Happy 2025, yall!

Many of you may remember my #BlackBlogsMatter and #BlackPodsMatter challenges … Starting back in 2017, I would write about topics relating to living and working while Black for the 28 days of February. I continued this for the next couple years — adding new topics, different ways to participate, and even merchandise. In February 2020, I decided that I’d said all I needed to say and put the challenge to rest.

Not long after the challenge ended, Trump got into the thick of his first term and COVID began … The whole world was upside down. I’d pivoted and was focused primarily on podcasting by that point — and just trying to keep my sanity.

As 2025 began and we witnessed the re-election of Trump & all the crazyment that accompanied it, something in me stirred. I had more to say! Some repeats of old themes and some new thoughts. I debated if I should bring the #BlackBlogsMatter #BlackPodsMatter challenge back. And just when I thought I’d decided NOT to do it, I kept seeing this Toni Morrison quote across my socials …

This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.

It was the call to action that I needed (wanted?) to get myself in gear, to start creating again.

And with that, the #BlackBlogsMatter #BlackPodsMatter challenge is back, babyyyyyyyy!!

Starting February 3, I will publish new content on Monday, Wednesday and Friday according to this 2025 calendar. The bulk of the content will be on my podcast, in short episodes, with highlights from the episodes here on the blog. And there will be some merch too!

Buckle up and enjoy!