5 Brands That Produce Empowering, Meaningful Content

Now I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this, but it looks like we're living in some difficult times. I know I've felt downtrodden. Which reminds me how vitally important self-care is, for all of us struggling through life, the world, and sometimes just simple "adult-ing." And while I'm all for mindless Netflix-ing and chilling, I really appreciate being uplifted by things with significance beyond "this is fun." That's what this list is all about. Spreading silver linings of substance.

Conscious Magazine
Conscious is a magazine that explores how innovative ideas and creative solutions are used to create impact around the globe. They have an active online blog in addition to the print magazine, and I'm constantly inspired by the quote graphics they post on Facebook.

Try this article: 8 Social Good Apps That Will Empower Your Day

Screen Shot 2017-01-22 at 9.30.34 PM.png

GOOD
GOOD is a global media brand and social impact company. Their mission is to help people and organizations be forces for good. I remember one of the first articles I read of theirs was about a soccer ball redesigned to generate electricity. I signed up for The Daily GOOD email list pretty much immediately.

Try this article: Lady Liberty Coin Will Feature The Face of a Black Woman For First Time 

Upworthy
Upworthy is on a mission to change what the world pays attention to. They believe that stories about important issues can and should be great stories — stories for everyone, stories that connect us and sometimes even change the world. I see Upworthy articles here and there and they never disappoint. 

Try this article: How one man revolutionized teaching by trusting kids to teach themselves

Upworthy.png

Great Big Story
A video network dedicated to the untold, the overlooked and the flat-out amazing. I find A Great Big Story particularly cool because it's all short (a few mins) videos. Really high-quality, beautifully done videos. I discovered this recently and I think it's the start of something wonderful.

Try this video: This ‘Melanin Goddess’ is Redefining Mainstream Beauty Standards

TED
TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). You've probably heard about TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design, btw), but in case you haven't gotten into it yet, now's a great time. They have talks on just about everything, seriously.

Try this video: Ken Robinson: How to escape education's death valley (Hilarious, in addition to being smart)

What lifts you up when you're feeling down? Tell me in the comments below! ☀️️

I Will Respect No Less Than What Deserves Respect

I'm not marching today. I'm sitting in a living room, watching a tiny three-month old boy suck on his fingers and kick his feet — because I am a nanny — this is my job. But I'm not disconnected.

I woke up this morning and I thought, I want to wear all black and stay away from social media. But then words started pairing themselves together, weaving into phrases and sentences, and I started to imagine my children one day coming home from school, telling me what they learned about the 2016 election and the day Donald Trump was inaugurated, and asking me if I was marching, what I was doing, what I was saying. And I realized that the person that I want to be for them, and for myself, is the person who chooses to put her words out there, whether it really makes a difference to anyone or not, because at least it's an option on the table that way. At least it's not the deadly passivity of silence.

I do not stand with Donald Trump today.

Donald Trump, and all of those who have stood with him on his platform, have wronged Black men, women, children, and families, Latino men, women, children and families, people of color, the working and lower classes, and all those who are vulnerable and often-forgotten generally. I'm not going to go through the laundry list of ways he has proven to me that he does not stand for these Americans and myself. I will only highlight that beyond himself — he has chosen incredibly wealthy, highly ill-prepared individuals to take significant roles in our political system that — let me say it again — they are not equipped to manage the power of. So my mourning is not solely about one man. It is multiplied. 

"That seems dramatic. Why would highly ill-equipped people take such roles?"

Let me tell you, I'm not at all surprised. It is foolish to think that a person accustomed to privilege and in love with prestige and power would turn down a position they're unfit for when it is attached to more prestige and power. And if you're still skeptical, just watch Education Secretary nominee Betsy DeVos being questioned at her confirmation hearing.

I am dismayed, but I am not surprised. And I am not here for it.

"What about the every day people? The people who didn't agree with all of Trump's platform, but chose it as the lesser of two evils? Or felt the ends would justify the means? Are you here for them?"

I will review their applications on a case by case basis. 

"Donald Trump is just a person, like all of us. He's made mistakes, but he's a good businessman. You should respect that and just try to be positive instead of vilifying him."

