Celebrating Our Differences
Boundaries! What have we, as Black women, sacrificed in generations of our lives dealing with the boundaries of our hair to fit into white society? First, we were forcefully brought to these American shores by force, tortured, and raped for 400+ years in this hemisphere by brutish captors…
In my seven decades, I’ve learned, experienced, been amazed, been defeated, yet survived and thrived. As I read Isabel Wilkerson‘s discussion about class and caste in her immortal work… Caste: The Origins of our Discontent, I re-examined my educational and career experiences considering her intensive dissection of the…
On this journey through life, there have been times when it’s been impressed upon me to stay in my lane, play nicely inside of the box, and keep out of the way. But, unfortunately, the systems set up by society are designed for that purpose. My goal is…
I met Candice Hayes at least 15 years ago when she was giving home spa treatments. She was enthusiastic and on point; I knew she had business acumen. Entrepreneurship came earnestly to Hayes; beyond his job, her late father owned a janitorial and painting business. Hayes recalls,” At…
“Fervid Look” series 1(102cm X 120cm) on canvasMixed Media on Canvas / Collage I was formatting this issue and had what I thought was a random thought; “I need Sena Tues in this issue.” I love his series of images with flowers. My daughter and I were discussing…
When one thinks about it, the issue with the type of hair that African Americans have remained such a conundrum is fascinating. One realizes that many folks in American society need glasses, common sense, or lessons in observing and actually “seeing.” When Africans were forced into slavery in…
I have been troubled by folks who try to limit my rambunctiousness from a very young age. As I aged, I learned that being too truthful was not necessarily good. Until age seventeen, I thought that the truth was the light, and that was how God wanted it….
September 18, 2017 I am standing in my kitchen, puncturing a white marshmallow that I’ve just popped into my mouth with my tongue. My cell phone rings. I pat myself down for it. It’s you. I haven’t been expecting your call. Not after the way you treated me…
We often focus on our failures and disappointments and tend to forget or disregard our successes – this statement is not very far away from the truth! It is so easy for me to focus even right now on the failures and disappointments I have encountered in my…
Our lives are crowded with busy distractions, racing schedules, and self-imposed demands. We need to include some downtime to sit and rest. Even the Winter teaches us this – let go, be silent, be still and rest. I am a confessed workaholic. I love nothing more than to…