ONCE UPON A TIME is usually not how our stories begin. I can remember vividly as a child hearing my father tell my brother never go to these places after dark. You never want to be DRIVING WHILE BLACK across the bridge. I thought that I would never be faced with the same situation until 25 years later when I was pulled over by a police officer for having out of state plates. My offense: driving while black in Michigan….
I try to always be honest with you. Seriously, I spend my time putting together the events of my life or those around me in order to encourage you every week. But… Ummm… This fourth quarter has snuck up on your girl. :-/ I spent the 3rd quarter of 2017 preparing for the most crucial time of the year, and I can’t believe that it’s here. And the coach of all coaches is saying, “RJ, I need you. Get off…
This one is for my sistahs! If you are working at a 9-5, think about your office dynamic. When something pops off everyone looks at you to react. Especially if you are the only brown face in the office. Let’s see how the “black girl” is going to respond… I can remember when I was the only black in the office, and I can also remember situations when the brown faces were the majority. It doesn’t take away from the…
My past is more lit than the SOLAR ECLIPSE. Well, it’s not exactly “blinding” but I can say I have been exposed to some pretty dope opportunities. I believe I told you before from time to time I “Google” myself. I need to know what’s out there, and the narrative that is being shared about yo girl. I’m going through the images and even though I don’t have a common first name I share it with fellow dope brown girls…
Within the last two months I’ve visited about five theaters across the country. Scoping out places to screen the documentary that I’m working on and envisioning people in the seats. When I stood on stage at the Colony Theater in Miami, Florida during the American Black Film Festival this year I saw myself on that stage. I looked to my right and saw a fellow staff member (main photo) in deep thought. I didn’t disturb her because I was in…
Every time I go on a trip I learn something new about myself. This time: Vulnerability. I know so many of us will not admit our struggles with becoming vulnerable whether it’s for a love interest or even our career. Especially when blogging you have to be vulnerable, and at times you feel as though I’m not ready to take it to that point of being transparent. Listen, I’ve been there. I’m constantly faced with the issue of over sharing,…
I honestly can’t believe how fast this summer is flying by. I have many home improvement activities that I would like to complete, and last Thursday a lot was accomplished. Trees trimmed, large items removed from the home for donation or trash, prepping for a new coat of paint on the house, and then we see something in the bush. A baby bird sitting on the bush, and another baby bird about five feet away in the grass. The kids…
Have you ever double booked? Sure you have. You’re so focused on pleasing everyone that you’re running around saying, “YES I CAN DO IT!” Until the day arrives; you realized the times overlapped, and you’ve promised to be in two places at the same time. I woke up Sunday morning thinking how am I going to pull this off? I’m scheduled to serve for the first time at church, andddddd volunteer for a local art fair. Both venues were counting…
One would say that all good things come to an end. Don’t worry, I ain’t going nowhere. Lol. I’m just observing some things that’s going on around me. My boss deciding to resign, and the CEO of one of the largest corporations in the world stepped down in the same week, same city. Organizations impacted, and the only thing we can focus on is how will their departure affect us? When I heard the news about both of them I…
Early morning calls and late night text messages would sum up my last week. It’s been fifteen years since I walked across the football field at Benton Harbor High School. I was honored to witness the class of 2017 enter the ramp to participate in the graduation festivities. Embarking upon an unforgettable experience. It was a beautiful day, and the bleachers were packed with loved ones waiting to celebrate the annual event. I stood on the bridge looking over greeting…