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#WednesdayWisdom
"Your higher purpose is stronger than anything standing in your way, including people." — Lalah Delia
Morning Musings
I'm no stranger when it comes to controversy and my writing. When I was a baby reporter starting out at my hometown newspaper, I'd received handwritten hate mail in response to my columns celebrating our first Black president and advocating for LGBQT+ rights. So much so that the executive editor once called me into his office to apologize on behalf of the racists and bigots in Harford County and share his regrets for not better preparing me for the backlash.
I thanked him for his concern and assured him that I would continue to speak out on topics I deemed relevant and newsworthy. "I have a voice, I have a gift and I intend to use them accordingly." Even at 21, I understood the importance of using whatever platform I may have for good — threats and intimidation be damned.
So fast forward several years later and haters are still gonna hate. Most noticeably whenever I write about Meghan Markle, as I did recently in an essay for ZORA leading up to The Interview. As a general rule of thumb, I try not to read the comments for stories I write, but especially the ones that draw the ire of Internet trolls.
Someone even asked on my Instagram post if Meghan needs defending in response to my headline, to which I replied a resounding yes. "Every Black woman who is under attack — regardless of title, socioeconomic status, etc. — is worthy of defending. #BlackWomenMatter."
And judging by what she shared regarding her experience in the royal family and overall mental health during the Oprah interview, I would say I was quite justified in that stance.
I don't care if you're Meghan Markle, Megan Thee Stallion or ol' girl Meg from down the block. We must protect Black women, respect Black women and, when necessary, defend Black women. Black. Women. Matter. Period.
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
So to recap, this past week I've:
written this essay about Meghan Markle and "angry Black women" for ZORA
appeared on WBEZ's Reset talk show to discuss The Interview
wrote this Q&A for Hunker featuring the Plant Kween (and yes, our convo was every bit as awesome as you'd might expect!)
was quoted in this article for We Are Indy about the gender pay gap
Virtual Events
March 11: A Conversation on Black Futures with Kimberly Drew and Jenna Wortham (FREE)
Links I Love
1. I'm Not Rushing to Get to Work on Time Anymore. I feel this story in my bones. (ZORA)
2. 22 Bookstagrammars On Instagram to Follow If You Love Reading. I'm sure all of these people are great, but #14, Amber Burns, is my favorite. (Buzzfeed)
3. Do You Want to Be Known For Your Writing, or For Your Swift Email Responses? "All the writers if you feel me, help me sing it out." [Beyoncé voice] (Catapult)
My Latest Obsession
Apparently I've got a thing for older white guys narrating travel-related food shows. Just ask my mom, I was obsessed with Anthony Bourdain back in the day. So it should come as no surprise that Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is my latest wanderlust foodie show of choice. And yes, I did watch Bobby and Giada in Italy, but I don't know — Stanley really does it for me. Maybe it's the glasses?
Now Hiring
Director of Digital Strategy for Goodman Theatre
HBCU Fellow for ColorComm NextGen (deadline TODAY!)
Development Manager for Peer Health Exchange
Account Executive for Rudd Resources
Communications Manager for Transgender Law Center
Design Researcher for Medium
Director of Mentor Engagement for iMentor
Program Assistant for GCR Consulting
Thank You!
Thank you to Anamika, Alexandra and Katherine for buying this week's coffee!
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