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Bringing the Reverence Back to Black Womanhood
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TRENDINGSTORIES
Ecological Femininity in Elephants
In a world that often equates power with visibility and control, elephants offer a quieter, more enduring model. For them, femininity is an inherent quality, fundamental to who they are. Calling it “feminine” isn’t about gender. It’s about recognizing a pattern: sustaining rather than overtaking, staying connected rather than standing alone, and remembering rather than reacting.
Crimson Steed
2 min read
THINGS TO DO
in Charlotte
Stay connected to what’s happening across the Queen City. From standout food and drink spots to can’t-miss events, cultural happenings, and local news — this is where we highlight the stories, spaces, and people shaping Charlotte right now. Discover where to go, what to experience, and who’s making an impact in the city.
TRENDINGSTORIES
of Charlotte
Why Every Family Needs a Plan: Lessons on Wills, Trusts, and Legacy from the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum
When a loved one passes away, the absence of a will can leave families navigating confusion, court procedures, and difficult decisions. During the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum, Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn-Gary and attorney Geraldine Sumter explained why wills and trusts remain essential tools for protecting assets, preserving family wishes, and creating a smoother path for future generations.
Jun 235 min read
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IDENTITY&VOICE
Dear Woman, a Poem
You are not separate from the rhythm. You are the rhythm remembering itself. Before clocks carved time into rigid squares, your body knew cycles: pull, swelling, release—undoing and becoming again. The moon doesn’t apologize for her phases; she trusts disappearance as much as return. Your femininity is not a performance. It is an ecosystem. Let your emotions be seasons. You were never meant to be constant—only alive.
Crimson Steed
2 min read
The Inner Circle Builds the Future: How Black Women Have Advanced Black Equality in the US
Black history was never meant to fit into one month. Beyond the names we were taught—Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks—stands a legacy of Black women whose labor, courage, and brilliance shaped the Civil Rights Movement. From Septima Clark to Fannie Lou Hamer, these women were the backbone of progress. Their stories belong in every classroom, not as side notes, but as essential American history.
RS
5 min read
Love & Legacy
My hope is that through Love & Legacy, we can explore marriage as more than a status, more than a piece of paper, and more than a wedding day—it’s a conscious, creative space where love, growth, and heritage meet. Together, we’ll honor the Motherland wisdom that guides us, while embracing the very human, very real moments of partnership, intimacy, and legacy-building in our modern lives.
LaVianca Ledbetter
5 min read
CULTURE&EXPRESSION
More Than Lightning: What Storm Taught Us About Black Feminine Power
Storm was never just a superhero—she was a force of nature. With the power to summon rain and lightning, she embodied both creation and destruction, mirroring the true depth of feminine energy. For many Black girls, she wasn’t just representation—she was recognition. A reminder that power doesn’t have to shrink, and that femininity was never meant to be one-dimensional.
Zakiya Hakizimana
3 min read
I Rise in My Turning
I was told to straighten my sway to quiet the pull in my belly to hide the red river as if it were something to be ashamed of but I have watched the moon, yes, I have watched her how she leans full and glowing round with her own knowing then slips away unapologetic into her dark and not once not once does she beg the sky for permission and the waters oh, the waters still answer her call so I stood still long enough to hear myself and my body said, hush now listen close you a
Zakiya Hakizimana
2 min read
Building Chicago’s Fashion Infrastructure, One Designer at a Time
While fashion conversations often spotlight New York and Los Angeles, Christina Schutz is helping position Chicago as a rising force in the industry. Through The Fashion Foundry Consulting, she equips emerging designers with the business tools, strategy, and visibility needed to build sustainable brands. Her work is helping transform creative talent into thriving enterprises while strengthening Chicago’s identity as a global fashion destination.
Zhateyah YisraEl
4 min read
FREEDOM&JUSTICE
The Inner Circle Builds the Future: How Black Women Have Advanced Black Equality in the US
Black history was never meant to fit into one month. Beyond the names we were taught—Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks—stands a legacy of Black women whose labor, courage, and brilliance shaped the Civil Rights Movement. From Septima Clark to Fannie Lou Hamer, these women were the backbone of progress. Their stories belong in every classroom, not as side notes, but as essential American history.
