EMPOWERMENT, THE ARTS

A Black Queen Amidst Gentrification

Gentrification (noun): The process of renovating and improving a house or district so that it conforms to middle-class taste.  Have we ever tried to find beauty within gentrification? A diamond in the rough, if you will? Stylist and model Chi Ilochi, alongside photographer May, also known as naibovisuals on Instagram, made it a point to […]

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CULTURE, LGBTQ+

Let’s Talk: Uncomfortable or Homophobic?

There is a fine line between hate and discomfort, and it is time we learn the difference. “A faggot is not a homosexual male. A faggot is any male who acts like a female… and even if I am homophobic… so what?!” -Azealia Banks Homophobia is defined as “having or showing a dislike or prejudice […]

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EMPOWERMENT, POETRY & PROSE

Allow Yourself

Allow yourself to be alive Allow yourself to thrive Allow yourself to set the theme for your motion picture Not yet televised You deserve it There is no need for feeling unworthy You must look at your evidence of perseverance Of overcoming Has it done you disservice? It is the proof in your pudding The […]

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EMPOWERMENT

I Finally Decided To Walk In My Purpose

For so many years I’ve used the excuse, “I hate being the center of attention.” I never looked at it for what it really was: an excuse. I just saw it as my truth. And the truth being, I didn’t like being the center of attention. I preferred being low key, and behind the scenes. […]

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HEALTH & WELLNESS, LIFE, MENTAL HEALTH

I’m Changing.

Spiritually. Emotionally. Physically. Life has been very interesting these days. I find myself in the midst of myself. I didn’t know it was possible to get deeper in tune with myself, but here I am. It has been quite an interesting experience for me. I find myself not how I once was. And I can […]

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CULTURE

When Being Black Isn’t Enough

“Girl, you’re overreacting — you’ll be alright. We already went through 400 years of slavery, it can’t be that bad.” But what if it is? Have we ever taken the time to think maybe, just maybe, our people’s problems may feel like shackles and chains on their own feet? For so long, we as black […]

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POETRY & PROSE, THE ARTS

Finally Feeling

I feel like I’m at a place where I can express myself Without perceptions that may hinder me I think But maybe I know It doesn’t feel like it’s for show This I know I’m learning to separate myself from the artist I’m learning to separate myself from the pain Using the lessons as riches […]

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POETRY & PROSE, THE ARTS

Mystery Girl

I was always taught that a classy lady kept her privacy But no one ever told me she could deprive a life so free Mysterious with no intent Protection is the word I’ve paired you with But mystery has caused your dysfunction You don’t even know who you are Without all the opinions and puppeteer […]

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