Tag: Chicago
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Focusing on Your Gifts
Today’s intention: Focus on who you are + remember you actually are “God’s gift to the world” just by being YOU!
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A Reminder to #ProtectUs
Lest we forget: Day after IWD + I wonder what accomplishments these women/Queens could have been celebrating today. —Sincerely, Tyra 🖤 #ProtectUs #EbonySunCHI #chicago #womenshistorymonth #awareness #internationalwomensday #blackwomen
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Get Your 2023 #SLAYTHEDREAM Wall Calendar
Our CEO, @TyraShange, had to become real UNBOTHERED to put this affirmation calendar together for us. It took some sleepless nights + some weary days HEALING from past defeats, imposter syndrome + outdated insecurities. She had to learn how to affirm herself + remember who God says she’s capable of becoming versus…
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New #GRWM Prayers Added
I wish I could say I wake up flawless every day. But I’m not perfect—not even close to it. What I can say is that I’m trying to be a better version of myself everyday + that I’m getting ready for day I have to present myself to God, flaws + all…
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What’s Your Fave Day of the Week?
Thursday is a day that’s so uniquely positioned in the week. I think it may be my favorite day, in fact. Technically, it’s the last workday before the weekend. And, thanks to social media, of course, it’s the day of the week that makes you reminisce on fond memories…
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Perspective Shift: Accepting Help
I often think, “if you wouldn’t have made that one mistake…” But, I’m learning to accept help from those that truly love + genuinely care about me. And, realizing that my past mistakes don’t make me less deserving of real help + support.
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Talk Nice to Me! 🤭
Dear readers, It’s been a long winter/spring/not-yet-summer transition. To be honest, I feel myself falling back into that sluggish mood as Chicago embarks on its fourth cloudy day in a row. Wanna know a secret? 🤫 …I haven’t worked out or walked since Sunday. 🫠 Annnnnddd, my energy is low. When my energy is low,…
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A Four-Page Letter to Black Women Who Work, Teach or Learn in Higher Ed Spaces
Abstract: Don’t work at North Park University without an exit plan. Don’t attend North Park University as a student of color without being prepared to advocate for your needs—often alone. Please accept this as my letter of resignation from the Assistant Director of Student Success, Careers, and Internships role at North Park University. If you…
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#INDICTVanDyke #J4L
Beloved, you’ve been living in the dark if you think that there’s not an active war on Black bodies across America right now. Laquan’s murderer, ex-CPD vigilante, Jason Van Dyke, is due to be released from his country club prison on February 3rd FOR GOOD BEHAVIOR? What type of asinine, ludicrous, bull …Nevermind, I’m too…
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Choosing Joy, Week 1
2021 showed me that I could be the strong friend. But, 2022 is about me taking the steps to invest back into me. Just owe it to myself. 🥰 So, I started the year off doing more of the things that I love: writing, recording, check industry stats at work (🤓), planning + focusing on…
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I Have An Announcement! 🎉
“Why have I never added that to my Facebook profile?” (Insert a 🤦🏾♀️+ a 🙄) …Guessing now this means, at some point, I need to do a proper launch party, huh?! 😏
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New Quarter = New Goals Accomplished
You know, I think I’ve always wanted to start a clothing line. I vividly remember sketching designs for our cheerleading uniforms in grammar school and re-designing all the hottest Nikes I couldn’t afford. I was customizing Nike’s before it was ever an option on a website. So earlier this year when I decided that I…
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What About Self-Awareness?
I want to hide… Literally just want to get under the covers, ball up like a baby and hide. Why? Because of this feeling of rejection—and how I chose to respond to it. Disclaimer: This post is going to share my flawed reactions to a recent male friend’s choice to be in a relationship with…
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Defining Black Womanhood: A Conversation with us, by us, and for us
Good morning Family! I pray that you are all healthy, happy, and adhering to the Shelter-in-Place guidelines in your area. #StayAtHome (as much as possible). There has been so many movement-building moments happening in the past couple of weeks. I have been participating in marches, reading up on the Black Panthers and Toni Morrison, researching…
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Go Vote—with Your Children!
Listen, sometimes what looks like an obstacle is actually an opportunity! If you can, take the babies with you to vote today. It’s a reason they are out of school and we are off work at the same time! It’s the perfect opportunity for them to see the process and learn something. My Joy had…
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The Black Woman | Poem
This womb was created to create life These hands made to make magic These feet and legs, stand stronger than a pyramid, immovable during struggles This heart pumps blood of Ghanaian warriors and American freedom fighters This hair grows closer to the sun each day, vivid reminder of my royalty She sustains a legacy far…
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Chicago Peace Project Revisited
(Politickin: The Chicago Peace Project participants discussing future goals, ancient societies, and their favorite cartoons while creating art in trauma-informed breakout sessions facilitated by the Teen Arts Council members.) (Drop Me Off at the L: Teen Arts Council members facilitate an icebreaker called Mr. Taxi Driver for The Chicago Peace Project participants.) Is it still…
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#SlayTheDream | A Catalyst Story
I realized a long time ago that when you start wanting better for yourself, people might want to tear you down or destroy your vision…
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Move on, Sis!
“If we both wanted the same thing, we would be in a relationship right now.” I had to explain to my friend that I knew this because he never made a deciding move. Don’t get me wrong now, we’re not on bad terms. We don’t hate each other. We simply aren’t meant to be committed…
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You are INSPIRING | #GRWM
Dear Righteous and Holy Father, I’m sure You heard me say that I would close out this year on “Cloud Nine,” praising You and blessing Your Name for all this goodness that You have done thus far…. I think right as I was saying that the devil asked You if He could try me. There…
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A Laying of God’s Hand
I really have to thank God every day that I am not who I used to be on so many levels. Any girls/women in messed up/abusive relationships, I feel for you—mostly because I used to be you…. My Joy and I witnessed a domestic situation between two strangers late last night. And she’s talking about…
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I talked to God in Public.
I think I’ve just now decided to call this what it is. I’m not a preacher, not an evangelist or a even a great intercessor. But I am consistent. And I’ve been consistently praying over us. Yes, even you–who I may not know. But you’re reading this right now–so yes, definitely you, too. There’s a…
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A Sprinkle of Black History Magic
Dear Everyone: Biennially, I do a daily post during Black History Month (BHM) on my Instagram. I treat it like my own little 28-Day challenge. Perhaps next year, I’ll get my life together enough in January to actually create one of those cute, little calendars that mysteriously floats around the internets with a daily theme…
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RIP to the City (excerpt)
On the L tryin not to think about splattered blood; the tears shed in this seat; or worry why we’ve been sitting here so long. Rest in peace, Jessica Hampton. On my way; homebound. Praying nothing jumps off as I pass the Green Line. Who knows how many bullets have flown by this very spot…
