, we’re respectful of each other and that’s a big representation of what the millennial generation is right now. We may be different, we all have the same thinking that there has to be change and we know the only way that happens is if we all get an understanding of each other.”

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Amina Hunt

Kyree Jones

The Hood Healer

The Guys’ Guy

Amina identifies herself as the balance of the show bringing a cool perspective. Working as an actress in films and series’ featured on Amazon Prime, Hulu and Netflix, she feels she is on the path of working in her passion.

Kyrie is Newark bred and brings a light comedic approach to sensitive topics. Although coming from a less creative background working corporate banking, he titles himself as the funniest person of the show.

How do you balance being a drinking show and addressing important conversations?

“I feel like because we come off that we take things so lightly, they think we can’t be serious. So I wanted to show that we do care about important factors of life in a topic and can still have a light hearted approach. Everybody can have different opinions and still have the same goal.”

Ernie Poche The Boogie Down Bronx Mami

Hailing from the Bronx, Erni is a campaigner for change.org and describes herself as the peacemaker of the group.

Where do you want to see PNS in the future?

“We want Issa Rae to sponsor and take the show...I want us to be a staple to where our voices have weight!”

Make sure you subscribe to the PYNK Lemonade YouTube channel and catch up on all the episodes from season one, because season two is on the way!

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What do you want people to take away from what you bring to the show?

“I want people to take away the personality. I know here I’m the jokester for the most part, but outside and in real life I’m actually kind of quiet. But when I come to this show I get to be me, where as in my work life I ain’t joking around as much. So I just want to put my personality in the world, let people feel who I am.”

Her Body, Her Love, Her Story

By Maiya Sinclair

I reverence the full bodied Black Women that have come before me. I say their names to pay homage and honor them for their contributions. I give gratitude for their work and efforts. I say their names twice because it wasn’t enough to make it to 20. It was barely enough to make it to 10 and I got lucky to have one extra. These are the most notable full bodied Black Women in media in the last 50 years.

I want to know because I rarely ever see it. Growing up into the woman I am today, I have longingly looked at TV’s and movies searching for me. A reflection or a resemblance to something to show what my life could be when I grew up. I know my wishes were and are no different than any other young girls who are obsessed with the media and what’s currently trending.

Historically speaking Black Women have always been trivialized and penalized for our bodies.

Trivialized because women of all other races beat down the doors of doctors in Miami to purchase our lips and hips. Penalized in schools because our pants are too tight and causing boys to lose focus. I’ll never forget the day when I was walking Representation: the description or portrayal of down the hallway of my highschool minding my someone or something in a particular way or as business, when a caucasian female teacher fixed being of a certain nature. Where is it though? her lips to tell me that my khaki skinny jeans Where is the whole and well rounded full bodied weren’t flattering and I should consider something Black Woman who has an amazing career, full that hides my large behind. For context I was a of self love and completely aware of her self women’s size 8. Crushed and embarrassed are the worth? Where is the young girl who is the center words that rush to my mind. How could another of attention in a guy’s life that doesn’t have to woman say something so harmful to me? compete for his attention against a smaller girl?

Where is the Woman who is the romantic lead and She could say it because when she saw me she not put there as a supplemental character to help didn’t see a young impressionable girl, she saw a the skinny girl solve her life’s crisis of landing the pair of legs that rounded out into what the world guy of her dreams. Where is that representation? was hungry for, something ready to be devoured.

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Photo By: Joshua McKnight from Pexels

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Florida, Nicky, Khadija, Mickey, Sheila, Raven, Mercedes, Tasty, Niecey, Synclaire, Becky, Kelli, Ruby. Florida, Nicky, Khadija, Mickey, Sheila, Raven, Mercedes, Tasty, Niecey, Synclaire, Becky, Kelli, Ruby.

walking to take her lunch break. But sadly for us, we don’t get a break. I’ve gone most of my life trying to be twice as good as my white counterparts and having to be three times as good as my smaller counterparts. I had to have more personality, be smarter, more stylish, more witty, present myself as more feminine, which is a lot of work and effort, and also be friendly and approachable. The amount of labor that “Fat” Black Women have to do to present ourselves as feminine and desirable is as heavy a lift as it is tiring. It’s already hard for Black Women as a group to exist in a way that is palatable and contrary to the hypersexualized and masculine stereotypes, so being a bigger woman just adds to the load.

uplifts them in the best ways possible. I did it so that if the media never showed them, they could see it through looking at me.

You deserve love...a love for the ages.

