Vote Jo’Nella: People’s Choice Supermodel International USA

Happy Saturday everyone! Today, I am pleased to announce that I will be participating in my first ever pageant. I am Miss Supermodel Rhode Island, a delegate of the Supermodel International USA Competition which will take place Sunday, May 8th, 2016 in Manhattan, NY! A bit of history about the Supermodel International USA Competition: “Supermodel International…

Thank you TWENTY88 (Music Review)

Y’all know about Jhené Aiko and Big Sean, right? These artists, already successful in their own rights recently formed a duo called “TWENTY88” and released a Hip hop/ R&B album by the same name on April 1st, 2016. Prior to this, they have collaborated on other songs such as “I’m Gonna Be” (2012) and “I Know”…

Ain’t She* Queer Too? Sister Outsider (Outsider) Syndrome

To be a Sister Outsider, is to claim a complex identity and to use one’s intersectional experience to empower others and be a catalyst for change.

I pose the idea of Sister Outsider (Outsider) Syndrome; the case where there is no carved out/ perceived space for queer folks that identify as bi | pan with little experience. Furthermore, instances where Queer Women of Color (QWOC) /femmes feel the need to over assert themselves in “mainstream queer” and other queer spaces that adopt and perpetuate certain white ideologies that erase Black and People of Color (POC) experiences.
Here are some truths (mine and hers*)

Autism Awareness Inspired Make up Tutorial

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Today, internationally, folks are wearing blue to raise awareness about autism and show support for those with autism and people impacted by it. Today, I have decided to share a make up look for autism awareness.

Why I love Taking Pictures 

I believe that the concept of photos, capturing moments in light is a beautiful thing. Photos can show us a familiar time, a silly trend, regret, and true beauty. They can be calculated, candid, posed and exaggerated but one thing I love is that they can “be.” They remind me of reality or imagined realities and have the power to evoke feelings, emotions, and inspire. Much like other art forms I try to expose myself to- such as poetry, music, dance, and theatre.

Stay With Me; Her Empire, Her Reality

Last year, I wrote a love poem about colonialism and last Spring, this spoken word became a part of visual art as well. I am extremely happy to finally share images of a painting created by Sierra Edd. Sierra Edd, a Diné artist is a sophomore at Brown University who studies Ethnic Studies and Visual…

*Feels* When your Childhood Icons Pass

Today seemed like a normal Thursday. I was immediately relieved it was nearly Friday and it was a struggle to wake up this morning (as usual). Nonetheless, I couldn’t help but think it was a blessing to even be alive. To open my eyes, and to have a job to commute to this morning. I’m so…

6 Reasons Your College Friends are your Ride or Dies

1. You can communicate without saying anything: ​2. You can tell when they’re “feeling some type of way”​: ​3. You can be in the same room and not feel pressured to interact: ​ 4. They let you sleep in their bed (even when they’re not home): 5. ​You share food: ​ 6. You know y’all…

Review: The Stumble In

So, I stumbled upon, a pretty nice bar and restaurant on the Upper East Side of Manhattan called: The Stumble In. Located at 1454 2nd Avenue, this “Traditional American pub” left a good impression. When you arrive on the corner of 76st you will be greeted by a charming security officer that asks for ID…

Happy Birthday Queen Bey

~Happy Birthday Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter~ It’s Queen Bey’s birthday, and your girl Queen Bae couldn’t resist putting together this birthday dedication post This post will consist of Beyonce related videos/photos/articles for your enjoyment/blessing When she talked about being #Blessed-t The Superbowl “Beyoncebowl” Her vocals: The Surprise album That time Beyonce channeled my Braids aesthetic This Aesthetic and…

Eminence, + it’s recognition

So, the inception of Eminence happened in February of 2015. I was in a space where I wanted to be inspired. I wanted to create, to feel like I was enough. I needed to feel empowered again. I also wanted to do something to encourage and to make others feel good.  As a Black Heritage Series…