We all know that plants are living, breathing entities.  Both humans and plant forms receive energy from the sun.  The main difference that separates humans from plants is photosynthesis; however plants and humans are dependent on each other for survival.  Plants helps humans to breathe by providing us oxygen and humans help plants to breathe by providing them with carbon dioxide.  This cycle of plants and humans being dependent or interacting with each other don’t simply happen on an ecological or biological level; it can also be on social, spiritual or cultural levels. Of course when it comes to foreign ideologies, there is always the need for evidence for those doubting Toms who are skeptical of that which is elementary or different to current knowledge or belief systems.  Studies have shown that plants can be mood boosters as well as reduce stress; they help to eliminate toxins and clean the air by providing us oxygen. Nurturing and caring for plants he...

It’s here folks, yes, it’s finally here! I mentioned in a previous post earlier this year that I was going to get the publishing ball rolling again. Elle’s Hair-rific Adventures has arrived I wrote this book a long time ago, way before there were any popular books that were centered on young female afro-heritage characters. It was during the year 2012, that I created the character, Elle and this story. Eight years later, little girls and boys can now meet Elle! It was my desire to create a character for young black girls whom they could see themselves in as well as their wondrous kinky hair ! Let’s face the facts…little black girls growing up may face trials when it comes to their hair especially if they have parents who do not instill texture and kinky hair appreciation within them at a young age. They grow up seeing popularized and normalized standards of beauty that do not look like them and as a result, shun the features and characteristics that they were born with! (Insert Elle h...

On the eve of Juneteenth, I couldn’t help but to remember Dr. Maya Angelou. The world lost a magnanimous and inspirational poet and writer six years ago. The impact of her loss is still felt today. Maya Angelou was a great source of inspiration to me and many others around the world. As a young teen, I was often called upon to provide short speeches or asked to write poems for local and regional church events. I was probably around 11 or 12 when I recited my first poem of Dr. Angelou’s. It was called “Phenomenal Woman.” I remember one person used to refer to me as a little Maya Angelou. it’s real funny to even think about now! Hahha! Little did she know that I would go on to actually meet the late great Maya Angelou. Her work became my favorite literature to read growing up and I often found myself indulging in her essays and autobiographies. She was a stoic, well-spoken and inspirational poet and author but she had endured so much in her lifetime and you would’ve never known it ...

All adult “big kids at heart" will certainly know who Skai Jackson is. Yes, I admit to being a past twenty something year old who would often indulge in shows like Disney’s ‘Jessie!' When I first began watching Jessie, (which was my younger sibling's favorite television show), I would always think to myself—who’s that cute little brown girl with the ever perfect head of beautiful natural kinky hair?! I had never seen a young black child actress like her who embraced their natural hair the way that she did! In her book, Skai outlined in great detail who exactly was behind her unique look (momma Kiya) and why she wanted her daughter to learn to embrace her natural hair. It was truly an honor to meet Skai at her “Reach for the Skai” book release event. I purchased two copies, one for my younger sister and niece. I’m always so ecstatic to see a young brown girl like Skai winning and am so happy to support her. Now can we talk about the beautiful book cover shot by Jessie Eng...