The past few days, I have been keeping up with the news on the mass protests from different U.S. cities. The “Justice for George Floyd” protests first started in Minneapolis and then over the course of just a few short days, many cities in the U.S. held their own peaceful protests to stand in solidarity… Read More 10 Quotes on Standing Up Against Racism
The last few days have been hard. I’ve been reading news articles, op-eds, blog posts, and social media posts about the tragic death of George Floyd and how others are feeling right now. Many people are hurting and are devastated because of his death. I can’t even begin to imagine what his family, friends, and… Read More On Speaking Out
Tomorrow is Super Tuesday in our state of Michigan, as well as Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, and Washington. Are you planning on voting? We all have a candidate and national/local issues that are important to us so this is not a post to advocate for a particular candidate. Instead, I thought I’d share a… Read More I Vote Because…
In celebration of Black History Month, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History compiled a list of 54 must-read African American books. The book list is divided into three categories: adult fiction, nonfiction, and children & young adult African American literature. You can scroll down to see The Wright’s recommended reading list. My… Read More 54 Must-Read African American Books Recommended by The Wright
TLC’s Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins’ life is one filled with overcoming insurmountable odds and finding blessings in unexpected places. Watkins was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at the age of seven and spend much of her childhood in and out of hospitals due to episodes with the potentially fatal condition. She was told she wouldn’t make… Read More T-Boz on TLC’s Legacy, Touring with Chilli and Beating the Odds
A couple of weeks ago, my friend Sabina invited me to a special event called “A Peace Symposium: Building Communities Across National, Cultural, and Religious Boundaries” at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association of Greater Detroit hosted the event and welcomed women from the community from all faith… Read More On Creating Peace and Positive Change Within Our Communities
By Allison Kugel Vanessa Williams is a creature unlike any other. It’s as though she came here to impart the ins and outs of living life on one’s own terms. From unwitting societal lightning rod during the 1980s to multi-platinum selling recording artist; and Broadway, film and television star, Vanessa Williams slayed the male-dominated Hollywood… Read More The Grace, Beauty, and Grit of Vanessa Williams
THE RETURN OF THE CLARK SISTERS The two-time Grammy-award winning group The Clark Sisters are back with a new single called “Victory”! The song will be released on Friday, November 15 on all major digital platforms for streaming. It is the first single from The Clark Sisters’ new album set to be released in March… Read More Weekend Vibes!
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve attended my friend’s two art exhibitions, but I wanted to share a few photos from my visit. Last year, I had featured an interview with Detroit artist Errin “Lightheart” Whitaker introducing you to his world of art. I first met Errin at a Mack Alive event in Detroit.… Read More Photographs from “The Burn Kill Ego” Art Exhibition ft. Errin “Lightheart” Whitaker
By Allison Kugel One conversation with rapper Rick Ross will have you questioning the definitions of success, wealth and opportunity; how to identify opportunity, how to achieve success and how to maintain it while keeping your soul and bodily faculties intact. Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II, rose to prominence in 2006 with his breakout… Read More Rick Ross on Living the American Dream and Not Fearing Death
Detroit artist Judy Bowman has arrived, and she accomplished it in only four years! After taking a long hiatus from her art career, Mrs. Bowman decided to pursue her passion for art again. In just a matter of four years, the retired school teacher is making a name for herself as an artist. Thanks to… Read More Detroit Swag: Interview with Detroit Artist Judy Bowman
Last week, I attended the NAACP’s Presidential Candidate’s Forum and I was very excited to be there. I was excited to see some of the candidates I’ve been following on social media and I was also looking forward to meeting candidates who were new to me. I’ll be real with you– I’m still trying to… Read More 4 Things to Keep in Mind When Discussing Politics
The 2nd Annual ROCK THAT Photography Conference and Trade Show starts tomorrow. Are you going? The three-day conference will be held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan from July 25th to the 27th. I plan on attending the conference and learning more about what ROCK THAT has to offer. Although I’m not a… Read More Piper Carter Talks Photographing Erykah Badu and the Advice She’d Give Women Photographers
My first experience at the NAACP Annual National Convention has been amazing so far! As soon as I received news Detroit was the hosting city for the annual convention, I knew I had to go. I am enjoying making connections and learning more about important issues. So far, the overall experience has been very enriching… Read More NAACP Convention Highlights (Plus, Meeting Shaun King and April Ryan!)
I have been keeping up with the Detroit Youth Choir’s journey on NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent (AGT), and I am excited to see them compete in the finals! If you’re not familiar with the story, the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) competed on AGT and received the golden buzzer. The golden buzzer is a… Read More Anthony White– Choir Director of the Detroit Youth Choir– Talks ‘America’s Got Talent’ and Inspiring Detroit Youth
A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine said something to me that caused me to dig deep into my creative side as a blogger. We were at the Detroit Podcast Festival (DPF) mixer at Marble Bar and she mentioned how I am a storyteller because I am a blog writer. Of course, I’m… Read More What Makes You a Storyteller?
What podcasts have you been listening to lately? Right now, I’ve been listening to the new Jemele Hill Unbothered podcast. Have you heard it yet? It is really good! I like to listen to podcasts when I am putting on my makeup (because it takes me 30+ minutes to do), while I’m working on my… Read More Four Podcasts I’m Listening to Right Now
For the past three months, I have been exploring new and seasoned music. From genres like hip hop and Neo Soul to indie music and even classic rock, I have kept an open mind in my music discoveries. I’m not sure why exactly I’ve been on this music kick, but it has turned into a… Read More Hip Hop Artist Lando Chill Shares His Thoughts on His ‘Black Ego’ Album, Black Feminism, and Supporting Women’s Rights
High there! You know it’s 4/20 so I had to do it. 🙂 Seriously, though, what are your thoughts on marijuana for medical use? What about recreational use? Did you know there are many cannabis health benefits and it is now widely used by many patients to help with various health conditions? If you were… Read More Why I’m Celebrating 4/20 This Year
What up doe. Happy Friday! This has been an off week for me because Zephaniah, my youngest baby, has been sick most of the week. I think the sudden weather change from warm to cold got the best of him. Thankfully, a lot of rest and love from Mommy and Daddy are helping my little… Read More #FridayVibes 4.12.19