|
|
|
|
|
Note from the Guest Editor
Hi
,
The past few weeks have been filled with both incredibly difficult moments and promising steps forward. Systemic racism is being acknowledged like never before, and for the Black community, it feels as if we’re finally being seen—like, really seen. Suddenly, our voices are not only being listened to, they’re being sought out and invited. Black-owned businesses are being widely shared and supported. And while we’re only scratching the surface of the work that lies ahead, it’s encouraging to see we’re not alone in proclaiming that BLACK LIVES MATTER.
There’s been a concerted effort to uplift Black voices and a wave of new supporters following Black creators. And they’re not the only ones—as a Black woman, this movement has opened my eyes to some of my own blind spots, and how I, too, can better support my community.
One of those ways is by simply showing up in my brown skin and feeling empowered to use my voice, while inviting others to do the same. That’s why I’m thrilled to guest curate today’s newsletter with fellow leaders in the GNI community: Tia Greene, Ashley Geohaghan, and Dominique Gebru. I met these women through a new part of the GNI community in DC (stay tuned for more news on when it's coming to you soon!) and we became fast friends. Pitching the idea to collaborate on an issue of the newsletter together just felt right.
Just as Black women are multifaceted, so are the ways we’re processing and taking care right now. Here’s what that’s looked like for me lately:
📱 I’m being more intentional about diversifying my social feeds. A quick scroll through the #amplifymelanatedvoices hashtag made me painfully aware that I too occasionally default to the mainstream (often white) accounts, especially in the wellness and mindfulness spaces. A few long-time follows and new discoveries I’m loving: @devibrown, @jamilareddy, @morganharpernichols, @myleik.
🌿 I’m filling my mind with things outside of the news. Like balancing leisurely reading with empowering poetry and education about healing generational trauma.
🛀 I’m taking hot baths with essential oil bath salts. And lots of them.
❤️ I pre-ordered a deck of My Therapy Cards™. Because a mental wellness tool made specifically for women of color was long overdue, yet right on time.
🗣 And I’m talking about race a lot. With my therapist, my friends, and even my coworkers.
Ensuring this movement lasts more than a moment will mean remaining committed as individuals to actions that uplift the Black community, even when it’s no longer a trending topic. We’ll do our part. Will you?
To being seen & heard,
Andrea Holliday, @IamAndreaHolliday
P.S. There’s another reason this newsletter is so special—today is Juneteenth. And this year, several states and companies have finally stepped up to recognize it as a holiday. (This article will fill you in on why this is MAJOR.)
|
|
weekly picks
what to explore this weekend
|
|
- Follow these creatives for some home inspo… 🛋 "Like (hopefully) all corners of our society, Interior Design Instagram™️ is recognizing it’s got a representation problem. Even as a Black woman, it’s been hard to find other home design Instagrammers who look like me. Lately, I’ve been loving Woodward Throwbacks for their dope furniture refinishing projects, Ursula Carmona of @homemadebycarmona for making me feel empowered to *build* my dream home, and Ajai Guyot of @truehome_ for soothing neutrals. I have to shout to my fellow DC-based creatives too: I love @lindsaybriadams for her stunning art and @nicolecrowder for upholstery projects that make me wish I had a second living room." - Dominique
- Raise your hand if candles are part of your self-care routine...🕯️"Allow me to shine a light on luxury home fragrance brand, Harlem Candle Company. These candles really set the mood if you're like me, and enjoy reading by candlelight. Plus, these scents make their way into multiple rooms, so they're worth every penny." - Tia
- If you're a stickler for washing your face every night... 🌙 you might remember the Instagram Story where our Founder, Alisha, shared that she's incorporated Billie's new biodegradable Wonder Wipes into her nighttime routine because of how gentle but effective they are. GNI readers can join Alisha and . #SPONSORSTHING
-
Because you can never have too much reading material… 📚 "I read a quote recently (kicking myself because I can’t find the source!) that said something like 'are you reading Black authors for education AND entertainment?' I love reading stories written by Black writers because their words captivate me. I recently finished Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age, and I already want to re-read it. Nicole Dennis-Benn’s new novel Patsy is next on my list!" - Dominique
- For those who have had their 2020 wedding plans altered...👰🏾"Like many other couples out there, my partner and I were engaged to be married in 2020. The decision to postpone our wedding was emotionally difficult but we felt supported and confident with the expertise of Jazmin Portnow, our wedding planner and the owner of Anyvent Event Planning (hire them if you live in DC, Maryland, or Virginia!) This underlined for me how important it is to be thoughtful about who you invite into your special life moments. It matters!" - Tia
-
Your next Target run is about to get a lot more fun...💋 "Lately you might be thinking about more ways to support Black-owned businesses. One such business I fell in love with a couple months ago is the vegan, cruelty-free makeup brand The Lip Bar. The story behind the brand shows resilience in the face of doubt within an industry that has historically underrepresented women of color. I'm personally a fan of their long-lasting lip color (and you might be too)!" - Tia
|
|
|
sponsor spotlight: Parade
|
|
|
|
The underwear that's changing the game 🍑
Just when you thought your couldn't find underwear designed to make you feel both confident and comfortable, Parade has entered the chat. When CEO Cami Téllez, a first-generation Latina, set out to reimagine the American underwear story, she did it with comfort, sustainability, and womxn's reproductive agency in mind.
