Words are powerful. Words are strong. Words have the ability to enact change and uplift people. America has given birth to some powerful poets in the past such as Maya Angelou and Robert Frost; both of whom can attest to the magnetic force that words can have on a group of people. 

But when poetic words come from a 22-year old author and poet who dreams of running for president in 2036, they leave behind a monumental, nostalgic moment that can never truly be forgotten.

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“Embrace the glorious mess that you are.” 

Judging by these words, you would consider a mess to be an entity that’s considered to be “disorderly” or “unorganized.” However, these very words spoken by Elizabeth Gilbert, journalist and best-selling author of Eat, Pray, Love, are just as affirming as the “mess” that created the company, “Mess in a Bottle.” Upon hearing those words, some people would actually think there’s a “mess” in a bottle, but that’s not the case. “Mess” is shortened for the word “message,” as in the affirming messages that are printed on many of the company’s products. 

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There was a survey circulating the internet towards the end of the year, asking people what place have they missed going to the most during the Covid-19 restrictions? I had three; museums, bowling alleys, and the show, aka the movie theater. I’m an avid museum-goer, bowler, and have gotten into movies a little more nowadays. One of the reasons I’ve become more interested in movies is because of the diversity of Black stories that are being told now. Part of the diversity stems from the fact, we as Black people are telling our own stories, whereas in the past they were being told from other people’s perspectives. From the likes of Lena Waithe and Ava Duvernay, to Ryan Coogler, Jordan Peele, and Nate Parker, they each have brought a unique way of Black storytelling to TV and the movie screen. Nate Parker seems to be the rebel of the bunch, and his latest film, “American Skin,” is a great depiction of where he stands. 

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Most of us can agree that every January, the infamous “new year, new me” quote tends to get thrown around like a frisbee. We sit around and decide that we’re going to make all these huge changes and by the time December rolls back around, we throw ourselves into the same cycle. This recurring cycle requires us to accept change, practice balance, and facilitate authenticity; which are some of the same things humans tend to struggle with on a daily basis. Understanding how to overcome these obstacles are what actress Drew Barrymore believes will carry humanity forward; the righteous way.

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Sneakers are more than just shoes. Sneakers have forged bonds among communities, and they have inspired philanthropic efforts, such as Sneaker Ball Atlanta. Sneaker Ball Atlanta is an annual benefit that raises funds to provide kids and teens with financial support and sneakers. Sneaker Ball ATL’s Instagram profile describes the fundraiser as “a premier event that brings together professionals across the City of Atlanta for a night benefiting youth in low income & underserved areas.”

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