an ode to the black girls.
a love letter to Black women for women's history month + reads & vibes for your weekend.
thoughts at large.
Happy Women’s History Month! I like to think that many of us are making history right now, and I wanted to take a moment to love on some incredible Black women - especially the one that is reading this right now. And before you ask:
BLACK. WOMEN.
Life can be challenging. You and I both know that to be true. But one thing I know about Black women is that we’re going to rise to the occasion with style, grace, and an incredible level of excellence every single time. We’re going to get it done, and it’s going to be done right.
We come in so many different varieties, shapes, sizes, and colors, but many of us (not all) are linked by shared cultural experiences that foster a sisterhood. It’s in us. It’s in the gentle “I see you” nod as we pass each other on the street. It’s in the loud “Okay hair/outfit/shoes/nails!” we give each other when we see we’re killing it. It’s the way we rally to support each other when others try to come for us. It’s also us calling each other out when we’re dead wrong. Picking each other up, brushing the dirt off our collective shoulders, and raising our chins. It’s us, loving us, for me. Every time.
I’m amazed at the way we have been able to persevere in this country especially… when all odds are stacked against us. When we simply want to be recognized for our achievements, get paid equally for our work, or find love… we’re often met with opposition. Hate. The cold shoulder. And why? It will never make sense to me. We’ve done so much for so many people and we’re often under, or flat-out unappreciated.
We’ve had to do the most to get the minimum. That’s led us to chase impossible standards, to burn the candle at both ends, to grind ourselves into a level of exhaustion that’s hard to fight back from. It can be tough out here for us, sis. Trust me, I know. And we have to do better about choosing ourselves - doing the work that will allow us to rest in our softness, rather than on our hustle. It’s hard, I know.
Despite the challenges, though? We’re students, teachers, business owners, hustlers, mamas, aunties, sisters, leaders, wives, girlfriends, and friends - often simultaneously. We are shapeshifters; and while we may be graced to carry the load, it’s my prayer that we don’t have to continue to do it alone. We deserved to be cared for, supported, and loved out loud. And if no one else will do it, I’ll start the trend.
On this women’s history month, ahead of international women’s day next week, I would just like to say thank you to all of the Black women who’ve made a positive impact in my life. There are too many to thank individually but know that I see, love, and honor you. You have helped to shape the woman I am today… and your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Thank you.
If no one has told you today…
You are loved. You are appreciated. You are resilient. You are beautiful. I love you. Keep going. Keep changing the game. Keep doing you. Don’t be afraid to let your light shine. Whatever you’re working on - whatever’s keeping you up in the middle of the night, I hope you find the courage to release that thing into the world. We need it, but more importantly, we need you. Your voice, your touch, and your unique ability to make everything that much better.
Let’s get it, friend. You are golden. Walk in that, embrace it, and continue to make history every single day.
Happy Women’s History Month, feel free to share this with a sister who needs to hear this.
reads + vibes.
How a Texas girl scared of school shootings was punished via Dallas Morning News (Help me understand how they are punishing a child for reporting what she perceived to be a threat, especially in this climate? Make it make sense.)
Hogwarts HBCU Is TikTok’s Most Magical Trend Of 2023 via BuzzFeed
Why Young Thug? How prosecutors made one of the hottest rap stars the face of urban crime. via NYMag Intelligencer
The Power of A Black Barbie via HuffPost
Allensworth, a onetime Black utopia, could rise again from the Central Valley dust via LA Times
CREED III is in theaters today. I got the opportunity to see it on Wednesday evening and I really enjoyed it. Michael B. Jordan did a great job directing the film, and I love the way they centered intimacy among men as a theme. Definitely see it!
While I was in the theater Wednesday I saw a trailer for “The Blackening” - I see it as a horror/thriller/comedy that begs the question: Who dies first in the movie if everybody is Black? See the trailer below:
It’s in theaters on Juneteenth weekend and you will find me there.
Got a question for you: What’s your favorite album intro track?
When I think about this question the 5 that come to mind (in no particular order) are:
Pray You Catch Me - Beyoncè, Lemonade
Lust For Life - Drake, So Far Gone
Intro - J. Cole, 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Good Morning - Kanye West, Graduation
Sherane a.k.a. Master Splinter’s Daughter - Kendrick Lamar, good kid, m.a.a.d. city
Now I want to know, what are yours? Leave a comment or reply to the email.
Joseph put together a playlist - and there are a few amazing songs on it. Check it out here on Spotify.
That’s all for this week! Love you, mean it!
