Writing is something I guess I’ve always done, but not intentionally. I used to keep journals as a kid. Wrote poetry for awhile. But I feel like essays were always where you heard my voice the most. Ever since we started @ourblackbookmag I’ve been asked if I consider myself a writer + to be honest I don’t because I know what it takes the be the kind of writer people may think of me as, and I’m nowhere near there. Publishing in @verysmartbros was a step in the “write” direction (I couldn’t resist 😂), but it’s only the beginning. . . May 16, 2019 from 7-9pm join me + @ourblackbookmag team in @thehive2.0 for #OurBlackWritersMeetup , a safe space to get creative, stop procrastinating, + start writing! Writers of all levels are welcome! Writers who don’t believe they’re writers are welcome! Writers who just wanna meet writers are welcome! Let’s hold each other accountable! Let’s get to writing! #Linkinbio ✍🏽✍🏾✍🏿 . . . . 📸 @malcofoto #OurBlackBook #blackcreatives #blackcreativesmatter #blackwomen #blackmen #blackwriters #blackwritersmatter #blackauthors #buyblack #blackmeetups #dc #acreativedc #thisismadeindc #write #writer #writethevision #getinspired #getmotivated (at 52 O Street Studios) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwnCjn1l8Sx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1vshik0sm48h5

#latepost Day 27:Award winning chef, Oji Abbott is the owner of Oohhs & Aahh's Soul Food Restaurant; located at 1005 U St NW, WDC! Arguably the best soul food restaurant in the District, Oohhs & Aahh's has provided quality food since 2003! As a native Washingtonian, Chef Oji has much pride for his city and has truly made his mark in the food industry. Oohs & Aahh's has been featured on the food network show "Diner's, Drive-Ins, and Dives" and is no stranger to celebrities appearances! Saturday nights on U St you can guarantee there's a line outside the door at Oohs & Aahhs! Follow @oohhsandaahhs on IG & FB! #HUBuysBlack #BlackOwnedBusiness #BuyBlackHistoryMonth #BuyBlackDMV #BuyBlack #OurBlackBook #BlackHistory #BlackRestaurantWeek #BlackFoodie #Foodie #FoodNetwork #BlackHistoryMonth #SoulFood #DC #Cornbread #FriedChicken #MacnCheese #CollardGreens #OohhsandAahhs (at Oohhs & Aahhs Soul Food)

A #Queens work is never done! @blackloveexperience was a fantastic event we had the privilege to vend at for our nonprofit @soyrinfo 💜 #tbt • • • • #blacklove #blackgirlmagic #OurBlackBook #blackwomen #blackpower #community #unapologeticqueens

The city is changing but it’s soul remains Chocolate. As we continue to experience this rapid + rampant wave of gentrification, remember to pay your respects to the people and places that make this city so great! The new wave of #blackcreatives have a personal responsibility (in my opinion) to highlight the stories of those who paved the way. I implore you to research what’s being opened and closed in your neighborhoods, think about their impact. What can you do to preserve the culture? . . . . . 📸 @sirharveyfitzphotography #acreativedc #washingtondc #washingtonianmag #dmv #dc #blackcreatives #writer #verysmartbrothas #weluvbooks #soufsidecreative #southeastdc #anacostia #anacostiariver #anacostiaarts #opencrumb #mahoganybooks #nubianhueman #vintageandcharmed #chocolatecity #ourblackbook (at Anacostia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv9jU6FlgxI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14me5uv9he6xk

Happy International Women’s Day! Thank you to @verysmartbros for publishing my article “Jersey Black” in the America in Black Series! Thank you @panamajackson for the opportunity! Check it out #linkinbio ! . . . #buyblack #Jersey #JerseyGirl #blackwoman #OurBlackBook #internationalwomensday #blackgirlmagic #DC #HowardAlum (at Washington, District of Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuxEmbAFXAW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cxjwdotjkvaf

Thank you so much for all that participated in buying Black this February! The goal is not simply to buy Black on occasion but to make it an everyday habit. We purposely curated items last month you could repeatedly purchase for your home or gift to others! If you got anything from the businesses we highlighted tag us in your pics with #ourblackbook! ______________ We love to see people taking our advice + learning that there are many ways to support Black-owned businesses than simply buying apparel or going to restaurants. We can buy Black just as much as we buy from the big corporations that have consistently shown they are not loyal to us unless it affects their bottom line. Support businesses that support marginalized communities. _________ Black Spending Matters. The sooner we realize that we hold the power to change the narrative on whose "winning" in this country the better! ____ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #buyfromablackwoman #blackmen #howardalumni #hbcu #hbcuapparel #bhm #blackhistorymonth #inspo #homegoods #blackwomanowned #creatives #blackdesigners #blackownedhomedecor #wallart #blackart #blackmensmile #blackcreativesmatter (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9FwojgBtY/?igshid=1c4qrz307nmc

