When you’re gone, who remembers your name? Who keeps your flame? Who tells your story?
This past Friday we lost two legends, champions of racial equality, Representative John Lewis, and C.T. Vivian.
Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year; it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.
-Rep. John Lewis
Leadership is found in the action to defeat that which would defeat you… You are made by the struggles you choose.
-C.T. Vivian
Thank you Representative John Lewis and C.T. Vivian for your good trouble. Respect. RIP.
I watched Hamilton on Disney+ this weekend with Brian and Ash. I know I am late, and my praise is inconsequential, but the captivating brilliance of this production and cast is surreal. I mean honestly, captivating and brilliant does not even begin to give adequate credit to Renée Elise Goldsberry (aka Angelica Schuyler). Every time she finished a scene, a song, (especially Satisfied)… awe.
If you haven’t yet, download Disney+ and watch Hamilton.
I also watched Amazing Grace this weekend, a documentary of the live recording of Aretha Franklin’s album Amazing Grace at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, January 1972. The choir marching in (which took me back), the late Reverend James Cleveland, the choir director, the words, reactions, and interactions of Reverend C.L. Franklin, and all of the soulfulness, nuances, skill, and temperament of the Queen herself, glorious. I woke up the next morning still feeling that documentary. Respect.
I am also late to this interview of Zozibini Tunzi. I loved it. Particularly her comment on a dark-skinned woman with natural hair winning the Miss Universe title… “People need to see things in order to start believing in them…” And her comment on hair made me check my thoughts about my hair, “..because then that means I don’t think my hair is beautiful if I am going to change it.”
I failed to publish my post about Cushnie being in Targé (Target for those unfamiliar with the bougee pronunciation), and I’m disappointed in myself for it because it may have caused someone an opportunity to grab one of the limited edition Cushnie pieces. Now everything Cushnie is on clearance. I haven’t worn the dress I bought yet but will most certainly post about it when I do.
I really want one of Tawny Chatmon’s portraits hanging in my living room. So beautiful.
Shout out to little Kaavia James, because this was me when I took my braids out last month. Call this video, “How to hair.” (Keep reading for those that don’t get it.)
And I can’t forget Sarah Cooper because she is a genius. She has given me repeated joy with her “How To” Trump vids. My fave’s have been How to Bible, How to medical, How to empty seat, and How to cognitive. Here’s How to mask:
And when my time is up, have I done enough? Will they tell my story?
Take care, be safe (and inspired). Xo
P.S. Wear a mask!