🧶 All of Parade's underwear is made of buttery soft material for all bodies. With all underwear starting at $9 and your choice of 20 different colors, the possibilities for comfort are endless.
🌿 Their materials are Oeko-Tex certified, AKA they’re free from chemicals that are harmful to your skin and our waters. Plus, their packaging is 100% compostable!
🙋♀️ 1% of sales go to Planned Parenthood so more folks can access education and healthcare.
GNI readers get 25% off 4 or more pairs when you use code "GIRLSNIGHTIN" at checkout.
|
|
read/watch/listen
what we're sitting down with in the days to come
|
|
|
What We’re Listening to: 🎼
"During this emotionally taxing time, I’ve found solace in music. Lift Every Voice and Sing (which has been dubbed the Black National Anthem) is a song that communicates both the hope and hardships Black people can experience. This song is often played to help commemorate special events, and to honor Black Independence Day aka Juneteenth, which is today. If you’re unfamiliar with the Black National Anthem you can watch Beyoncé sing a very powerful rendition during her 2018 Coachella performance. If you need more information, I highly encourage you to listen to this NPR episode to further educate yourself on the significance of this song." - Ashley
What We’re Putting into Practice: 🧘🏾
"To help process my feelings and...life in general lately, yoga and daily exercise have been a key part of my routine. When practicing yoga, I visit the Sataya House Virtual Studio. These online sessions cater to all levels and are curated by DC native, and Black yogi Sihnuu Hetep. In addition to Sihnuu’s virtual studio, her website includes the Wild Woman Daily Blog, which provides readers with tips for more mindful living and ways to take care. If you’re not local to DC, of (Black) yogis who offer online classes." - Ashley
What We’re Reading: 🤓
“If you’ve been in a #recipeslump, then Chef Resha at Carnal Dish is the food enthusiast and blogger you need to read and follow. Make any of her recipes when you want to show yourself or someone special a lot of love!” - Tia
What We’re Supporting: 💵
“An initiative called #BlackoutBestsellerList is uplifting Black authors in a publishing industry that does not always see Black stories as valuable and relatable for non-Black readers. From June 12th to June 20th, the intiative is asking everyone to buy two books by Black authors if they can (bonus if you buy from a Black-owned bookstore)! If you need a reliable book recommendation, go follow Well-Read Black Girl and founder, Glory Edim (and read more about her in this interview with GNI). - Tia
What We’re watching: 👩🏾🍳
“It’s getting hot, and when I want to cook something light and fresh, I've built a habit of opening up my Sweet Potato Soul cookbook. Chef Jenné Claiborne is a vegan who makes soul food. Yes, seriously. Also her YouTube channel is so darn joyful if you're looking for a smile.” - Dominique
|
|
|
|
Mental health matters.
If you're looking for a way to take action to help Black women and girls — a historically oppressed and marginalized group — here's how you can help.
GNI is hosting a $10,000 fundraiser for the Loveland Foundation, an organization committed to connecting Black women and girls to high-quality, culturally competent mental health services. If you're able, join us in donating to this incredible organization ✨today.✨ If you plan to donate, simply make sure you scroll down to Team Captain: Alisha Ramos when you make your donation so we can track what we're capable of when we work together. 💪
For the month of June, GNI will also continue to donate 5% of sponsorship revenue to the Foundation. Join us in making as big an impact as possible.
|
|
|
GNI may receive a small commission from items you purchase from this newsletter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
