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SELF LOVE OR NAW? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PRETTY FOR A BLACK GIRL?

“You are so beautiful … to me” is a song originally performed by Joe Cocker. It is one of my favorite from childhood. I recall watching the Bride of Frankenstein while his hauntingly, soulful rendition played in the background. Even then, I connected the song to self love at its most basic. I also connectedContinue reading “SELF LOVE OR NAW? WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PRETTY FOR A BLACK GIRL?”

What If You Fly

“There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask “What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly?” Erin Hanson aka The Poetic Underground 2020 – – Happy New Year! – – 2020

Smear Campaigns: Soul Crimes

One of the most potent examples of “something’s been said” is when individuals engage in a smear campaign. What is a smear campaign? It can be defined as an effort to mislead, damage or call into question someone’s reputation, by sharing negative information whether truthful, outright lies, or exaggerations. It can be used by individualsContinue reading “Smear Campaigns: Soul Crimes”

SALUTE TO THE DIVINE MS. MORRISON

Toni Morrison, one of greatest American writer’s, died on August 6, 2019. She was a prolific author of the African American experience, particularly involving girls and women, and left behind a legacy of work that will forever influence the next generation of writers. As a young girl, I loved reading her books. She told importantContinue reading “SALUTE TO THE DIVINE MS. MORRISON”

HIDE YO CRAZY! …. Something’s Been Said Intro

“Something’s been said,” is a quote used by members of my extended, Southern family. Although I was raised in the Midwest, I’d heard this phrase every time something suspicious happened within our clan. It means that there is something definitely wrong, unexplainable, off-putting, or weird going on with a family member, friend or associate butContinue reading “HIDE YO CRAZY! …. Something’s Been Said Intro”

“Our Deepest Fear”

By Marianne Williamson Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually who are we not to be? You areContinue reading ““Our Deepest Fear””

“Still I Rise”

By Maya Angelou You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may tread me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just likeContinue reading ““Still I Rise””

Pretty for a Black Girl – The Fractured Mind

“If you’re black stay back, If you’re brown stick around If you’re yellow, you’re mellow If you’re white you’re alright” Negro Nursery Rhyme As early as I can remember, I’ve had two reccurring nightmares. The first involves me trying to escape a place where everyone is a vampire or blood sucking entity. I would coverContinue reading “Pretty for a Black Girl – The Fractured Mind”

Win or Go Home: Why Do Teachers Quit?

Win or go home! This thought circulated in my brain while mopping an elementary classroom floor. Since I wasn’t teaching full-time as a certified K-6 elementary teacher in North Carolina, I had accepted a long term substitute assignment at a small, rural Title I elementary school. Our students were getting sick constantly one after theContinue reading “Win or Go Home: Why Do Teachers Quit?”