OPEN LETTER TO BLACK WOMEN

OPEN LETTER TO BLACK WOMEN

NOTE: Music is one of my love languages so as I offer you these words, I also offer these songs and poem for your listening pleasure.  I hope each of them washes over your body and heals the places that need attention.

Dear Black Women,

Our expressions of Black Womanhood are as varied as our individual walks through life. But through these unique manifestations, we are deeply connected. I am you, and you are me—and I love you (us) fiercely.

Yesterday, we mourned collectively. Across the spectrum of our nation, men, women, and even some children felt the full gamut of grief and solidarity. If you are anything like me, you made space to sit with your emotions. However that space looked—whether through meditation, journaling, a quiet walk, safe spaces or a moment of silence—you honored yourself. I implore you to continue doing so. You are worthy of the time, space, and grace to process, to heal, and to replenish.

Before diving into the heart of this letter, I want to extend deep gratitude to Black men—the 78% (intentional shade) who took time amid their own pain to voice their support for us, to embrace us, to check on us, and to reaffirm their love and respect for us. To them, I say, thank you. As for the other 16-20%…well, let’s say I will only focus on those who honor me and recognize my worth and I say that with my FULL CHEST…but this is not about them.

And to those from other communities who showed us appreciation and care in their own ways—thank you for seeing us.

To my sisters…

I woke up today compelled to share a few thoughts with you.

1.  FOCUS ON YOU. PRIORITIZE YOU.

Historically, we are the “mothers of civilization.” It’s in our DNA to care for others, often at our own expense. But now, I am urging you to center yourself. Go where you feel happiest, safest, and most authentically you. Let no one stifle your brilliance, no one dull your light. Show up as your full self—without apology.

2. MOVE DIFFERENTLY.

We have long known the power we carry within. Yet now, I ask you to move with a renewed sense of purpose. Instead of proclaiming that “Black Women are the most disrespected and undervalued,” walk as the QUEEN you are, because you are. When you do, the world has no choice but to recognize that truth. Claim it. (And if you need a reminder, look back at our history.)

3. BE FEARLESS AND SPEAK YOUR TRUTH.

Let your voice ring in all spaces—be bold, unapologetic, and unwavering. Speak your truth, call out the injustice, and be firm in who you are. If others struggle to adjust to your truth, let that be their challenge, not yours. Take your power back.

5. INTENTIONALLY BUILD YOUR VILLAGE

Surround yourself with those who are aligned with your energy, who uplift and encourage you. This does not mean shutting others out, but curating a village that nurtures your growth and allows you to thrive. Connect with other villages when it suits you, but keep your core strong and intentional.

This song by Geminelle comes to mind:

4. ALL SKINFOLK AIN’T KINFOLK.

Sometimes, we encounter those who may look like us but don’t share our values or vision. Remember, you owe no loyalty to anyone who does not align with your spirit. You have the right to protect your peace.

6. YOU DESERVE LOVE, RESPECT, HONOR, AND PEACE.

Period. This is non-negotiable.

7. PREPARE YOURSELF FOR BATTLE.

Whatever that looks like for you, embrace it. It might mean immersing yourself in strategy, brushing up on your reading, or sharpening your skills. For me, it’s returning to wisdom in texts like The Art of War by Sun Tzu and The Art of War for Women by Chin-Ning Chu. Arm yourself with knowledge, strength, and resilience in whatever ways resonate with you.

Remember, take all the time you need to process and reconcile your emotions. No one can dictate how you feel or tell you how to heal. You are not “overly emotional”; you are human. Reject any notion that says you should “get over it.” Stand firm, take your time, and move at your own pace.

As I write these words to you, they serve as a reminder to myself as well. My work in energy healing, in service to humanity, will always begin and end with my love and dedication to you—the Black Woman.

There’s an African proverb that says, “If you educate a man, you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a family.” Today, I amend that: “If you heal a man, you heal the individual, but if you heal a woman, you heal a generation.” Let me share in your healing journey. Let’s heal and grow together, strengthening one another as we move forward.

I leave you with these words and an offering: a clip of “Laying On of Hands” from Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. It’s a reminder of our shared strength, resilience, and the beautiful legacy we hold.