RS
5 min read
Queen Ese on Global Black and African Heritage Leadership
Queen Esi is redefining leadership through identity, cultural grounding, and psychological restoration. With over 25 years of experience, her work challenges performance-based models—introducing soul-centered leadership rooted in mind, body, and spirit to prepare globally aligned leaders across the African diaspora.
Zhateyah YisraEl
5 min read
The Women History Almost Missed
Jackie looked me in the eyes. “You’re going to write a book. Don’t forget me, now!” Her certainty lives on in women like Cyntoia and Alice — whose survival speaks louder than any sentence.
Cyntoia emerged not hardened, but purposeful. Alice walked free with forgiveness, not bitterness. Jackie, still behind bars, carried something just as powerful: hope that refused to die.
Sometimes the last don’t rise loudly. They rise changed, stronger. And in their rising, history catche
JAZZY JOHNSON
3 min read
SPIRITUALITY&GOD
Worship Roots: How African Spiritual Practices Have Shaped the Black Church
Malcolm X’s warning still echoes: Sunday remains one of the most segregated hours in America. Yet within that divide, the Black church stands as a powerful fusion of survival and heritage—where enslaved Africans transformed imposed religion into sacred space. Through song, movement, and spirit, they preserved African traditions, creating a worship experience that is not only faith—but cultural memory alive.
The Spiritual Systems of the Motherland: Beliefs That Shaped the Diaspora
Africa has long been a cradle of profound spiritual traditions—systems that shaped how communities understood creation, ancestry, morality, and the unseen world. From Yoruba and Vodun to Kemetic and Hebraic traditions within the Afro-Asiatic cultural sphere, these belief systems formed the spiritual backbone of the Motherland. Even after displacement across the Atlantic, their teachings survived—echoing through diaspora traditions and cultural memory today.
Sankofa: A Poem
History lives in the everyday—if you know how to see it. What appeared as a simple necklace in Brighton revealed a deeper story of displacement, renaming, and identity. Once known as Sankofa, its origins rooted in the Motherland, it was “Europeanized” and renamed Genoa. This piece becomes a symbol of reclamation—urging us to remember, reconnect, and return to who we’ve always been.
MONEY&POWER
Why Every Family Needs a Plan: Lessons on Wills, Trusts, and Legacy from the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum
When a loved one passes away, the absence of a will can leave families navigating confusion, court procedures, and difficult decisions. During the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum, Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn-Gary and attorney Geraldine Sumter explained why wills and trusts remain essential tools for protecting assets, preserving family wishes, and creating a smoother path for future generations.
Navigating Your Cash Flow: Why Understanding the Movement of Money Is Essential for Business Survival
Cash flow—not revenue—is often the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one. During a recent Coaching for Impact workshop, Chase for Business coach Justin Hurst shared practical strategies for understanding cash flow, managing expenses, improving receivables, and building financial resilience. From customer segmentation to maintaining 3–6 months of operating reserves, business owners learned how to make every dollar work smarter.
Building a Seat at the Table: How the Civic Impact Academy Is Redefining Civic Leadership in Charlotte
Christine Edwards Pitkin founded the Civic Impact Academy to bridge the gap between residents and the institutions shaping Charlotte's future. Through civic education, advocacy training, and relationship-building, the 12-week program equips community leaders and public servants to collaborate, influence policy, and drive meaningful change. In a rapidly growing city, the Academy is helping more residents claim their seat at the table.
LIFESTYLE&HOME
Love & Legacy
My hope is that through Love & Legacy, we can explore marriage as more than a status, more than a piece of paper, and more than a wedding day—it’s a conscious, creative space where love, growth, and heritage meet. Together, we’ll honor the Motherland wisdom that guides us, while embracing the very human, very real moments of partnership, intimacy, and legacy-building in our modern lives.
LaVianca Ledbetter
5 min read
Why We’re Turning to Plants for Better Health
Plants have provided a natural way of healing for many centuries, and we’ve all experienced the benefits at least once in our life. I mean, who doesn’t remember being offered a soothing cup of tea from their mother or their granny and feeling wonderful after? As more people learn about botanical remedies, more are discarding western medicine and turning to holistic, less harsh ways to maintain or regain health.
