new era unlocked.

a few thoughts on walking into something new + reads & vibes for my birthday weekend.

Happy Friday Friend! If you haven’t had an opportunity to subscribe yet let’s take care of that right now:

thoughts at large.

Have you ever felt yourself walking into a season of transition? The anticipation of it can sometimes be overwhelming, but it’s inevitable. Seasons change, and people do too.

I think we would all be better off if we really took time to embrace the change, rather than avoid it.

This is especially true as it relates to age. Tomorrow, I’ll turn 35 years old. I don’t feel it or look it though, and that’s a Black girl's blessing. Age is an awesome thing - and when I think about the alternative… yeah. I’d rather be getting older. LOL!

If I could look back over the last year - I’ve really made a lot of transitions. New job, more freedom, more dates, more mindset shifts. I’ve been made better for it. It feels good to be here. Everything isn’t perfect, but it’s worth the picture still. (Word to J. Cole.)

The best thing about life is that with each day we have the opportunity to try something new. As long as we’re alive, there’s space to change. If you want to try something new - do it. New hair, new nails, new style, whatever. You’re not locked into the version of yourself that you are today, forever. Despite what anyone may tell you.

We have to stop allowing people to hold us in a box of their beliefs. Focus on who you are to you, not who you are to them. Most people will come along, and if they don’t that’s okay too. Our lives are really a personal journey - if you’re a believer, that means it’s you and God. Everything else is icing on the cake. Generally, we have the power and ability to make the changes we want to see, and we don’t have to wait for milestones to do it. So while I’m unlocking a new era just ahead of my birthday, you can unlock yours today too on this first Friday of September, 2023.

It’s yours to do, so do it, friend.

need you to know.

1. State Republicans Try to Remove Top Jurist for Mentioning the Existence of Racial Bias

2. McConnell medically cleared by Capitol physician after apparent freeze episode

3. Proud Boys Joe Biggs, Zachary Rehl Sentenced For Jan. 6 Plot

reads & vibes.

• NBA referee Eric Lewis retires; league closes investigation into social media posts

• RJ Peete isn’t just a clubhouse attendant with autism. He’s a central part of the Dodgers family

• First Look: American Fiction Challenges Hollywood’s “Poverty of Imagination” About Black People

• America Has Always Tried To Be Hip-Hop’s Overseer

• Women Journalists Get Real About Hip-Hop Media: "We've Always Carried [It] on Our Backs"

The new animated series Young Love, from Matthew Cherry and starring Kid Cudi & Issa Rae, premieres on September 21st on Max. Check out the trailer below.

The latest episode of The Uniterrupted’s podcast Iman Amongst Men features Iman & Ari Shumpert interviewing one of my favorite actresses of all time, Cree Summer. It was a fun & inspiring conversation - check it out below:

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If you’d like to do something nice for me for my birthday, please share this newsletter with your friends. I appreciate you! Enjoy the long weekend!