Day 28: In the spirit of celebrating Black history all year round we curated three last few items to help you remember your roots no matter what month it is! From HBCU Apparel to Africa inspired art we hope you find something amazing for you + family on this list! Let us know which ones you try out! ______ @supportblackcollege By @mrarvinger + @ihoenation Howard Alumni ______ African Geode table/wall art By @imitationbyjerell ______ @urbanintellectuals By Freddie Taylor Available @nubianhueman _____ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #motivation #blackmen #howardalumni #hbcu #hbcuapparel #bhm #blackhistorymonth #inspo #homegoods #coffeetable #creative #blackownedclothingstore #blackdesigners #blackownedhomedecor #wallart #blackart #blackmensmile #blackcreativesmatter #blacktrivia #cardgame #gamenight (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL55TSRAkzm/?igshid=10eg269xs7avn

Day 27: Quarantinis are definitely a thing! Now that most of us are at home we have to bring home the party! That means stocking up on your favorite party favors for your socially distanced gatherings, virtual happy hours, or even date nights at home! We found some cool products to help you become the best home entertainer ever! From simple syrups to whiskey we've got you covered! Check it out! _______ @bluehenry By Adrienne Walker Based in Maryland From simple syrups, rimming sugars, garnishes + more this Black-woman owned business has all the ingredients to make your home crafted cocktails the best yet! _____ @greenwoodwhiskey By Kweillin Gordon, Che’ Bailey, Sheldon Johns-Harris, and James Roach Whiskey is a household staple for a home bar. This whiskey brand was inspired by the story of Black Wall Street in OK. ______ Juku Pitcher Set @karenjaihome By Janelle Langford This pitcher set is perfect for small gatherings or even just for you + bae on date night in! This home goods enclave has all you need to make your nights in special! ____ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #Buyfromablackwoman #blacklove #motivation #blackwomen #garnish #rimmingsugar #blackownedliquor #blackgirlsrock #homebar #bhm #blackherstorymonth #blackhistorymonth #rimmingsalt #inspo #lifeoftheparty #party #socialdistancing #creative #kitchen #bar #bartender https://www.instagram.com/p/CL38epWAZnD/?igshid=du9wswr3dhvu

Day 26: Just bought a new house? Have you bought all your linens yet? We found some high-quality linens made by Black designers across the diaspora that would be the perfect fit for your new home aesthetic! From towels, placemats. + everything in between these businesses has got you covered! What's your favorite part about shopping for your house? Let us know in the comments!! 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 _____ Heavy Weight Linen Spa Towel @linotodotcom By Jason Evege _____ Haitian Landmark Placemats Gingerbread House Placemat @_54kibo By Nana Quagraine ______ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #Buyfromablackwoman #blacklove #motivation #blackwomen #homedecor #spatowel #blackgirlsrock #linens #bhm #blackherstorymonth #blackhistorymonth #blackownedhomedecor #placemats #curtains #homegoods #inpo #panafrican https://www.instagram.com/p/CL3DjLpAiU0/?igshid=ulejs9hh2bp0

Day 25: Subscription boxes are a great way to try multiple products at once for a great price! Nowadays some subscription boxes are themed to meet the specific needs of their target audience. We gathered some amazing subscription boxes curated by Black women that serve a variety of interests! From boxes that allow you to try out multiple Black-owned businesses to boxes that serve tween girls during their most pivotal time of transition, these boxes were made with intention + we can't wait for you to try them! Let us know what you think! ______ @girlgangstrong By Kyree Kidpreneur Kyree, enlisted her mom to help her create this amazing subscription box for tweens + teens to promote self-love + wellness! _____ @theblackbox.us By Talei Hornback Try out this quarterly box of Black-owned goodies including things like stationery, tea, candles +more! _____ @loccessories By K. Hill Based in Chicago For all our locced sistas out there this subscription box will keep your locs adorned with the finest jewelry you ever did see! _____ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #Buyfromablackwoman #blacklove #motivation #blackwomen #subscriptionbox #blackownedsubscriptionbox #blackgirlsrock #kidpreneur #bhm #blackherstorymonth #blackhistorymonth https://www.instagram.com/p/CL2uhQUg3zy/?igshid=131kehdf3hnuq