Erika L Rivera
3 min read
Food is Our Medicine: Black Women’s Herbal Wisdom
Detail on some of the most popular herbal remedies and treatments used by Black women throughout history, including now
RS
5 min read
BLACKHERSTORY
Unsung Architects of Freedom: How Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt Helped Shape Civil Rights and Women's Suffrage
When the history of women's suffrage and civil rights is told, the spotlight often shines on a handful of familiar names. Yet long before the modern Civil Rights Movement and decades before women secured the right to vote, Black women were laying the foundation for social justice, racial equality, and political empowerment. Among the most influential were Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt.
vanessa3488
4 min read
Kathleen Cleaver: The Woman That You Are
Known as a leading voice of the Black Panther Party, Kathleen Cleaver transformed activism through education, community care, and advocacy. From her global upbringing to her work with Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, her journey reflects a deep commitment to justice. Her legacy continues today, honoring a life that reshaped power, voice, and possibility for Black communities.
Abla Gorashi
3 min read
The Inner Circle Builds the Future: How Black Women Have Advanced Black Equality in the US
Black history was never meant to fit into one month. Beyond the names we were taught—Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks—stands a legacy of Black women whose labor, courage, and brilliance shaped the Civil Rights Movement. From Septima Clark to Fannie Lou Hamer, these women were the backbone of progress. Their stories belong in every classroom, not as side notes, but as essential American history.
RS
5 min read
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What happens if you die without a will or trust in North Carolina?
Ecological Femininity in Elephants
In a world that often equates power with visibility and control, elephants offer a quieter, more enduring model. For them, femininity is an inherent quality, fundamental to who they are. Calling it “feminine” isn’t about gender. It’s about recognizing a pattern: sustaining rather than overtaking, staying connected rather than standing alone, and remembering rather than reacting.
Crimson Steed
2 min read
Soul of Fire
Soul of Fire is poem about overcoming and rising above, and that sometimes there's internal fire burning to remind you to keep going.
Ena Alese
2 min read
More Than Lightning: What Storm Taught Us About Black Feminine Power
Storm was never just a superhero—she was a force of nature. With the power to summon rain and lightning, she embodied both creation and destruction, mirroring the true depth of feminine energy. For many Black girls, she wasn’t just representation—she was recognition. A reminder that power doesn’t have to shrink, and that femininity was never meant to be one-dimensional.
Zakiya Hakizimana
3 min read
Unsung Architects of Freedom: How Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt Helped Shape Civil Rights and Women's Suffrage
When the history of women's suffrage and civil rights is told, the spotlight often shines on a handful of familiar names. Yet long before the modern Civil Rights Movement and decades before women secured the right to vote, Black women were laying the foundation for social justice, racial equality, and political empowerment. Among the most influential were Mary Church Terrell, Anna Julia Cooper, and Ida Gibbs Hunt.
vanessa3488
4 min read
I Rise in My Turning
I was told to straighten my sway to quiet the pull in my belly to hide the red river as if it were something to be ashamed of but I have watched the moon, yes, I have watched her how she leans full and glowing round with her own knowing then slips away unapologetic into her dark and not once not once does she beg the sky for permission and the waters oh, the waters still answer her call so I stood still long enough to hear myself and my body said, hush now listen close you a
Zakiya Hakizimana
2 min read
Sky is Mother, a Poem
Under an open sky, she remembers something deeper—she is held. In this poetic reflection, nature becomes mother, teacher, and mirror, revealing that softness, release, and divinity can coexist. It’s a gentle reminder that even in stillness, we are connected to something vast, sacred, and endlessly nurturing.
Zakiya Hakizimana
2 min read
13 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before College
College is more than lectures, football games, and late-night memories—it's one of the greatest opportunities you'll ever have to position yourself for the life you want. From building a dorm business and protecting your peace to networking with professors and taking advantage of free campus resources, these 13 lessons go beyond surviving college. They offer practical wisdom to help you graduate with more than a degree—and remind you that while college may be some of the best
Zhateyah YisraEl
6 min read
Kathleen Cleaver: The Woman That You Are
Known as a leading voice of the Black Panther Party, Kathleen Cleaver transformed activism through education, community care, and advocacy. From her global upbringing to her work with Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, her journey reflects a deep commitment to justice. Her legacy continues today, honoring a life that reshaped power, voice, and possibility for Black communities.
