Rest in power, Naya 💔
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#WednesdayWisdom
"Be gentle with your healing — start over as many times as you need to." — alex elle
Morning Musings
This may not come as a surprise to any of you, but I was a hardcore Gleek back in the day. Fun fact: I used to write recaps of the FOX TV show for The Baltimore Sun in addition to my regular reporter duties. And while I definitely am more of a Rachel Berry, I had a serious girl crush on Santana Lopez, played fiercely and ferociously by Naya Rivera.Â
When my husband told me about Rivera's disappearance last week, my heart sank. I immediately went to Twitter to learn everything I could about what had happened, and even then I held out hope that she would be found alive and well.
Earlier this week, the world learned that turned out not to be the case as her body was found not far from where she'd been swimming with her 4-year-old son. My heart breaks for her son, for her family, for her fellow Glee cast members who have seen their fair share of grief since the show ended.
Sure, Glee had its cringey moments, but as a person who believes fundamentally in the power of representation, there is no doubt in my mind that Rivera's iconic portrayal of a teenage Latina lesbian on primetime television in 2009 helped so many people felt seen. And that, my friends, is quite the legacy to leave behind.
I just know Rivera had so much more to offer the world, which is why the news of her sudden death struck me so hard. Especially in a year where there's been so much collective grief and loss already. I pray that she's at peace. We love you, Naya. Thank you.
Love,
L'Oreal
Virtual Happenings
July 15 (TONIGHT): Pinot x Poetry. Join my friend Pam Johnson Davis and writer Crystal C. Mercer for an evening of words, wisdom and plenty of wine. (FREE)
July 16: Roundtable of Sisterhood: A Conversation About the Intersection of Gender and Racial Equality. Women Employed kicks off their Working Lunch Summer Series with a virtual luncheon featuring some of Chicago's leading Black women. (FREE)Â
July 16: I Can't: Side-Hustle. My girl Jessica Williams is back with another crash course on all things side-hustle. ($34)
July 26: How to Grow Plants & Friendships. My friend Vanessa Flowers of Flower Girls Meet is hosting a conversation with Jasmine Jefferson of Black Girls with Gardens. (FREE)
Aug. 7: The Unapologetic Retreat. I'll be joining 30+ other phenomenal Black creatives, entrepreneurs and thought leaders at this virtual retreat. ($50)
Links I Love
1. Ziwe Fumudoh Asks: 'How Many Black People Do You Know?' If you've ever looked around at a wedding and realized you're the only Black person there, then you'll enjoy this. (New York Times)
2. 5 Ways I'm Centering My Black Joy and Protecting My Peace. As I've said before and will say forever, #BlackJoyMatters. (SELF)
3. Doomscrolling Is Slowly Eroding Your Mental Health. I've done my fair share of this in recent weeks. Now's time to start adhering to my phone's social media limits. (WIRED)
My Latest Obsession
I, like many women my age, was a BIG fan of The Baby-Sitters Club book growing up. I mean, I longed to be a babysitter for many years, but never expanded my clientele beyond my little sister (hey, April!) and that one time I babysat one of her friends and her siblings (aka watched everyone while the mom ran a quick errand).
As a big sister (okay, a bit of a bossy big sister), babysitting just seemed like the next right thing to do in my quest for world domination (I only half joke about that last part). Yes, before you ask, I'm definitely a Kristy.
Anywho, after seeing Feminist Twitter collectively swoon over the 2020 reboot on Netflix, I knew I had to watch and, as predicted, I fell in love -- crying during every episode. The series is equal parts wholesome and woke (see episode 4 for reference). Plus, there's the perfect amount of '90s nostalgia (including Alicia Silverstone as Kristy's mom!).
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