Over the past (almost) 3 years, I have gotten to interview upwards of 30 people, quite literally young and old. I admire the power that accompanies recall and storytelling and being able to be on the receiving end of shared memories and wisdom is incredibly rewarding. In doing so, along…

The dictionary defines storytelling as the act of telling or writing stories. Personally I have come to understand storytelling as a bold act, a courageous one, in which one shares experiences close to their heart for individual and communal understanding. The art of storytelling is powerful. It upholds knowledge within…

I recently completed a children’s literature summer course in which we were prompted to analyze the importance of representation in children’s literature. I was confused to read discussion post responses that expressed the insignificance of diversity. Hmm. Similarly to virtually everyone on this earth, I carry many social identities. And…

Watch: Read: Earlier this year, in a bookshop in Nairobi, I passed a beautifully labeled section. The sign contained two words that immediately overwhelmed me with a sense of belonging. “African authors” it said. …

This month is my birthday month which means it has officially been a decade since I went natural. At 11 years old, I was inspired my Aunt to ditch the relaxers and reclaim my curls. The journey was quite easy at first. I was still wearing my hair in braids…

Although there are 5 months left in the year, there is no bad time to reassess your goals and refocus your energy towards bringing them to fruition. I, for one, believe the beginning of the month is an excellent period to reset that process. Today I sat down and created…

I have tried a multitude of diets beginning when I was 12 years old. As a young girl I remember wanting to look as thin as my classmates and after much googling, I decided calorie counting was the answer. If I could go back and talk to my 12 year…

This is the first week of summer. Well, on paper. In Northern California the sun has been as bright as ever. But being it is the first week of summer in the calendar, I have been reflecting on the feeling of inward sunshine and well being. Summer is more than…

“Goodbye Francie.” Having just read the last sentence of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn seconds ago, I was overwhelmed with comfort. This coming of age story that follows Francie Nolan in the early 1900’s presents the mysteries of life in a way that prompts readers to reflect on their own…