Day 24: Black media ownership is almost nonexistent in this country yet African Americans make up 13% of the population. Black commercial radio station ownership is 1.6%. Black television network ownership is 1.8%. Needless to say, it is important we support Black media platforms + that includes streaming services! We found some dope Black-owned streaming services that offer amazing content from Black creators across the diaspora! Get ready to be entertained! Let us know which one you pick! ______ Kweli @kwelitv By DeShuna Spencer Expertly curated Pan-African-inspired content from across the diaspora! _____ ALLBLK @watchallblk (formerly UMC) By Robert L. Johnson ( co-founder of BET) Dope movies + shows created by Black directors, telling a wide range of Black stories! ____ Afrokids TV @afrokidscom By Leo Sullivan Edutainment with an Afrocentric spin! ___ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #Buyfromablackwoman #blackmensmile #blacklove #motivation #blackwomen #blackmen #buyfromablackwoman #blackmediamatters #blackkids #blackart #blackfilm #streaming #media #blackmen #blackmedia #blackentertainment #blacktv #latepost #streamingservices #bingewatch #blacktelevision (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL0xRI6gaMK/?igshid=ecjx0y1eyuag

Day 23: Food is an important part of our cultural identity! The African Diaspora is known for its wonderfully flavorful food. From BBQ Ribs to Buffalo Cauliflower we are always creating dishes that pack a punch from the spices + the sauces! We found some dope Black men that make spices, sauces, + more! that will elevate your cuisine to the next level! Let us know what you think! ______ @thenakedspicecollection by Chef Cisero Washington, DC This chef wants you to try out his amazing spice collection made with the best herbs + peppers you can find! _____ @8mylesllc By Myles Powell Based in Washington, DC This Brotha started out making a collection of spicy and flavor-packed sauces and has since pivoted to making a frozen Buffalo Mac n Cheese you can now purchase as @wholefoods, @balduccismarket, + @kingsfoodmarket _____ @uncledellsmambo Andy & Nyles Based in Washington, DC These two Distict Natives + brothers decided to pay homage to the Chocolate City staple #mambosauce with their own version that's been tickling taste buds all over the DMV! DM them for local deliveries! _____ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #blackchef #spicecollection #blackmensmile #blacklove #yum #love #macncheese #spices #groceries #blackfoodie #selfcare #motivation #inspo #foodie #blackmen #nakedspices #cooking #spicy #kitchen (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLzw9DUgoHv/?igshid=acih59ttaf0

Day 22: Podcasts are to Millennials as #TalkRadio is to Baby Boomers + Gen Xers! However, podcasts are talking about way more than just political happenings + news. Podcasts are a great way to gain new perspectives on topics we may or may not be talking about within our social networks. The podcasts we’re highlighting are great for doing inner work, getting inspiration, + growing your reading list! Let us know what you think?! What podcasts are you listening to now? Let us know in the comments! 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 _________ @healingcirclepodcast Hosted by Kobe + Kyle Campbell This wife + hubs team offers Christian + research-based perspectives on trauma, mental health, + relationships! Kobe’s background as a Trauma Therapist + Seminarian & Kyle’s intellect + vulnerability makes this podcast a must-listen! Let the healing commence! ______ HU Movemakers Podcast @themovemakers Hosted by @josh4insurance For all my fellow Bison + anyone needing inspiration as you journey into your career path, the HU Movemakers Podcast is that perfect balance of Howard pride, Black excellence, + practical life advice! Through the stories of the MANY dope Howard alumni across the globe doing fantastic things, listeners can get the tea on how Howard contributed to the success of these amazing individuals! _______ The Stacks Podcast @thestackspod Hosted by @bitracial In need of a great read? #TheStacksPod is a great podcast to get into if you love reading or want to start reading more! Each episode is a deep dive into the book of discussion with prominent authors in the industry! #Bookstagram fam if you're not already listening to this podcast get on it, you'll thank us later! ____ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #blackpodcasts #blackartists #blacklove #blackpodcasters #love #buyfromablackwoman #podcasts #howardalumni #healing #growth #selfcare #motivation #inspo #books #blackbooksmatter #literacy #trauma #blackpsychologist #hbcumade #hbcugrad (at Charlotte, North Carolina) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLnpA95gtxN/?igshid=1etpswspmchqm