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As of late I am seeing a much needed and overdue increase of storylines centering Black plus-sized women. Centering them in all of their glory. Full Frontals, bellies and stretch marks included, no blurred edges or smoothed out creases.

Something that I can see myself in and swoon over. Seeing them portrayed as romantic leads, desirable and valued. The most recent one I saw was of Ruby Baptiste (Wunmi Mosaku) in the HBO series, “LoveCraft Country”. I was amazed at the way they showed her naked body and how they had her engaging in intimacy with a white man When I got engaged some of my friends and family and white Woman. Of course those relationships asked me if I was going to lose some weight before were at some point misleading and transactional the wedding. Every time I got that question, I felt but specific to the moments of intimacy they were like I was being stabbed with the sharpest knife. At breathtaking. I almost shed a tear. Although this is one point I was trying to lose weight so I COULD progress, there’s more to be done. get a man. Never lost a single pound, and I met my now husband. I gained a little more weight (of Despite these gaps of representation, you must no consequence) and he proposed to me. I did remember no matter your size, color, class, or what was expected of me…..landed a man and education you deserve love...a love for the ages. got a ring. You mean to tell me that it STILL wasn’t One that will break curses and establish a legacy. enough? I’m still not worthy of this love?

You deserve to believe that you are enough and worthy of that love. Do not be like me and wait In a time that should’ve been full of love and joy for Hollywood to start telling a story you want to I found myself really searching my soul for what see. Go be the story that you would want to read.

I wanted. On September 27th of 2019 I walked Start loving yourself. Start becoming the woman down the aisle in my beautifully fitted dress with that you know you can be. Do ALL the things that my long train and married the love of my life. this world tries to deny you of. I’m loving my story The man who could care less if I ever wore a size and you should love yours too. smaller than what I am. The man who encourages me and helped me love my body for what it was. This piece is dedicated to Natalie Desselle Reid I am beyond blessed and ever so lucky to have who passed on December 9th 2020. She played found him. He didn’t swoop in like a knight in such a dynamic role for Black Women and girls. shining armor to save me, but he loved me while Natalie was an icon to the culture and you could I saved myself. always count on her to represent us chunky girls with humor, grace and dignity. I hope from this That’s what I want for girls and women who look point on we can make an effort to give people like me. I want them to have a self-love that is their flowers while they are alive to smell them. an immovable foundation. A romantic love that

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Photo By: Breston Kenya from Pexels

The Soul of Blackness: Re-Rooting Yourself

By Myriah Martin

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The power of community has always astonished classes. We have all heard the stories about the me. The majority of the defining moments in power of unity and justice during that time. history have been a result of a shift in community culture.

The Movement shifted how the world saw activism and showed us, the Black community, There have been so many instances in history, the price for a better tomorrow. both classical and modern, that communities have organized to make an advancement for the It also showed us something that has been sake of humanity. These issues usually arise due to consistent in our heritage and that is the marginalizations. importance of our soul. So many things have changed in society in one year and it calls for all Just take a look at Harlem in the 1920’s. of us to keep the “Soul of Blackness” in our life.

Black people from all over the country migrated towards the North, in the hope that their As I prepare for all that awaits this year, I find myself marginalizations would not be as cruel as the re-rooting myself in my soul values. The Soul of South.The Great Migration is still marked as one Blackness is filled with faith, unity and hope. That of the largest uprooting of people in American is what kept them so resilient and audacious. That History. As a result, the Harlem Renaissance (1918 boldness is what changes the world.

- 1937) was birthed as a revival of the Black culture that spoke to the plight of the Black experience in Please fight your way through “The Souls of America.

Black Folk” by W.E.B. DuBois and learn more about the strength that runs through our The Harlem Renaissance showed the Black veins. It is not for the meek and mild but it is community that our culture can be replanted rich in content. Purchase at your favorite Black anywhere!

Bookstore or click here to access the E-Book.

Reflecting on The South in the 1940’s.

During World War II, Black excellence tore down barriers throughout the government that assisted in paving the way for various grassroot leaders and organizations to evoke change. They assisted in many of the systematic shifts during the rise of the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement (1954 - 1968) led to a dramatic shift in American politics, the fight for the Black community and all marginalized socio-economic

Family, let’s get ready to walk in all the greatness that our ancestors promised the universe.

Contact Myriah Martin: Instagram: @__riyah__ Twitter: @riyah__ Website: The Bo’Soul Email: Contact. — The Bo’Soul

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