Black women are EVERYTHING
This year's GRAMMYS reminded everyone that Black women are and forever will be the blueprint
Wednesday Wisdom
“You can do it. Anything is possible. Don't allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, tell you that you can't be here, that you're too dark, that you're not smart enough, that you're too dramatic, you're too loud. You are exactly who you need to be.” ~ Doechii
Morning Musings
Every time I attempt to create an editorial calendar for this newsletter a pop culture and/or current event comes along that I just have to write about. This week’s event is the GRAMMYS, namely Doechii’s brilliant acceptance speech for Best Rap Album and Beyoncé FINALLY winning album of the year.
Now, I’m not even going to sit here and pretend I’m super familiar with Doechii’s music. But what I heard and saw during her GRAMMYS performance I loved (and apparently so did Violet, as she was glued to the TV screen the entire time). But it was the moments before Doechii’s Broadway-esque performance that caught my attention.
During her acceptance speech, in which she became only the third woman to receive one of the golden trophies for Best Rap Album, Doechii spoke directly to the camera and into the hearts and souls of Black women everywhere. Even before she opened her mouth and uttered a word, the gravity of the moment was not lost on me—a beautiful dark-skinned Black woman with cornrows and a style all her own—accepting this award on an international stage.
“I put my heart and my soul into this mixtape. I bared my life. I went through so much. I dedicated myself to sobriety and God told me he would reward me and show me just how good it could get. I know there is some Black girl out there — so many Black women out there — that are watching me right now, and I want to tell you: You can do it. Anything is possible. Don't allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, tell you that you can't be here, that you're too dark, that you're not smart enough, that you're too dramatic, you're too loud. You are exactly who you need to be… and I am a testimony.”
This is exactly the kin of role model I want Violet to look up to—someone who is unapologetically bold and comfortable in their own skin, someone who fully embraces their creativity and is unafraid to be unique. If I’m being honest, they were words I needed to hear as well in light of recent rejections and self-doubt.
Now turning to my girl Bey…I was shocked (and so was she) that COWBOY CARTER won Best Country Album, especially after being shut out of this year’s Country Music Awards (which served as the impetus for the album back in 2016). The palm-colored country chicks who were also nominated looked a little displeased, but what did TayTay say? Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate…
Speaking of Taylor, having her present the award was *chef’s kiss*. Now, y’all know I’m not the biggest Swiftie, but the full circle moment from that fateful VMAs back in 2009 was great planning on behalf of the producers (although I have to agree with Kanye that “Single Ladies” was, in fact, one of the best music videos of all time).
Although I was holding out hope for a Beyoncé and Miley performance of their duet “II MOST WANTED,” which won best country duo/group performance, I was beyond ecstatic that Bey finally took home Album of the Year for COWBOY CARTER…becoming only the third Black woman to ever do so.
Someone on Twitter mentioned how Beyoncé only gets out of bed to make history and you know what? Goals. It took a looong time to get here (we all know she should’ve won for Lemonade, but I digress…) and it’s just another example of how delay is not denial. As someone wrote on Threads:
And that’s it. That’s this week’s newsletter. Black women are and forever will be the blueprint. 💜
ICYMI
Jennifer Hudson on Success, Staying Present, and Her Next Big Dream: My second cover story for Business Traveler is now live and features none other than EGOT winner and Spirit Tunnel creator Jennifer Hudson.
Less is liberation: Christine Platt talks Afrominimalism and designing a spacious life: My latest story for Design Observer features The Afrominimalist herself Christine Platt. This is either my second or third time interviewing Christine and she never disappoints. We talked about her forthcoming, Less is Liberation, and so much more.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 9: Grounded in Love: A Self-Care Workshop for Black Women. Looking for a space to connect and recharge with other Black women? Then look no further than this pre-Valentine’s Day gathering featuring inclusive trainers Ashantis Jones and Lauren Leavell.
Feb. 13: Galentine’s Day. I’m thrilled to be moderating friend and fellow author Erin Gallagher’s Hype Women Book kickoff party in Chicagoland on Galentine’s Day!
What I’m Reading/Resources
What you can do, right now, for your trans and nonbinary friends, family, students and colleagues. (Medium)
Sample Letter to Principal & Superintendent re: Trump anti-trans EO (I did not write this, but sharing for all the parents & caregivers with school-aged children. If you find it helpful, please pass it on.)
Who Told You That You Can’t Have Joy Right Now? (
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My Latest Obsession
Now, I can’t share the screenshot from That Scene of one bare-bottomed Mr. Sterling K. Brown, but…IYKYK. Imagine the pool scene from American Fiction, but better. Anywho, salacious stills aside, I will watch just about anything starring Sterling and Paradise, his new Hulu series, does not disappoint. In it, Randall—I mean, Xavier—is part of the president’s Secret Service detail, but we quickly learn that everything isn’t as it seems. I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’ve been watching along, PLEASE reply and tell me what you think.
Now Hiring
Sr. Manager, City Marketing for Bumble
Executive Manager for adrienne maree brown LLC
Field Director for Black Futures Lab
Senior Manager of Communications for United States of Care
Manager, Employee Engagement, Equity & Social Impact for Alma
Director of Book Operations for Open Books
Executive Creative Director for Patreon
Narrative Strategy Director for New Voices for Reproductive Justice
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Loved this issue so much! And I'm also obsessed with Paradise.
Paradise is the television I've been WAITING for! Excellent. And Sterling is body tea!