Well y’all, it’s been almost a year since I uploaded my first blog post! I created it out of encouragement from others, and also because The Chronicle wouldn’t print a piece I wrote about WSSU. My mother will tell you, “No”, has not ever stopped me from doing something I’m really passionate about. To The Chronicle I said, “Aight, bet”, and got my coins together to build my website. I’m posting this before the actual one year date, so we can go ahead celebrate before those coins expire 😆. See below…
I’m writing this while Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker is on pause. I’m 22:51 in and filled with the same emotions I had while watching Black Is King. I know how amazing Black people are, but it’s the reminders of what we can do when just given a chance, when we are listened to and not just heard, when we are supported, when we are loved, and when we can be ourselves that keep me watery eyed.
I hosted a chat session for my CEO a couple weeks ago. He’s originally from Africa, but came to NC from GA, and since the company is based out of Durham I decided to bring people in by discussing the uniqueness of Winston-Salem. I talked about Krispy Kreme, Dewey’s, Texas Pete, WFU, Salem Academy/College and, of course, WSSU. I planned to discuss how Jada Pinkett-Smith and Debbie Allen attended, what is now, UNCSA but my research, as my uncle would say, “learned me” how UNCSA rejected Debbie Allen (because of her size and style) which resulted in her attending Howard. In the words of Fred G. Sanford, “You big dummies!”
While watching her film, I learned how she created her dance academy because her daughter was rejected and told to go to Alvin Ailey’s company…as if that was an insult. Oh, but look at her now! Let’s take a moment to look at ourselves and celebrate all of what we’ve done after someone thought they were insulting us.
The synonymous thing with Black people is, we continue to welcome people from all races and backgrounds into our spaces despite the number of times those races reject us. We also do more with less, although I’m sure many would prefer to do more with more.
It has been ONE HELL OF A YEAR, but WE MADE IT! It has been rough in my house because I couldn’t get Michai to understand how important this year is for his transcript. After some cold, strong-arming weeks, he is now motivated to get his work done; that has little to do with my fussing and crying and A LOT to do with the prayers and encouragement from the village.
Don’t give up. Open your blinds/curtains so you can see the sun, get some CBD oil to rub on your aching joints, pick up a glass of water instead of that Cognac and speak life before you complain.
Thank you for reading the blog, and a special thank you to those (particularly at LWS) who thought gossiping about me telling MY truth was going to stop me from honoring my commitment to be a voice for the voiceless. In the words of Cam Newton, “They don’t make band-aids for feelings”, and in the words of the songstress Jazmine Sullivan, “Don’t forget to come and pick up your feelings…don’t leave no pieces.”
Now…let’s run on and see what the end’s gonna be, and to 2021…repeat after me:
●Get in here
●Sit your ass down
●Don’t be in here starting shit
*Gift Card Giveaway*
It’s been almost a year since I started my blog, and, since it’s giving season, I want to celebrate by selecting 4 students (1 from elementary, middle, high school and college) to win a $25 gift card of their choice.
*UPDATE* We now have 14 gift cards to give away!
Michai (who is heavily into anime): Have them submit a myth about how the sun and moon were created. I would read that.
Me: Good, because you’re going to read them and select a winner.
Michai: How did this just happen? This is not how the conversation started!
Me: 🤷🏾♀️
🎉Entry must be NO LONGER than two (2) pages (if you want Michai to read it 😆)
🎉Entry must be submitted to [email protected] by 11:59p on December 31, 2020
🎉 I will remove the name and only disclose the content for Michai to read each entry with fairness
🎉Winners will be notified via e-mail on January 18, 2021, and will be given one (1) week to reply with their gift card selection before another recipient is chosen
🎉Be creative
Share, share, share with students! Oh, and if anyone would like to donate a gift card to allow us to give more than 4…comment or e-mail [email protected].