Donald Trump is a person like me and you and all of us. He deserves life like all of us, and he deserves opportunities to prove himself, like all of us. I'm not denying his humanity, or the humanity of any individual who supports him. Far from it, when I am critical of Donald Trump and his supporters, I am holding them to the standards of humanity! And often not even the highest ones! As a human, treat other humans with respect. As a human in the highest office of our country, be a representative for all of the people of this country, listen to them and meet them where they are. It is certainly not a president's job to make everyone happy. But it is a president's job to grant everyone basic respect and the chance to be heard and seen — to see all of the citizens of his country as worthy of life and proper standards of living, too.

President Barack Obama has modeled that quality repeatedly throughout his 8 years, even in the midst of what I feel is his greatest challenge — turning over his office to Donald Trump — he has been respectful in every inch of his criticism and been graceful in every moment of his transition. I have so much honor and respect and support for President Obama, First Lady Michelle, and their family. I am so saddened to see them leave, particularly in the wake of the incoming wave.

"Well Donald Trump is still going to be president. You have to accept and respect that."

Donald Trump will become the president of the United States today. And I think that the least I can do as a citizen of this country is to be adamant and unwavering about what kind of behavior and action I will deem acceptable to see from him. I believe it is my role not to honor that which does not deserve honor, not to respect that which does not deserve respect, and not to support that which does not deserve my support. If he should ever act in such a way that warrants my honor, respect, or support, he will certainly receive it. Do I doubt this will happen? Yes. Why? He has provided me with no evidence that his ignorant, self-important, self-seeking ways are changing.

So what now? For my part, I'm not hopeless. I'm not giving up. I will be working as hard as I can to find ways I can exercise the power of my voice to prevent the potential destruction of American institutions I value, that are often not valued by those in places of power and privilege. If we all do the same, we'll make it through these next four years, close this sad, embarrassing chapter of our history, and move on to something inevitably better.

11 POC Brands I Think You Should Know About

Malcolm X spoke of Black business as a means for liberation. He advocated that we not only support existing Black businesses, but understand the significance of creating more, thereby establishing a foundation of economic power within our communities attuned to the needs of our communities.

Today, I believe this concept still applies, not only to the Black community, but all communities of color. Not only is supporting these businesses invaluable to the owners, it's empowering for us! It affirms that we are here, we are capable, we create ideas and products that contribute value and joy!

Here are some of my favorite POC-created brands I've found in the last few years. Not only are these brands creating meaningful content and/or products, they're also really excellently designed. So while you're supporting the community, you may also want to take notes!

Winter Tangerine Review
"A literary journal addicted to the electric. To the salt. The sugar. To bitter honey. To catalysts. So, go ahead. Ignite." WTR doesn't pull punches. They call for talented writers to engage in the meaningful issues that society often shies from. This is a must-click for the literary-inclined.

PeaceImages Jewelry
Handmade jewelry with a beautiful, natural aesthetic. Stylish, comfortable and empowering. I read in an interview that the artist's style icon is Erykah Badu. Nuff said.
 

New Father Chronicles
LaGuardia Cross started vlogging when his daughter, Amalah was an infant. He describes the vlog as, "the weekly journey/shenanigans shared between a new dad and a new human." I describe it as, "video gold" — creative stories of Black fatherhood (and motherhood when his wife appears) that are sure to make you smile, if not laugh out loud.

Screen Shot 2017-01-13 at 11.49.39 PM.png

Strolling Series
Created to, "[connect] the scattered stories of the black diaspora," this is a series of short documentary films in which creator Cecile Emeke strolls with interviewees through various cities in various countries having raw, honest conversations about significant issues. 

Latonya Yvette
Latonya is a lifestyle blogger who focuses on motherhood, style and creativity. For me, there is such a simple joy that comes with reading and viewing a truly well-put-together reflection — a mark her blog posts meet regularly.

christmascard3.jpg

Adorned By Chi
This shop's quirky, cute clothes and accessories might be just the thing you were looking for to fill that dusty little gap in your wardrobe. About themselves they say, "We're cute and conscious, Black and proud." I'm over here like, "One 'don't touch my hair' shirt, please."

hands_off_the_hair_2.png

Too Fly Not to Fly
An alphabet book for ages Pre-K to 3rd grade, written through the lens of a Black child. "O" is for "Obstacles." "K" is for "King." "S" is for "Strength." And all "I" have to say is "I am all here for it."

Erica Tenggara Yoga
Erica is one of my favorite yogis to follow on Instagram. She posts beautiful images of herself in poses as well as really helpful videos and collages on how to get into certain poses. Her often-used hashtag, #ProductofPatience, reminds me that she didn't get here overnight, so I won't either.