Abla Gorashi
3 min read
Book of The Mantis: A Living Scripture
Discover the quiet wisdom of stillness, where presence speaks louder than words and patience reveal what haste cannot. A lesson etched in the rhythm of nature, older than language itself.
Crimson Steed
1 min read
What the River Taught Me About Being Soft
Heartbreak sent her to the river—but what she found was herself. In this reflective journey, a mother’s quiet wisdom leads to a powerful revelation: strength isn’t found in control, but in the ability to release, adapt, and flow. Through stillness, pain, and observation, she learns that softness is not weakness—it’s transformation
Zakiya Hakizimana
4 min read
Dear Woman, a Poem
You are not separate from the rhythm. You are the rhythm remembering itself. Before clocks carved time into rigid squares, your body knew cycles: pull, swelling, release—undoing and becoming again. The moon doesn’t apologize for her phases; she trusts disappearance as much as return. Your femininity is not a performance. It is an ecosystem. Let your emotions be seasons. You were never meant to be constant—only alive.
Crimson Steed
2 min read
The Calendar We Inherited: What If Time Were Rewritten?
What if you’ve been living inside the wrong version of time… and never knew it?
We trust the 12-month calendar like it’s truth—structuring our lives, our deadlines, even our aging. But the moon tells a different story. One that doesn’t fit neatly into twelve… but thirteen. A rhythm we can see, feel, and follow—yet somehow abandoned.
So the question isn’t just how we measure time… It’s who decided this version of time was the right one?
Crimson Steed
3 min read
Building Chicago’s Fashion Infrastructure, One Designer at a Time
While fashion conversations often spotlight New York and Los Angeles, Christina Schutz is helping position Chicago as a rising force in the industry. Through The Fashion Foundry Consulting, she equips emerging designers with the business tools, strategy, and visibility needed to build sustainable brands. Her work is helping transform creative talent into thriving enterprises while strengthening Chicago’s identity as a global fashion destination.
Zhateyah YisraEl
4 min read
Spiritual Road Map
Our bodies are more than flesh—they are living archives. Every scar, touch, and feature carries memory, ancestry, and survival. From skin that holds generations, to lips that shape truth, to hands that remember labor and love, the body becomes a map of where we’ve been and who we come from. This reflection explores the sacred language written into us—proof that our bodies tell stories long before we speak.
Ena Alese
1 min read
Cultural Unity as Foundation
Cultural unity is more than shared identity—it is the quiet thread that keeps communities connected. Found in language, memory, tradition, and responsibility to one another, it creates belonging that outlives hardship. It is not about everyone being the same, but about moving in alignment for collective well-being. In a world that glorifies individualism, cultural unity reminds us that true strength is often found in staying rooted together.
Crimson Steed
2 min read
I, Sanctuary
She is not just a place—she is refuge. A sacred space where women can lay down survival, unlearn the burden of always being strong, and return to softness without shame. This reflection honors the quiet power of safe spaces built through sisterhood, faith, and divine remembrance. Not a replacement for God, but evidence of Him—shown in how women hold, restore, and remind each other of who they are.
poeticblossom23
2 min read
Why Every Family Needs a Plan: Lessons on Wills, Trusts, and Legacy from the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum
When a loved one passes away, the absence of a will can leave families navigating confusion, court procedures, and difficult decisions. During the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum, Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court Elisa Chinn-Gary and attorney Geraldine Sumter explained why wills and trusts remain essential tools for protecting assets, preserving family wishes, and creating a smoother path for future generations.
Zhateyah YisraEl
5 min read
From Gathering to Movement: How Small Circles Become Forces for Change
Movements rarely begin with crowds—they begin with a few women choosing to gather. In living rooms, church basements, kitchen tables, and group chats, Black women have long turned conversation into clarity and connection into collective action. What starts as shared truth becomes shared purpose. This reflection honors the quiet beginnings of change, reminding us that some of the most powerful movements in history started in small circles where women decided they were no longe
Zakiya Osivwemu Ramirez
2 min read
Chapter 4: Sweet Notes | The Ground Between Us
By the time I made it home, the evening carried more than groceries—it carried questions. Between Seeatee’s dramatic welcome and Kimbe’s note waiting on the counter, home felt warm, familiar, and safe. But my mind stayed at the crossroads—the cut locks, the tire tracks, and the covered trucks headed toward The Pointe. As I stood in the quiet kitchen, I knew dinner could wait. Something was wrong, and I needed to find out who had crossed onto our land.
