MA RAINEY (1886-1939) Gertrude “Ma” Rainey (born Gertrude Malissa Nix Pridgett) is often called the “Mother of the Blues.” Rainey was known for her deep-throated voice and mesmerizing stage presence. As a songwriter, her lyrics and melodies reflected her experiences as an independent, openly bisexual African-American woman. Ma Rainey was born in 1886 in Columbus, Georgia. … Read more
MAYA ANGELOU (1928-2014) Maya Angelou was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. Angelou had a broad career as a singer, dancer, actress, composer, and Hollywood’s first female black director, but became most famous as a writer, editor, essayist, playwright, and poet. As a civil rights activist, Angelou worked for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. … Read more
One of the best things I’ve ever done art-wise was a series called Trailblazing Women that I embarked on in February of 2021. I spent the entire month of February drawing and learning about inspiring Black women throughout history. It was enlightening, inspiring, and downright powerful to learn more about each person on the list. … Read more
If 2024 was the year of reading, 2025 is officially the year of music. In 2024, reading was my entire personality. It was my sole source of comfort and a means for escaping with a heaping side of enjoyment thrown in for good measure. I officially read 242 books according to The StoryGraph (with GoodReads … Read more
With 2025 in full swing and the plethora of new year’s resolutions around exercising (or simply moving your body) more, I thought it would be the perfect time to share a few of my favorites yoga channels and videos. Whenever I’m looking to get back into movement and exercise, yoga is the very first thing … Read more
Rice Krispie Treats are the OG cereal bars, no doubt about it. They are simple and delicious and always hit the spot. But they aren’t the only cereal bars in town. A fact I only discovered because wasting food hurts my soul and my kids never at what they say they will eat. The first … Read more
Did you know that fused plastic bags make for wonderful sewing material? I didn’t until recently and I’ve been having so much fun playing around with it. One of my goals for 2025 is to waste less and use more of what I already have on hand. And as much as it pains me to … Read more