Super Mamás
Super Mamás is a podcast put on by Latina moms and sisters, Paulina and Bricia Lopez. They create a space where expecting moms can exchange knowledge and be supported through the emotional ups and downs of motherhood. I'm constantly stalking their Instagram. Such goodness.

Nubian Skin
For WOC looking for underwear that actually matches their skin tone when it says, "nude." Because "nude" isn't just pale, pink off-white no matter what the majority of the beauty industry says! I love that the lightest shade is described as, "More parts cream than coffee." That's definitely this sister right here! 😂

Brown Sugar Social
Brown Sugar Social Project helps black-owned brands grow their products. This is how I found out about PeaceImages Jewlery and OooPolish, the first and only polish line created for WOC! I fell in love with this group at first scroll-through-the-Instagram-feed. I have a feeling that you might, too.

Do you have some favorite POC Brands that you've discovered? Tell me about them! Share in the comments below.

10 Podcasts on Birth, Motherhood & Other Stories about Little Ones

I love podcasts. Absolutely love them. Naturally, I've explored birth/baby/motherhood podcasts, but in my time of listening to podcasts of all kinds, I've been pleasantly surprised to hear many report on birth/baby/mother issues from their unique perspectives. 

DESCRIPTION

There are parents in the US desperate for breast milk and others who have too much milk and end up pouring it down the sink. Reply All Producer Phia Bennin wades into the world of breast milk markets, and discovers a breast milk paradise, shady breastmilk scammers, and the surprising history of breast milk in the United States.


Breast milk is considered a perfect food for infants, so much so that for the first four to six months of life, a baby can subsist on mother’s milk alone. Learn all about the most fascinating milk around and the science behind it in this episode.


What makes us who we are? How do parents mold children into who they are? In this hour, TED speakers reflect on how our upbringing shapes us. Part 1: What Can Kids Learn By Doing Dangerous Things? Part 2: Why Is Parenthood Filled With So Much Anxiety? Part 3: What Does It Mean To Be A 'Child Of The State'? Part 4: How Do Our Worst Moments Shape Us?



Stories of kids using perfectly logical arguments, and arriving at perfectly wrong conclusions. 

Gloria Harrison was pregnant and in labor when she decided that the thing she needed to do before heading to the hospital, was go the Nissan dealership and buy a new car.

When Elna Baker was a kid, she hit her younger sister on the head with a broom, then lied and said it was an accident. So Elna’s dad held a family trial to find the truth.

Kids are everywhere in the camps, they’re a third of the refugees. You see them around, improvising stuff to play with. Ira talks to a woman named Aziza Bashar about what it’s like to be a parent in a camp. She has six children, the oldest 18, the youngest five.


Judy, a mother of two young kids, practices a demanding style of child-rearing. It’s called attachment parenting, and it says you should keep your baby close at all times, breastfeed on demand, share your bed, and avoid strollers. Like many attachment parents, Judy believes the sacrifices she makes will ensure her kids will become well-adjusted, successful, happy adults. But, what does the science say?


Carolyn and Dean Savage wanted one more baby to complete their family. They ended up with a whole lot more.


You know the drill - all it takes is one sperm, one egg, and blammo - you got yourself a baby. Right? Well, in this episode, conception takes on a new form - it’s the sperm and the egg, plus: two wombs, four countries, and money. Lots of money. 


The Affordable Care Act — aka Obamacare — requires health insurers to pay for breast pumps. For many insurance plans, the new rule kicked in at the start of this year. [We] visit a breast pump boutique that has suddenly become a medical supply superstore. And we look at happens when a device goes from being something people have to pay for out of their own pocket to being free for anyone with insurance.


This is the story of a three-year-old girl and the highest court in the land. The Supreme Court case Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl was a legal battle that entangled a biological father, a heart-broken couple, and the tragic history of Native American children taken from their families.


The first thing that greets you when you step off the elevator at the Planned Parenthood in Brooklyn is a metal detector. "I didn’t necessarily expect it," a first-time patient told me. "But as soon as I saw it I was like, 'Oh yeah, that’s right, that makes sense.'" [... It's] not very often that we hear from the people who rely on these clinics for health care. [...We] also talked with some of the abortion protesters who stand outside the clinic every Saturday, rain or shine. And I interviewed several staff members and volunteers at Planned Parenthood—like Rhea, who greets patients as they walk in the door downstairs.