Day 20: How's your art collection looking these days? Art is a great way to liven up the spaces we're spending so much time in! We've found a few pieces that will be wonderful additions to a variety of homes! Tell us which one you like the best in the comments! 👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾 ______ Black Lives Matter by @shiinxs (David Djoco) (no photo available) 19-year-old illustrator & graphic designer, David, creates dope artwork and sell his prints in various mediums! We love Black art that leans toward anime culture! Check more of David's eclectic collection of beautiful illustrations! ______ Sunny Daze -(Locs) by @brookescanvas Based in Mississipi This young illustrator and digital artist, wants Black women to recognize their beauty & power through her artwork! Her vibrant representations of Black women are bold and unapologetic. We can't wait to grab one of her pieces! Check out all her beautiful work today! _______ Young Michael Jackson by @dreamdesignarts Gorgeous paintings that celebrate the gorgeousness of Blackness! This fine artist knows how to represent for the culture + we can’t get enough! _____ #latepost #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #blackownedhomegoods #blackartists #blacklove #homeoffice #love #buyfromablackwoman #dmv #blackart #home #homegoods #home #homesweethome #workfromhome #homedecor #wallart #art https://www.instagram.com/p/CLkXWRTA556/?igshid=1uqzbzezrzs2s

Day 19: The term "work from home" has an entirely new meaning these days! 😅 It's so important that we are more intentional now than ever with what we use daily to help us get our work done. These Black women designed some dope products to protect your productivity pals (laptops), track your habits, and everything in between! Check them out! _____ Laptop cases @chic.geeks by @savvycandi Candice Adams By now we all know working from home can get really old really quick! With the signature look of the faux crocodile skins, @chic.geeks will make your sleek Macbook into a chic Macbook! We're loving the green faux crocodile case but there's so much variety it's so hard to just pick one! @chic.geeks also offers an assortment of keyboard covers and iPhone cases! If you're ready to jazz up your favorite tech devices there's no time like the present to show them some love! ______ Habit Tracker @wearesunlight By Sinan Franklin Based in San Franciso, CA It's so easy to lose track of time these days! This habit tracker help me organize your thoughts and calls before you get your workday started! This is the perfect gift for your favorite entrepreneur or you're looking to get more productive! ______ ELLEPI KLIZIA STAPLER MINT @greerchicago By Chandra Greer This is shop is truly your one stop shop for all your office supply needs! From staplers to pens and everything in between, Chandra made sure you'd be coming back to her store again! Let us know what's gonna fit in your office! ______ P.S. We know this is late but we needed a break. Radical rest is a real thing. cc: @thenapministry #latepost #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #blackownedhomegoods #habits #blacklove #homeoffice #love #buyfromablackwoman #dmv #laptopcase #home #homegoods #home #homesweethome #workfromhome #homedecor #productivity #officesupplies https://www.instagram.com/p/CLkJdFrgYBE/?igshid=lq7pjz8kqpvk

Day 18: Living in a panny has meant spending an increased amount of time with those in your household. For those of us living with our families we all know how quickly family members may be triggered by another’s actions. Now with the extended amount of time together it makes it that much easier to start an argument. _______ If you’re looking for ways to increase the love in your house, aromatherapy is a great way to boost your oxytocin levels! Oxytocin is well known as the love hormone! So we found some Black women who blend amazing scents together in the form of regular candles, massage candles, room sprays, + more to help your family boost your love hormone production! Check them out let us know which ones you pick! _______ Poured Life Brand @pouredlifebrand By Melony Hughes ( @girlmelony ) Based in the DMV ____ Lucky Thirteen Candle @luckythirteencandle By Amina Based in Philly, PA _____ @thecommonscentsco By Amber Based in Savannah, GA ___ #HUBuysBlack #OurBlackBook #BuyBlack #Blackowned #Blackbusiness #Blackbusinesses #Blackownedbusiness #Blackwomanowned #blackownedhomegoods #scents #blacklove #aromatherapy #love #buyfromablackwoman #linenspray #dmv #philly #scented #home #homegoods #home #homesweethome #scentedwax #savannahga #homedecor #candles #roomsprays #smellgoods #massagecandles #oxyticin #lovehormone (at Washington D.C.) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLdawbpgTlW/?igshid=anb4wzr3oan3