Living an African-Centered Lifestyle: A Journey to Wholeness

Living an African-Centered Lifestyle: A Journey to Wholeness

My take on living an African-centered lifestyle—a path that honors the wisdom, culture, and energy of the African Diaspora and embraces metaphysical practices like reiki, astrology, numerology, hoodoo, and Lucumi. Through the power of AI, I envision my dream surroundings and lifestyle, creating an environment where African heritage and the spirit of my ancestors are present. This way of life is sacred, intentional, and deeply rooted in my identity as a Black woman and practitioner of various spiritual traditions.

My home is my sacred temple, adorned with vibrant African artwork and ancestral altars, inviting the presence of my spirit guides. Each morning, I meditate with crystals connected to my root chakra, calling on the ancestors and Orishas for healing and guidance. Mondays are dedicated to Eleggua, offering sweets or rum to honor his pathways and open roads to clarity.

The images in this post depict my “ideal” living space and style.

My style reflects this connection, incorporating African fabrics and colors that resonate with my spirit. Turquoise, my namesake, embodies calm, intuition, and healing energy. Every color choice is intentional, aligning with the energy I wish to embody each day.

Numerology and astrology also guide my journey. As a Life Path 1, I’m here to lead and pioneer new realms of discovery, which I do by blending African spirituality with everyday life. My Libra Moon and Pisces Rising help me navigate emotional situations and bring harmony to my world.

Practicing hoodoo and Lucumi has deepened my connection to spirit, allowing me to honor the Orishas and work with natural elements. Simple rituals, protection jars, and candles at my altar reinforce my connection to the ancestors and the spiritual energies that support me.

Living an African-centered life is also about community, connecting with others who share these values of gratitude, respect for the earth, and Black joy. Together, we uplift one another, celebrate, and keep our culture alive.

This lifestyle nurtures my body, mind, and spirit. Reiki, meditation, astrology, and numerology keep me grounded, guiding me through life’s cosmic dance with my ancestors walking beside me.

To live this way is to honor those who came before us and to walk intentionally, becoming future ancestors ourselves. Every step in this sacred journey is a reminder of our divine guidance.

Africa Day 2024

Africa Day 2024

TODAY IS AFRICA DAY!

If you have not already figured this out about me, I revel in being a descendant of the Mother Continent – Africa. While I am not continent-born, I have traced my DNA ancestry to Guinea-Bissau (Fula), Sierra Leone (Mende and Temne) and Liberia (Kpelle) on my mother’s maternal side and Sierra Leone (Mende) on my father’s maternal side.

This year’s theme for Africa Day is Education Fit for the 21st Century. Read more here: https://au.int/…/celebrating-africa-day-theme-education…

Although I am now an entrepreneur, I have had the pleasure of working with and for companies such as Step Afrika! and African Ancestry that has EXPANDED my view of Africa immensely.

I have people in my life who are continent-born that allow me to ask all of the questions that I want about their country and their culture and have educated me about misconceptions that I may have had. Shout out to Adaora Nwigwe, Oluwaseun Asade and Elizabeth Yillah(there are more but these are the folks on the top of my head.)

Rita Lassiter will tell you that if you are riding in an Uber with me and if I detect that the driver is continent-born, I make an inquiry and ask them to let me guess what country and ethnic group they are from…and it often leads to a great conversation.

Many of us Diasporans (Diafricans – thanks Liv Lyvs for the term) have a flat and distorted view of the continent. Many of us look at Africa as one thing (some of us think it is a country) but it is a CONTINENT of 54 countries, thousands of ethnic groups (tribes) that contain over 25% of the world’s languages. It is RICH in minerals that have made various countries WEALTHY (without those same countries paying back into the economics of the country of their pilages).

Africa is the CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION and it is the man and woman of AFRICAN DESCENT that unlock every genetic code that exists on the planet (Research “Lucy”). So while today, we celebrate African Liberation, I use this day to celebrate the expansion of my African lens and everyday I fall more and more in love with the ENTIRE CONTINENT. Do bad things happen? Is there corruption in some spaces? Yes. But people can not throw stones that live in glass houses (Check your prejudices).

Lastly, I believe that it is a misnomer that continent-born Africans have a general dislike of diasporic Africans (and vice versa). Both sides of the coin have misconceptions and have said very hurtful things about the other. I believe that it is the fault of those who had sown seeds of discord. It has been my experience that most (and I mean almost all) continent-born Africans have opened their arms to me and have poured into me especially when I have come to them with respect and a healthy curiosity. I suggest that those of you who are curious to do the same.

#AfricaDay #liveincolor #africancentered #AIturquoise