Happy Holidays, Fam!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and I am so grateful to share some reflections` with you this holiday season. My favorite Christmas memories normally begin with Thanksgiving meal prep. Papa Rye historically sees that day as an open invitation to blast [Luther’s Christmas album title] loud and on repeat. Historically, the album plays on repeat right through the New Year. When I moved to DC after law school and my first holiday season separated from my parents commenced, I felt grounded and at home when I played Luther. What I have realized is that the music (which has always played a very important role for my family and friends), the treats—from pralines to magic squares, the lights and decorations, and even the tree are all examples of something many of us talk about without real intention—the reason for the season.
As many of us celebrate the birth of Christ among us, we are also living out the most important manifestation of His coming—love. Cooking in my family? A love language. Singing and humming holiday songs together? A love language. Admiring the dopest Christmas lights in the community? A love language. Taking care of those who may have a little less? Definitely a love language. How are you spreading love and joy this Christmas season?
For me, this Christmas is about honoring my incredibly strong and loving roots especially because my maternal grandmother, Annabelle Decuir, who will be celebrating her 104th Birthday this Christmas. We are SO blessed! I am counting my blessings specifically and by name. As we find ourselves still navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, I realize—like many of you—I did not have to be here. SIDENOTE: please stay safe, wash your hands, and go get vaccinated, y’all. To all of you who may have lost a loved one in this crisis or for any other reason this year, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
As we prepare to move forward in 2022, the year we’ve had is not lost on me. The beginning of this year brought about a change in presidents and a terrorist attack on the Hill instigated by the former president. Our voting rights are experiencing the biggest threat since the original Voting Rights act was signed into law in 1965 and women are being told through broad overreaching legislation and lawsuits that we don’t have agency over our own bodies. Oh, what a time to be alive! My hope remains though. We saw one prophetic word from Dr. King come to fruition with the guilty verdicts in the trial of the killers of our dear brother, Ahmaud Arbery: “Let us realize the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Yet, we find ourselves waiting, wishing, praying, and hoping for the arc to bend in so many other ways on SO many other issues. I pray we forever hold on to the hope that results in our collective push for better.
One of the most hopeful and eternally optimistic people I know, Papa Rye, recently had shoulder replacement surgery–a reminder that my superheroes are aging and most importantly, are human. Watching my fiercely independent father call on us for support is humbling for both of us. It has also grounded me on the significance of interdependence. We are created to belong, to support, to love, and to respect. I thank God that I am able to offer support to the human beings who made my life possible. If that is not a reason for the season, I do not know what is! So, when the frustration of holiday travel, traffic, shopping, and whatever else gets on your LAST NERVE comes up–remember…love.
In this newsletter, I share some of my favorite things: my best friend, Leonetta, created a beautiful advent guide to help us focus on what matters most during this holiday season. I had an incredibly uplifting podcast conversation with my sisterfriend, Devi Brown. My team pulled together a list of our favorite holiday cuts. AND you know I love to support Black owned businesses, so I give you a list of some where you can purchase dope gifts this holiday season. Check it out and share your thoughts!
Fashion and Apparel
Pyer Moss by Kerby Jean-Raymond
Hanifa by Anifa Mvuemba
Telfar by Telfar Clemens
B Fyne by Buki Ade
Fear of God by Jerry Lorenzo
Stoop and Stank by Brianna Downing
Cosmetics and Skincare
The Lip Bar by Melissa Butler
Liha by Abi Oyepitan
Wine & Spirits
Brown Estate by Deneen, David & Coral Brown
Health & Wellness
Maktub Studioby Ashley Brabham
AARMY by Angela Manuel-Davis
Slay Athletic by Olympian Louise Hazel
Ahura Apothecary by Genyii
Queen Afua Products by Queen Afua
The Sable Collective by Shanti Mayers
Plants & Floral Arrangements
Queen Plants by Paulette Hogan
Old Vine Florals by Itika Grimble