Crimson Steed
3 min read
Navigating Your Cash Flow: Why Understanding the Movement of Money Is Essential for Business Survival
Cash flow—not revenue—is often the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one. During a recent Coaching for Impact workshop, Chase for Business coach Justin Hurst shared practical strategies for understanding cash flow, managing expenses, improving receivables, and building financial resilience. From customer segmentation to maintaining 3–6 months of operating reserves, business owners learned how to make every dollar work smarter.
Zhateyah YisraEl
4 min read
The Inner Circle Builds the Future: How Black Women Have Advanced Black Equality in the US
Black history was never meant to fit into one month. Beyond the names we were taught—Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks—stands a legacy of Black women whose labor, courage, and brilliance shaped the Civil Rights Movement. From Septima Clark to Fannie Lou Hamer, these women were the backbone of progress. Their stories belong in every classroom, not as side notes, but as essential American history.
RS
5 min read
Inside the World of Author Tamera Matthews
From quiet journaling to published pages, Tamera’s journey as a writer began with healing. Inspired by her mother’s strength and encouraged by her daughter’s belief in her dream, she turned pain into purpose through gentle, heart-centered storytelling. Her children’s stories offer comfort, courage, and hope—reminding young readers they belong, even in unfamiliar places. Through every page, Tamera writes from the heart, creating stories that heal and inspire.
Ena Alese
3 min read
Feminism in Coalition
Women do not gather by accident—something deeper always calls them into the same space. In shared conversations, quiet understanding, and truth spoken without performance, sisterhood is built. It is in the check-ins, the care, and the refusal to let one another carry life alone. This reflection honors the power of women who do not compete for space, but expand it—reminding each other of their strength until healing becomes collective.
Crimson Steed
2 min read
TOP THINGS TO DO IN CHARLOTTE: JUNE 13 – JUNE 27, 2026
Charlotte is stepping fully into Juneteenth season, and the city is overflowing with opportunities to celebrate Black culture, prioritize wellness, connect with community, support local creators, and simply enjoy the summer.
LaVianca Ledbetter
4 min read
Building a Seat at the Table: How the Civic Impact Academy Is Redefining Civic Leadership in Charlotte
Christine Edwards Pitkin founded the Civic Impact Academy to bridge the gap between residents and the institutions shaping Charlotte's future. Through civic education, advocacy training, and relationship-building, the 12-week program equips community leaders and public servants to collaborate, influence policy, and drive meaningful change. In a rapidly growing city, the Academy is helping more residents claim their seat at the table.
Zhateyah YisraEl
4 min read
A Mother's Voice
I wasn't passed down riches, no gold, no silver spoon I was given something softer, A quiet knowing How to walk without slamming doors, How to leave with grace Understanding that peace moves smoother than pride How to stand alone without feeling lonely To learn wisdom from heart break and to choose softness even when the world is tough, To always protect yourself and love who you are... Now remembering her voice, When I speak upon self ... About the Writer Ena-Alese is
Ena Alese
1 min read
Love & Legacy
Can a healthy marriage still feel isolating? In this Love & Legacy column, LaVianca Asante unpacks why sisterhood and experiential intimacy are essential for emotionally thriving relationships
LaVianca Ledbetter
7 min read
Planning for Peace: Why Final Arrangements Matter More Than Many Families Realize
A recent Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum explored the importance of estate planning, wills, and final arrangements with Nekie Boyd of Carolina Sunrise Services. The discussion highlighted how proper documentation can protect loved ones from probate court and family uncertainty while preserving personal wishes. Boyd also examined the historical significance of burial in Black communities, where generations were often denied marked graves, making legacy and remembrance matters of
Zhateyah YisraEl
3 min read
Legacy, Leadership, and the Homes That Hold Our Stories: Inside Danielle Scurry’s Mission to Build Wealth Through Real Estate
Charlotte Realtor Danielle Scurry is redefining real estate as a pathway to legacy, wealth-building, and long-term stability. A second-generation real estate professional and founder of Scurry & Associates, Scurry transformed personal loss into purpose after inheriting her late father’s business in 2017. Today, she helps families across the Greater Charlotte region navigate homeownership with confidence, blending market expertise, education, and a commitment to generational w
Zhateyah YisraEl
3 min read
The Ground Between Us
GG-Lucielle taught me that land is more than dirt—it is memory. In the fields, planting potatoes with red clay on my hands, she showed me patience, survival, and how to listen. “Land remembers,” she’d say. It remembers the hands that worked it, the prayers whispered over it, and the stories buried beneath every harvest. Years later, I realized she wasn’t just teaching me to farm—she was teaching me how to carry legacy.
