thank you, thank you, thank you...you're far too kind

We're 25% funded and just getting started. Thank you for believing in Zora's Place.

Wednesday Wisdom

“Beautiful things are still unfolding for you. Yes, even here in this seventh month of the year—you’re not done yet.” ~ Arielle Estoria

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Morning Musings

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who has shared, donated and/or sent a little prayer my way and positive vibes for Zora’s Place. The support has been overwhelming (in a good way!) and I’m happy to share we’ve already reached 25% of our goal with a little less than two months to go!

This is my proof of concept…my evidence that people (besides me and Jeff) believe in the mission and vision of Zora’s Place and can’t wait to bring it to fruition. It’s always reassuring to know that an idea and dream that live inside of your head is something that other people are also excited about and want to see come true!

Probably should have gotten a picture of me *behind* the booth, but at least I remembered to take one! #Progress

We had our first community event this past Sunday at the Evanston Public Library’s Crown Act Day event and everyone we talked to was looking forward to a Black woman-owned bookstore in Evanston. We’re aiming for a grand opening Labor Day weekend and we’ve still got quite a bit to go!

Here’s how you can help:

• Share the campaign with your bookish friend…you know, the one who just devoured the latest Kennedy Ryan and is reading anywhere from 3-5 books at a time.

• Donate (if you haven’t already!). Side note: a little thank-you gift/token of my appreciation is heading to the inboxes of everyone who’s contributed thus far (and don’t worry, you’ll still get it if you donate from here on out as well).

• Follow Zora’s Place on Instagram.

• Shop our online store (more books coming soon, I promise!…I’m very much leaning into “done is better than perfect” with this concept, can you tell?)

Y’all have always showed up and showed out for ya girl and this is no different. Words truly cannot convey the depth of my gratitude, just please know Zora’s Place is as much yours as it is mine. It’s ours. A safe (third) space where Black women and girls, femmes, gender expansive folks and the people who love us can simply breathe and be. Breathe and be. That’s it. That’s all. That’s everything. 💜

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Upcoming Events

theauxwellnesscollective

A post shared by @theauxwellnesscollective

July 12: The Aux Wellness Collective Open House. Join me and the other instructors at The Aux Wellness Collective next week during our open house. We’ll have demos of some of our group fitness classes, wellness workshops and pop-up vendors, including Zora’s Place! No need to RSVP, just come through.

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What I’m Reading

1. How Toni Morrison Changed Publishing (The Atlantic)

2. Why resist Lincoln’s queerness? (Chicago Reader)

3. ‘Motherhood Should Come With a Warning Label’ (The New York Times)

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Now Hiring

1. Community Manager for The Aspen Institute

2. AM Editor for Chicago Public Media

3. Specialist, Social Content & Partnerships for Wendy’s

4. Communications Manager at Faithful America

5. Vice President, Marketing and Communications for KIPP Public Schools

6. Associate Editor, Adult Non-Fiction for Sourcebooks

7. Manager, Communications for the Los Angeles Lakers

8. Editor in Chief of Sierra Magazine

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🫶🏾 Paid Subscriber Shoutout 🫶🏾

A special thank-you to April, Jeff, Carol, Cait, Amanda, Harleen, Megan, Najja, Jessica, Priti, Cat, Jenna, Mallory, Rachel, Angel, Sarah, Camesha, Vix, Anna, Stephanie, Dominique, Tiffany, Emily, Mabinty, Lindsey, Casey, Lynnae, Dani, Amanda, Raina, Abigail, Sharon, Kristen, Heather, Renae, Jennie, Brittaney, Kyndall, Sarah, Cecilia, Jessica, Kimberly, Jessica, Ean, Lauren, Brittani, Jenni, Clement, Courtney, Gretchen, Elizabeth, Racquel, Genita, Olivia, Emily, Erin, Jeanice, Alex Jasmine, La’Chia, Laura, Kyndall, Nicole, Mary, Angela, Sharma, Carolyn, Liz, Eve, Arielle, Matt and Neha for becoming paid subscribers and helping to fuel this newsletter. I truly appreciate your support! 💜

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