We’re Going To Need More Wine

Gabrielle Union is amazing. Really, she is. I’ve been a fan of her and her work for a long time, and when I learned she had a memoir dropping I was hype. Her collection of stories about her life, We’re Going to Need More Wine has been out for a while and I bought it as soon as it released. Although I've read it cover to cover, I've occasionally dived back into it for some insight from time to time. It's so good. You may want to grab a glass of wine while reading about her interesting, relatable, and incredible life and career. Her stories make you feel like she’s a close girlfriend you’re having an unfiltered girl chat with, which is rare these days since so many people (especially women) claim to be real but are either fake or too afraid to share stories that can help encourage, inspire, and uplift themselves and others. What I admire most about Gabrielle is her candidness and willingness to be upfront, honest, unapologetic, and open about everything from her childhood through adulthood. She shares her experiences with racism, being a child of divorce, racial profiling, colorism, black hair, surviving sexual assault, marriage and divorce, being a stepmother, an advocate and activist, dating and sex, income inequality, breaking barriers in Hollywood, her wins and losses, and even more unbelievably candid thoughts and experiences that have been a part of her journey. If you’re looking for something authentic, funny, inspiring, and encouraging to read, We’re Going to Need More Wine is definitely worth checking out. It’s incredible.

Thoughts From a Black Educator: Qualified, Credentialed, and Constantly Undermined

I’m a Black educator in my fifth year of teaching middle school English, and in my third as the 8th Grade English PLC (Professional Learning Community) Lead. And while I genuinely enjoy the purposeful work I get to do, seeing the growth of my scholars, and continuing to hone my skills in a content area I’ve loved since I was a little girl, I’ve had to confront some unpleasant experiences in this space. I’d been through much worse when I was an academic advisor at a Christian university. Racism, sexism, harassment, and workplace bullying were sadly norms in that environment. However, some of what I’ve experienced as a Black educator hasn’t been normal … It doesn’t seem normal to be the only Black educator in my department – in a predominantly Black school. One of my Black colleagues once said, “It should look like a Tyler Perry movie in here.” But it doesn’t. It didn’t feel normal being reprimanded in a meeting (during my second year of teaching) by an administrator who went in on...

The Day I Made A Will

When I was a teenager, I remember writing a list of my greatest fears. One of the things I listed was death. Looking back, it was an interesting item to list because inevitably, death is something each of us will face at some point in our lives. Even though it’s no longer a fear of mine, I understand why and how it’s not a comfortable thing for everyone to navigate. But regardless, this past summer I completed a detailed will. I signed it, had witnesses sign it, and got it notarized. As I was getting everything done, one of the witnesses looked at me and said, “You know, it’s just that you’re so young…” I’ve learned that death doesn’t care how young or how old you are. You can be five, fifteen, thirty, or fifty, and it’s still something that happens. Completing my will wasn’t scary. It gave me peace of mind having documentation in place stating my detailed directives and requests. A year ago, I had one of my kidneys removed. It was a surgery that came with risks that were presented cle...

A Taste At Colattao Coffee House

I love checking out new coffee spots. It’s nice to take in a space I haven’t been to before that’s so chill, it makes me want to go back and visit again and again. This is exactly how I felt when I stepped into Colattao Coffee House. The kind customer service, the amazing options, and the aesthetically pleasing décor were everything. The aroma of the freshly grounded coffee beans, along with the sight of their mouth-watering pastries didn’t hurt either. I’ve visited this spot just a few times, and always enjoyed myself, my drinks, and my food. It’s definitely worth the trip. If you’re in the Hampton Roads area and looking for a cool and cozy spot for a solo outing or to meet up with a friend, I highly recommend checking out Colattao Coffee House sometime. You’ll enjoy it!

Making Waves