Crimson Steed
5 min read
Top Things to Do in Charlotte: May 29 – June 5, 2026
Sis, your weekend alignment checklist is officially here. From soulful wellness immersions and legendary R&B nights to curated local markets, dive into this week’s top spaces to protect your peace, connect with community, and take up space across the Queen City.
LaVianca Ledbetter
3 min read
Braiding Across Borders
Braiding becomes more than beauty—it is resistance, memory, and survival woven strand by strand. Where history tried to divide, women created connection, turning hands into tools of preservation and power. Each braid carries legacy across generations, proving that what was meant to separate could never unravel what was built to endure.
poeticblossom23
2 min read
Charlotte Leaders Warn Growth Projects Continue Historic Harm to Black Communities
Mary Johnson, Darnell Ivory, Sean Langley, Greg Asciutto, Rev. Dr. Janet Garner-Mullins, and Malcomb Coley joined the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum to examine how highway expansion and proposed data centers continue to impact Black communities in Charlotte. Panelists connected past displacement, environmental inequity, and broken promises to present-day development concerns, questioning whether the city’s growth is once again coming at the expense of historically Black neighb
Zhateyah YisraEl
3 min read
More Than a Cartoon: What the Debate Around Quinta Brunson and Betty Boop Reveals About Black Women and Representation
As conversations swirl around Quinta Brunson portraying Betty Boop, the debate reveals something deeper than casting. For many Black women, it reflects a long history of shaping culture while being distanced from its most iconic images. The moment is not just about representation—it is about visibility, reclamation, and who gets to embody femininity, nostalgia, and Americana.
Zakiya Osivwemu Ramirez
2 min read
Love & Legacy
My hope is that through Love & Legacy, we can explore marriage as more than a status, more than a piece of paper, and more than a wedding day—it’s a conscious, creative space where love, growth, and heritage meet. Together, we’ll honor the Motherland wisdom that guides us, while embracing the very human, very real moments of partnership, intimacy, and legacy-building in our modern lives.
LaVianca Ledbetter
5 min read
Queen Ese on Global Black and African Heritage Leadership
Queen Esi is redefining leadership through identity, cultural grounding, and psychological restoration. With over 25 years of experience, her work challenges performance-based models—introducing soul-centered leadership rooted in mind, body, and spirit to prepare globally aligned leaders across the African diaspora.
Zhateyah YisraEl
5 min read
Modernizing Ankara Through Everyday Wear
Ankara is not merely a bold textile but a symbol of identity, pride, and culture. For that reason, many women have opted to wear it every day instead of saving it for special occasions.
Erika L Rivera
3 min read
Game Night: Roots and Reflections
What begins as a lighthearted trivia night becomes something deeper—a celebration of identity, memory, and connection across the diaspora. Through fashion, food, music, and names, friends uncover the unbroken threads between Africa and Black America. In laughter and learning, one truth emerges: across oceans and generations, the culture never left—only evolved, waiting to be remembered.
Zakiya Hakizimana
5 min read
Across Oceans, One Lineage: How History, Migration, and Memory Shape Diaspora Identity
For daughters of the diaspora, belonging is not defined by distance, but by memory. Through inherited traditions, stories, and quiet knowing, the Motherland lives within—shaping identity across generations. Even without physical return, the connection remains unbroken, reminding us that home is not just a place we come from, but something we carry.
