Congrats Grads, Thanks HU

Because of an unfortunate delinquent balance, I will not be walking in the Howard University graduation ceremonies being held today or tomorrow. Though I was initially a bit shaken—I didn’t want my family to be disappointed—I am neither upset nor displeased with this situation. 

I am constantly changing and transitioning and moments like this provide a more palpable reminder. I appreciate the growth I have seen at this university and those who have inspired it.

I pray that everyone celebrating this weekend feel the loving-kindness vibrating through me.

Redefine success. We are limitless. 

Peace

Dear 30 Year Old Self,

So many people write to who they were, but I need you to know who you are. I don’t want for you to wake up February 4, 2019 wondering what the fuck I was on with all of these tattoos and piercings, affairs and partying. You won’t think so, but I understand. I have a lot to learn, but I’ve learned a lot. 

I love you—probably more than I love me. I love the dreams that you will awake into, not from. I love your potential and the motivation you give me. 

(I’m a little jealous that you don’t even exist, yet still hold so much attention from so many people.)

Just know you’re perfect, ok?

Keep going.

Peace

notes to self on shooting:

1. value your goddamned work.
2. take your fucking time. make sure everything that is supposed to be in frame is in frame, everything that is supposed to be in focus is in focus. 
3. if they look a mess, tell them. they’ll see it eventually. 
4. no, you’re not a creative director, MUA, stylist, wardrobe assistant, PA, or intern… but you didn’t hire any of those people either, so suck that shit up!
5. make the shot happen on set, do not do not DO NOT rely on photoshop.
6. be particular. you’re being paid to be picky.
7. if you’re not being paid, why the hell are you here? it better work for your port because we don’t do favors anymore.
8. don’t forget you love this shit.
9. don’t let anyone take advantage or take your love for this.
10. have some fucking fun.

graduation wish list

1. funding for my trip to Puerto Rico
2. canon t3i
3. tattoo
4. piercing
5. summer wedges
6. African print dress for graduation
7. howard alumni gear
8. couches to crash on for my backpacking trip around the states
9. paid work upon my return to DC in the fall
10. love letters, hugs, kisses, love, light

Ten Any-Term Goal-Type-Thingies

1. Start a grant fund serving primarily HBCU students and artists of color.
2. Dance professionally as a solo artist.
3. Be published nationally in print for both photography and writing.
4. Be published internationally in print for both photography and writing.
5. Exhibit photography with other emerging artists of color. 
6. Start a sustainable after-school art education program for public high schools in Detroit.
7. Get a Master of Fine Arts (specific discipline possibilities: art education, photography, digital media, anthropology, documentary photography, creative writing).
8. Self-publish a photo book. 
9. Work as a staff and/or contributing photographer for a national tattoo and/or dance magazine.
10. Submit film short to an international festival. 

things i no longer have patience for

1. people who not only don’t know what they want, but also don’t want to take the time to figure it out
2. people who put “money over everything”
3. “heterosexual” women who like to use queer women as sex toys
4. men who grab my ass because i’m in a bar and/or not wearing very much clothing
5. yuppies/buppies (young professionals/black young professionals) who don’t vote
6. people who claim “not all black women are pretty enough to be natural”
7. anyone who thinks that as a black queer woman i can separate my art from politics
8. people who don’t respect me
9. my bad habits
10. anyone unwilling to share their stories and learn from others

i think i missed my bandwagon

the one with all the instructions on how to be a young black professional. i meet so many people who complain about their work, but keep working, people who want something different, but don’t change.

New to my page?

Hi ^_^ 

This is a personal space, but I keep most of my posts original. I don’t exactly know who I am or what I want, but I’m taking my time figuring things out. I like tea, tattoos, pretty women, chocolate, Ethiopian food, art, dance, poetry, guys with beards, education reform, bois, Rumi, whispers, trans*, tumblr, and I <3 my HU ;)

I love engaging with other bloggers! I don’t like to crowd my page with questions, but I respond to everything (usually private, unless you’re anonymous—which is very welcome in my space).

Peace & Light

free write

This is the most important sentence ever. Until I write this one. That’s kind of how life works. Every moment. Until the next.