I cried on my 24th birthday.
I attended Sundance for the first time & considered missing my flight to see Birth of Nation. (I ended up not seeing it there and, well…)
I travelled to New York to celebrate MLK’s legacy and kicked it with Ryan Coogler + the United Blackout crew. #MLKNOW
I re-evaluated my dreams.
I loved.
I learned how to receive love.
I laughed until my stomach hurt.
I cried until my eyes were dry.
I didn’t watch the Oscars & finally realized just how shallow white validation is.
I celebrated #BlackGirlMagic in others & affirmed the magic within myself.
I mourned the loss of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, Prince, and the myth of post-racial America.
I answered not one, but THREE calls from Denzel Washington. It was epic.
I went to church on Easter & was reminded of why I stopped going in the first place.
I celebrated an amazing anniversary with the man of my dreams.
I went to a Beyoncé concert for free and got my ENTIRE life.
I started believing – really believing – that I was beautiful.
I didn’t write as much as I wanted to & beat myself up for it.
I went viral.
I learned how to be a Hollywood assistant – failing miserably & succeeding triumphantly along the way. (Who knew confirming a meeting could be so exciting? Lol it’s the little things!)
I participated in the #TrapCover challenge and revived my not-so-secret dream to become a part-time rapper.
I got to see Maxwell for the free and it was beautiful. I may or may not have cried at This Woman’s Work.
I discovered the Underground Museum.
I co-founded Black Book LA, a community for Black millennials in LA, with the best business partner in the world.
I had one too many breakdowns & subsequent pep talks.
I read too many scripts & books to count.
I forgot what free time feels like.
I fought white supremacy and lost.
I visited the NMAAHC and am still processing the grave reality of what it means to be Black in America.
I sent in my Ancestry DNA sample to discover my history and reclaim my heritage. (Will keep you posted!)
It’s been a crazy year to say the least both personally and socially, but I am so grateful to have an amazing circle of people surrounding me, keeping me lifted even when I feel like sinking.
Here’s to a new year of love & liberation!
Happy New Year!