It’s time for the matriarchy to rise. Happy #InternationalWomensDay!
Mind if I join in on the fun? 😎
Happy Birthday to my Sister @karynparsons. Your artistry, generosity, compassion and overall dopeness will forever be unmatched. I’m so blessed to have you in my life 💕❤️💕💕❤️💕💕💕🍸🍸🍸🍸
Look at our wedding tree now! 🌿 Whatever you plant and nurture will grow — it just takes time, care, and patience ❤️
Look at our wedding tree now! 🌿 Whatever you plant and nurture will grow — it just takes time, care, and patience ❤️
On a plane, crying in my hoodie because I read that Assata Shakur has passed on. I didn’t read her words in school or learn about her life and sacrifice in school. I had to find her on my own. At first, she was in the words of black women who cared for me. Then, I knew where to look and, I found her in a book. In her own words. Her writing changed my trajectory and helped me transmute my anger and pain into a deep spiritual trust, a loving and understanding, re-imagining. Feet Solid on the Earth, Toes curling in Dirt, Creative Power in Tact. Keep our sister and teacher close to you my God and rest her soul. If you haven’t yet, read her memoir. There’s a link in my bio.
On a plane, crying in my hoodie because I read that Assata Shakur has passed on. I didn’t read her words in school or learn about her life and sacrifice in school. I had to find her on my own. At first, she was in the words of black women who cared for me. Then, I knew where to look and, I found her in a book. In her own words. Her writing changed my trajectory and helped me transmute my anger and pain into a deep spiritual trust, a loving and understanding, re-imagining. Feet Solid on the Earth, Toes curling in Dirt, Creative Power in Tact. Keep our sister and teacher close to you my God and rest her soul. If you haven’t yet, read her memoir. There’s a link in my bio.
Decided to grill Vaughn a steak today, and while I was at it, prepped salad and a simple homemade dressing for the week. I used @tigerlifegourmet’s Garlicky Steak blend, and it turned out so good. So much flavor, and compliments all around. Definitely a new staple in our house!
Today is #SpiritDay 💜 I’m proud to stand with @glaad & LGBTQ youth to take a stand against bullying. Let’s remind every young person that they are loved, valued, and never alone. Go purple and show your support → glaad.org/spiritday
Collard greens in the patio cracks??? Is this a sign to go off-grid?? 😂
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I was honored to lend my birth stories and advocacy insights to a panel held earlier this week in Chicago. There is important work being done in communities all across the country to ensure that our mamas and families are cared for. Chicago is no exception. Thank you @govpritzker and @ltgovstratton for your Birth Equity Initiative legislation. Thank you to @liz_dozier and everyone at @chicagobeyond for providing the funding necessary to build the reproductive and birthing futures we deserve. And of course- thank you so much @mikabrzezinski for your interest in Baby Yams and your sincerity and earnest commitment to women’s rights and empowerment. You are right! When we Know Our Value, we can’t, we won’t settle for any less. Photo Cred: Taylor Dieng, MSNBC
I loved asking Tatyana Ali where she was when she got the news that changed her life. She remembers EXACTLY where she was when found out she booked the role of Ashley Banks in #freshprinceofbelair and why she thought she had lost it. Link in bio for the full episode. #aspoonfulofpaolo
Aszi and the Octopus is on the road! 🐙📚 I’m having a blast bringing this story to kids and families in cities around the world. Seeing little ones meet Aszi, laugh, ask questions, and activate their imaginations has been so special. 🫶🏾 If you see your city on the list, I hope you’ll come out for story time. Bring the kids, bring a friend, bring your imagination. More details for each stop will be shared as the dates get closer. I can’t wait to see you there! 💙 📸 @trokonv
The work I’m doing with @Scholastic and with Baby Yams… it’s all connected. We already have everything we need in the wisdom and care already around us, and I’m so grateful for the birth workers and advocates who put loving hands on us. Thank you to @kcolemannola and FOX 8 New Orleans for the conversation, and If you’re curious about what we’re building, come take a look at @Babyyamsquilts.
The incredible @tatyanaali was part of the #Reset Conference this past weekend in Plano, TX. She is an actress, mother, businesswoman & her passion has been an incredible project called ‘Baby Yams’, beautiful handmade quilts to wrap around a mother’s bundle of joy. These quilts are colorful fabrics, and which each one sold, it continues to fund the community of birth workers who are bringing care & comfort for those need it most. Please follow Tatyana & check out her website ‘Baby Yams’ in her bio! ❤️ #BabyYams #Reset #ThePowerOfAction #HeardThat🎙️
Last week, I joined @cfcolemanjr and @Doccrearperry on @velshimsnbc to talk about the real impact of proposed Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC cuts — and the power of community care when systems fail us. Dr. Crear-Perry has guided me since I first began advocating for Black maternal health, and this conversation reminded me how much strength we have when we look out for each other. On the blog, I share more about this moment- and why I believe real love and care are our best defense. Click the link in bio to read the full reflection in Yam House Diaries I’ll be donating food to my local pantry this weekend and continuing in this work. What are your ideas for what’s needed right now?
