A Taste At Mango Mangeaux

On a bright and beautiful day, I took a drive out to Hampton to meet a friend for breakfast at a spot I’ve never been to before called Mango Mangeaux. The vibrant colors, chill vibe, and friendly smiles that greeted me as I walked into this location felt special, and I couldn’t wait to explore the menu and great food options they had to offer. It also didn’t hurt having a kind, tall, and very fine waiter serving us too. A few drink options that immediately stood out to me were the Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte. I knew who these Black-iconic entertainers were but was surprised to see drinks named after them! I ordered the Dorothy Dandridge and noticed how it had similar ingredients to a traditional Shirley Temple. Our waiter explained that the drink originated in the Black community but was stolen and renamed. How interesting is that? I also ended up ordering the Sledge Skillet that came with delicious toast, crispy hash browns and bacon, scrambled eggs, delicious grits, and a side of their Mango Mango preserves. Everything was absolutely divine, and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. If you’re in Hampton Roads area and looking for a great place to get down on some delicious food, check out Mango Mangeaux and enjoy!

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