Humanity.

There's a struggle in this country over humanity. Over who gets the right to feel human. Over who is allowed to have their humanity protected and not questioned. The struggle is getting this point across to people who do not see this because they have never had their humanity questioned. The reality is that people are literally fighting for their human rights. The point is that people are being told that their lives don't matter. That although we live in the land of the free, people are still living their lives without the satisfaction of knowing that whatever happens to them, they will be treated fairly and with justice wherever they go in this country. Nothing about it is okay and it's incredibly frustrating to know that there are people who will never understand that and no amount of words or acts of violence and discrimination, or stands for justice will ever remove them from their own ignorance of the matter.

While we fight for our rights and for ALL of society to see our humanity, I want to remind you that you are an important beautiful powerful human being. If I could, I would tell you all every day your lives matter. Your life matters. Black lives matter. Black women, your lives matter. Black men, your lives matter. Black youth, your life matters. Your experiences are valid. Your stories matter.

OUR LIVES MATTER.

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Friday Night/Saturday Morning Affirmations

It's important for me to treat myself with love and with kindness. It's okay to reward myself for my milestones and successes. I deserve to treat myself. I'm worth it. I've always been worth it.

♥

You're worth it. You deserve to be treated and to be rewarded. You deserve the opportunity to enjoy the little things. You deserve to be able to celebrate yourself and you should. Celebrate yourself every chance you get! The world is grateful to have you. I'm happy you're here. ♥

Celebrating Me: August 6th/7th

August Selfie = Birthday Selfie!!

I'm 22 years old! I really tried to post on my birthday but I got in after midnight and went straight to bed. So my selfie post is a day late but who says celebrations have to end?

I did the very stereotypical playing of Taylor Swift's 22 as I got ready for work. I actually only heard it once before on the day before my birthday because I wanted to see if I liked it before I made it the first song I listened to on my birthday. It is a very cute song and I'm glad one of my best friends, Mia, reminded me about it.

I started the self care presents by treating myself to a delicious bodega breakfast sandwich with a cup of coffee. Then I went to work and I made sure that I had on the beautiful skirt that I got for my birthday. I wore it all day even though I had time to change before going out after work but I wanted to feel special and it's my special day to celebrate me so I really tried not to feel guilty about anything."Treat yo self."

I got so many wonderful birthday wishes. Some of the students even sang happy birthday to me. It was great and so cute!! After work, I went out with my momma and two of my aunts to dinner and a movie all of which was wonderful as well. I think I fell asleep in the car on the way home. I was so tired. This was my birthday outfit.

 

Overall, I had a phenomenal birthday. I was a little apprehensive at first about working on my birthday but I'm glad I went to work. All the beautiful faces I got to see at work and the well wishes made my day so much more special. 22 feels different. I can't really explain it. I looked in the mirror after I woke up and I felt that I looked different--older. However, I'm not sure if I trust what my mind is really thinking at 5 in the morning. 

Most importantly, on my birthday I was in love with the skin I'm in. 

I'm happy to be here and to be alive.

21 brought me graduation, my Bachelor's degree and a move to New York.

I'm thankful for another year of life. I'm excited to see what 22 will bring!



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Post birthday(today):

Today was an okay day. I was so tired from the night before and I think my lack of sleep gave me a headache that is only just now going away. Besides the headache and some overwhelming moments at work today, I had a good day. I'm happy that tomorrow is finally Friday. The weekend is near!

I've been  reading Pearl Cleage's latest book and I really can't put it down. I love it so far. There was something she wrote about writing and how creativity and laziness really battle it out all of the time. I strongly identified with that entire page. I'll write more about the book when I finish it. Every page is another piece of her life and that's just so cool to me!

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Leaving you with a special quote. I hope you have an amazing and safe weekend!!

♥

I Am Human

"I am a human being, nothing human can be alien to me."

-Maya Angelou

On The Come Up by Hannah Weyer

"It came to her just before sleep, an idea crystallizing in the dark--how maybe the size of your world ain't what matter, whether it expand or shrink up or expand again. Hurdles to jump. You jump. Erase the lines, draw new ones. Chart a course and follow." (p290)

I recently finished reading On The Come Up by Hannah Weyer. I found out about this book when going through the Our Song tag on tumblr. This book is based on the life of Anna Simpson, one of the girls who stars in the film. Because I loved the movie, I had to make sure I found this book and I am so glad I did. This was a real page turner. I couldn't get enough of it. I really appreciated how honest and real this story came across. I also think that this is the first story I've read in a long time that really takes place in NYC and I especially loved that because I'm living in NYC again. I think that made it feel more real to me. I also loved any part of the book that was set while they were filming the movie. It felt like I was going behind the scenes of one of my favorite movies!

I loved reading this book early every morning during my commute to work. It was so easy to get lost in this book. I'm so glad I found it!

I recommend this for readers who:

• like to read biograhpies
• enjoy oral histories
• like stories that take place in urban settings
• want to read a story that takes place in NYC/Far Rockaway
• want to read a story about aspiring actresses/singers
• enjoy "coming of age" stories
• are interested in reading about teenage pregnancy/parenthood
• liked the movie "Our Song"
• are interested in reading LGBT stories
• love books you van get lost in

Because it is one of my favorite movies, here's the trailer for Our Song.

♥