Zakiya Osivwemu Ramirez
3 min read
HER Gov Summit 2026 Aims to Bridge the Gap Between Minority-Owned Businesses and Government Contracting Opportunities
HER Gov Summit 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment for women- and minority-owned businesses navigating the evolving world of government contracting. Hosted by TMC Consulting Group, the two-day Houston summit will connect entrepreneurs with procurement leaders, certification guidance, and strategic insight designed to help MWBEs access billions in public-sector opportunities.
Zhateyah YisraEl
2 min read
Crowns High
Lift your eyes
toward the sky
and smile.
Exhale.
Tell yourself:
I am worthy.
I am holy.
A being of light
made whole.
LaVianca Ledbetter
3 min read
Worship Roots: How African Spiritual Practices Have Shaped the Black Church
Malcolm X’s warning still echoes: Sunday remains one of the most segregated hours in America. Yet within that divide, the Black church stands as a powerful fusion of survival and heritage—where enslaved Africans transformed imposed religion into sacred space. Through song, movement, and spirit, they preserved African traditions, creating a worship experience that is not only faith—but cultural memory alive.
RS
4 min read
Service, Sacrifice, and the Silent Battles After War: Veterans Reflect During Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum
Retired Brigadier General Twanda “Tia” Young and American Legion Vice Commander Darrell Bonapart offered raw reflections on war, leadership, PTSD, and the lifelong realities veterans carry home during the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum honoring National Military Appreciation Month.
From surviving combat trauma to confronting racism after service, the conversation revealed the unseen emotional weight behind military sacrifice — and the urgent need for deeper advocacy, mental h
Zhateyah YisraEl
3 min read
Black Rhythm
Mother Africa is the heart and source of black rhythm.
The way we tap and stomp our feet like our brothers and sisters from the Motherland, is unmistakable. We are one.
There's a dance scene in the movie Sinners that influenced the following poem I'd like to share with you. This movie scene was supernatural, almost acting as a cultural seance while depicting generations of Black American and West African dance styles. It was powerful. A rhythm dialogue that reminded us of
Zakiya Hakizimana
2 min read
Top Things to Do in Charlotte: May 16–23, 2026
We hope you found something that excites you and aligns with what you need in this season. Wherever you go, may it nourish your mind, uplift your spirit, and remind you that Charlotte is full of spaces created for you to take up space.
Go explore, connect, and pour back into yourself. The Queen City is waiting, Sis
LaVianca Ledbetter
4 min read
The Spiritual Systems of the Motherland: Beliefs That Shaped the Diaspora
Africa has long been a cradle of profound spiritual traditions—systems that shaped how communities understood creation, ancestry, morality, and the unseen world. From Yoruba and Vodun to Kemetic and Hebraic traditions within the Afro-Asiatic cultural sphere, these belief systems formed the spiritual backbone of the Motherland. Even after displacement across the Atlantic, their teachings survived—echoing through diaspora traditions and cultural memory today.
Zhateyah YisraEl
4 min read
Mother Tongue
I was born
with rhythm in my hips
and in my hands
the means to create
LaVianca Ledbetter
2 min read
Inside America’s First Textile Recycling Expo: How Charlotte Became the Center of Fashion’s Circular Future
The future of fashion came to Charlotte as the inaugural Textiles Recycling Expo USA brought together brands like Nike
, Target
, and Ralph Lauren
to discuss sustainability, textile recycling, and circular fashion. With 1,858 attendees and 95 exhibitors, the event positioned Charlotte as a growing hub for innovation, manufacturing, and the future of sustainable fashion.
Zhateyah YisraEl
3 min read
Across the Water, Still Kin
Beneath a mango tree in Ghana, two women—one rooted in the Motherland, the other from the American South—discover their lives are more connected than distance suggests. Through laughter, food, healing traditions, and memory, they trace shared cultural threads that survived the Atlantic. In their exchange, the truth becomes clear: what was carried across the ocean was never lost—only waiting to be remembered.
Zakiya Hakizimana
3 min read
Born of Her Voice
Her origin is not marked by geography, but by a woman. Through quiet strength, sacrifice, and unwavering love, a mother becomes the first home—shaping identity long before the world defines it. In her presence, womanhood is learned as resilience, patience, and power, leaving a legacy that lives on in every step, every choice, and every becoming.
Crimson Steed
2 min read
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