5 ways to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth (cause the fed govt doesn’t run your house) 1. Find out what Sojourner Truth REALLY said 2. Buy a Black horror, scifi or fantasy book 3. Listen to “Naima” by John Coltrane 4. Send the victims of the LA fires in Altadena a few coins 5. Get a library card

Re *that* @apnews.com apology statement: Apologies take accountability for *unintentional* behavior, which very much undermines the nasty work of your red carpet reporters. Proper journalism requires intentionality 24/7. I hate to see employees be given a pass for such blunt carelessness.

Been a bit absent from this app. Haven’t had many words to say after everything that’s already happened in this country (and CA), so far. Think I’m still in a state of shock? Trying my best to help others. Praying for healing and wellness. Thanking God for another day.

Throughout Los Angeles, ash, smoke, wind & flames are rewriting the landscape & although less publicized, Black history. My latest gets into what is being lost, & how disaster-capitalism + the collapse of the insurance system will make it so much worse. capitalbnews.org/california-w...

Fighting wildfires (incarcerated or not) should not equate $10.24

The physical/metal toll of the SoCal fires is and will be incomprehensible, leaving behind the costliest economic impact in the U.S.—$50B to be exact. Regardless of *who* you believe is responsible for this disaster, one thing’s for certain: Los Angeles is not prepared to host Summer Olympics 2028.

The mental picture a lot of people have of fire threatened "interface zones" is of mansions on hills, but the map of the Eaton Fire is a terrifying proxy for the map of northeast Los Angeles' Black enclaves

After this week’s attack in the French Quarter, Black residents are questioning why it takes “terror” to draw attention to the systemic violence the city historically faces. capitalbnews.org/new-orleans-...

Me to myself: I get it. It’s Jan. 1, we’re feeling a good start to the new season, and you really want to get in a winter wonderland moment as much as possible. Except there’s un problema: you live in southern california. It’s 75 outside. You’re better off at the beach than buying another sweater.

The organizers of the #RoseParade want the illusion of fun and high-spirited energy but with performers who lack any reality of vocal breath control.

The driver in NOLA had bombs in his truck labeled “no lives matter,” rammed into a crowd (with intent) and started shooting. The death toll now stands at 12. Shame on the FBI for stating this was anything else but a terrorist attack.

Amazing myself for being awake early enough to catch the #RoseParade. Girl, who am I?

“Up and down and across media…” Well, you entirely missed the side of media that represents Black folk, you know, the one otherwise referred to as the Black press. Oh, and the accessibility issues within this article? Yeah, you should fix that if you care.

For 2025, make it the year you build a familiar relationship with your librarian/local bookseller. Thank me later.

I saw something once that suggested creating a “brag list” (exactly what it sounds like) of big/small professional, work-adjacent successes. I’ve found it super helpful when reworking a résumé or as needed for a confidence boost!

Unhoused people told us they already feel like they’re seen as problems to be solved, not people to be helped. In reporting on the issue, we wanted to help ProPublica’s readers recognize the humanity of the people we had met and talked to. By @nicolesantacruz.bsky.social

Austin Reaves a true gem 😤

Beyoncé, that was a terrific performance. It was cute. It was fun. And our babygirl Blue Ivy? Girl you better watch out!

Yesterday, I treated my dad to lunch at a nice outdoor Mexican restaurant because that’s how you get the holiday started in California. Feliz Navidad!

‘A Very Black Christmas’ playlist on spotify starting…now!

Baking in a cast iron skillet was a success. They turned out perfect. #Baking #BakeSky 🎄🎄 Christmas Cinnamon Rolls:

It's not even behind a paywall (like the NYT OG article is). You can read it here static01.nyt.com/newsgraphics...

Making cinnamon rolls *from scratch* for the first time. Please clap.

Adding to the list the story about a woman being set afire on a NYC subway train and nearby police doing not a damn thing about it.

