Grace, faith, and humility are the best ways I can sum up this Grammy-winning masterpiece from Aretha Franklin. Returning to her gospel roots alongside mentor Rev. James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir, she created more than an album…she created a feeling. While the world k

I normally suffer from the Birthday Blues during this month, but I am actually looking forward to my birthday. It's not because I attained all of my goals or even that I feel I have arrived. It's because during this 42nd year going into the 43rd ( Lord's willing) I learned to

To me, whether its with a potential or current partner, texting is not a form of communication that warrants an urgent response. It lends you time to respond when available. If immediate conversation is needed, its called picking up the phone and dialing the number. But that's just me...wha

You don’t have to become more. You don’t have to fix everything. You don’t have to prove anything. You are just enough—right now, as you are. Let this be your reminder to stop overthinking your worth and start resting in it. 💫 Save this for later and come back when you need it 🤍 Sho

There was a version of me that settled. For less. For confusion. For inconsistency. But once you experience what you truly deserve, you can’t unsee it. And you shouldn’t try to. Growth will make some spaces uncomfortable. That’s not your sign to shrink. It’s your sign to require mo

To be honest, I have always found it difficult letting go. In my mind the end of something represents failure; either me not trying enough or not fighting harder. This line of thinking has led to unhealthy over-thinking, over-correction and severe over-compensation. This quote, matter of fact t

Growing up, I was told I was: too happy too emotional too different And sometimes… even “too much.” But what I’ve realized is this: the Bubbly Black Girl has always existed. From Cherie to Synclaire to Issa to Janine— we’ve seen her before. The difference now? She’s finally be

A simple jogging video through Howard University sparked a bigger conversation than expected. For some people, it seemed harmless. For others, it touched a nerve. Because to understand the reaction, you have to understand Chocolate City, the history of Howard University, and what happens whe

Grace, power, and presence. Some women don’t just enter rooms — they redefine them. Source: Ebony Magazine

I've been working on rewriting the narrative I tell myself. Not the one shaped by fear. Not the one shaped by old patterns. But the one shaped by healing. Recently I read a Substack article that talked about creating a personal Board of Directors — women whose lives and values help

This #amaryllis taught me a lesson. Everyone else’s bloomed in January. Mine? Nothing. I almost tossed it, but I decided to wait. At the end of February, it finally bloomed — and hasn’t stopped. The reminder: 🌱 Don’t compare your pace to someone else’s. 🌱 Patience + trust matter. 🌱 Grow

I grew up watching America’s Next Top Model thinking it was breaking barriers. After watching the new documentary, I realized it was breaking people too. Here are my biggest takeaways 👇🏾 ✨ 1. Tyra’s Legacy Is Complicated She opened doors, yes. But the documentary shows how trauma, pressure,

Junior year, yearbook staff, seeing my name in print for the first time. Then I moved. Life shifted. People told me there was no money in writing — and I wasn’t confident enough to fight for it. So I paused the dream. But last week, while writing about Rosemarie Black, something clicked. I realiz

Growing up on the South Side, the Regal Theatre on 79th was that spot. If you know, you know. Concerts, community events, the lines wrapped around the block — it was always buzzing. I was digging through old photos and found this little gem: me posted up with the Honey Nut Cheerios bee 😭🐝. This

Daytime TV used to be that era — Ricki, Jerry, Maury, Oprah, all the chaos and comfort. Now? Most people only watch talk-show moments through TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. And with shows like Sherri & Kelly ending, it’s clear something big shifted. 💡 What happened? ✨ Streaming took ove

Lately it feels like every step forward comes with three new obstacles. But here’s what I’m learning: breakthrough doesn’t always shout — sometimes it whispers. If your spirit feels tired from fighting… still, hold on. Something is shifting. ✨ Save this for when you need the reminder. #softlifemin

Growing up, I used to dance my heart out to Miss You Much and Love Will Never Do (Without You) like I knew a thing about love. 😭💃🏾 Now I’m at my big age, actually understanding the lyrics… and guess what? Those songs STILL hit the exact same. Timeless. #Janetforever. 🖤✨