Church in Quarantine: Erykah Badu & Jill Scott
Featured artwork by: Jeff Manning Art Even before quarantine, my soul was weary. I hungered for that sweet communion of fellowship. I heard about a new service a few weeks ago that they called battles. The first battle was between kings Babyface and Teddy Riley. Read More …
In Defense of André Leon Talley and Michael Jordan
I watched ESPN’s The Last Dance featuring Michael Jordan (MJ) and the Chicago Bulls 1997-98 team. Amidst this, I read about excerpts from The Chiffon Trenches, André Leon Talley’s upcoming memoir which references his relationship with Anna Wintour. I love black people and our culture. Read More …
420 Playlist – Get High
I am not a 420 participant. It is the smell. It reminds me of leaves burning in the fall. For me, texture and smell can be a turn off. The smell of cannabis is not pleasant. Maybe if it were more aromatic then I would Read More …
Social Distancing – Bring out the Board Games
During holidays and breaks, there was family time. That typically meant board games with my family. This was never a simple matter. Even as children, it was competitive. My dad did not believe in letting us win. He said that he wanted us to know Read More …
White Feminists & LGBTQ Community: It’s Time to Pull Up
March is Women’s History Month. I am always conflicted about it. It follows Black History Month and there’s a natural angst because I rarely see feminists highlight the contributions of women of color. Every election cycle there is an interesting spectacle of candidates who claim Read More …
Refreshing Summer Wines
This year winter kept returning into May like an unwelcome guest. Finally, flower beds are safe from an errant winter storm. As you consider what to pair with your summer cuisine of fresh fruit and vegetables, allow me to introduce a few to your palate. Read More …
Father’s Day Gift Ideas
I am a daddy’s girl. The loss of my dad had me experience grief in ways that I had not imagined. My dad was my biggest cheerleader. He encouraged me to be ambitious and dream big. I miss not having him to share experiences and Read More …
Bridal Checklist: Prenuptial Agreement
Spring is here and that means the beginning of wedding season. While many brides-to-be are preoccupied with dress fittings, tastings, flowers, and caterers, many forget an important element for a successful marriage: premarital counseling that includes a discussion about a prenuptial agreement. No one would Read More …
Cinco de Mayo with Tres Agaves Tequila
Americans love taco Tuesdays and a good margarita, so much that margaritas are the #1 cocktail in the US. On Cinco de Mayo, Americans go all out. Cinco de Mayo is more celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico. If you’re going to celebrate, then Read More …
The Evolution of a Queen – Hail Queen Beyoncé
Painter Norman Lewis said, “The goal of the artist must be aesthetic development, and in a universal sense, to make in his own way some contribution to culture.” Perhaps Nina Simone was paraphrasing him when she said, “It is an artist’s duty to reflect the Read More …
Valentine’s Day: Games Adult Play
Whether you are boo’d up for Valentine’s day or happily single, treat Valentine’s day like “friendsgiving.” Invite your friends over and get to know each other. Enter Goliath Games. Goliath is the parent company of Pressman Toy Company that brought us Rummikub, Mastermind, and Shark Read More …
Epilogue 2018: Almost Killed Me
Since 2016, I have attended on average two funerals a year. Hospital visitations and funerals have become my new normal. If I were in my late 60s, this would be part of the aging process of life. Yet, I am only 46. In 2017, the Read More …