Every year I watch #TheHoliday and every time I’m reminded how great of a movie it is. House swapping. Cottage in the English countryside. Head full of hair jude law. Fireplace. Wine. Small burner stove. So cute!!

I love saying “Merry Christmas” to my uber drivers. Leaving goodies at the door for my neighbors. Chatting up strangers in line behind me at the grocery store. However you celebrate this season, don’t forget that the best (and most valuable) gift you can give someone is your kindness.

Telling myself it’s ok to buy a new book ‘because it’s Christmas’ like I won’t be buying a new book ‘because it’s January/nearly Valentine’s Day/the start of spring/5 o’clock somewhere’

Between election results, the war on media, and Luigi’s indictment, the final arc of 2024 is one I could not have seen coming. If anything, it has exposed how gravely misinformed and deeply flawed, and oh so ridiculously bogus this nation has *always* been. Anywayyyys, happy winter solstice!

NEW: We interviewed women behind bars who exposed the widespread sexual abuse of US prison officers, but who have struggled to get relief. They are pleading with Biden for clemency. “After everything I’ve been through, I deserve to be protected. Give me a chance … Let me see my granddaughters”

If you’re like me, someone with a bit of rage and angst against all that’s happening around you, I recommend CARRY ON. The suspense doesn’t fizzle out too quick which is where many action films fail. Netflix did good with this one.

ABC’s defamation settlement is set to becoming the catalyst for which Trump will use to attack smaller, local news — as seen here. Glad to see the Register refusing to double down after this ridiculous lawsuit, but this also shows that the way forward for journalism won’t be w/o serious setbacks.

I submitted my freelance assignment early last week, so spending mornings in my apartment blasting a soulful christmas r&b mix and cozying up with hot cups of moringa tea are only natural.

This is just so dangerous and ridiculous www.nytimes.com/2024/12/13/h...

There is no such thing as an "aspiring" writer. You're just a writer. You are creating. Own it.

Taking my own advice and slapping words to the page today. And while I love the community of writers here, sometimes you have to wake up and be your OWN coach/cheerleader. Pen to paper, finger to keyboard! I’m on a good rhythm right now — let’s go!

We don’t like admitting it, but this is 100% true. It’s easy wasting precious writing time (which then means a loss in your entire writing process) when we fail to slap words on the page. See what sticks. And what does, see further how it should be rearranged. #WritingCommunity

So now some of these so-called Caitlin Clark fans are mad because she acknowledged and elevated the contributions of Black WNBA players and that benefits from white privilege. In short, some of them are mad CC isn’t the racist they wanted her to be.

“I reached to love them all.” ❄️Winter Poem by #NikkiGiovanni

[From a journalistic standpoint] There is nothing I dread more than listening to a transcript. The audio is >1 hour long because my interviewee kept rambling. 😖

S/O to my mom (a single parent) who took me to bookstores, sat with me in the kid’s section, & let me read aloud all my little heart desired. Can’t stress enough how much this shaped not only my accomplishments later on in school, but also where I would find enjoyment in life as an adult.

If you're just learning about Nikki Giovanni, there's no shame. You can always read her words and meet her on the page.

This country has fallen. It ain’t even about race. People just simply don’t give a damn anymore. We kill. We excuse. We don’t bat an eye.

The single most important journalistic home of writers who come from and care deeply about Syria and the region ⬇️⬇️

This is wild. I remember deep class discussions with my current events prof back in college (‘17) about the Syrian war. How Assad massacred his own people, forcing millions to flee their home country for Europe, many losing their lives in the process. What lays ahead for a people struck by violence?

Watching THE NUTCRACKER (1993) and to my very surprise…I see…Macaulay Culkin???? I literally had no idea.

Meanwhile living in the most unserious country on planet Earth:

I need to start writing for just me again - to heal and reset my brain. An audience of one sounds nice. #WritingCommunity #WritersOfBlueSky

Reading this with my jaw on the floor.