Hey Reader,
​
We lost a giant this week. The legendary Nikki Giovanni, poet extraordinaire, truthteller supreme, and legendary literary voice has ascended to be with the ancestors, becoming an ancestor herself. A Delta Dear who dared to dream of a world where Black love flourished and justice reigned supreme. Her pen was her sword, and with it, she carved pathways through the darkness. 🕊️❤️ I, of course, wrote her an Oriki.

The way it hit me when I heard the news. I had to pause and sit with what her work has meant to us, what her courage has done for literature, what her voice has done for poetry. She wrote without permission. Created without apology. Spoke truth without hesitation. And the world is better because she dared to BE. 🙏🏾
​
In fact, it definitely served as a push for me. I’ll tell you more. But first, let me tell you what has me shaking my head this week...

RANT

The wrong ones are the confident ones.
​
​One thing that continues to make me marvel is how confident stupid and mediocre people are. 😒
​
Let us tell the truth: we are often told that everyone’s opinions are valid. No. Everyone has a right to opinions but a lot of people’s opinions are stupid and we need to be able to call that out. 🙅🏾‍♀️

The internet is a cesspool of people who stand strong and wrong often. Hell, the election on November 5th is a damning conviction that there are a lot of daft people in the world and we should not be shy about calling them out. And a lot of them are really confident about their utter foolishness.
​
The audacity of mediocrity is real. Meanwhile people who make sense, think logically, are thoughtful are the ones who will silence themselves, opt out of systems. Meanwhile, the foolish are taking up space, voting in droves and even creating companies (and sometimes becoming billionaires who are BAD BOY BUILT like the cars they sell). 🤦🏾‍♀️
​
I'm watching people fail UP with such spectacular consistency that I'm starting to wonder if we're living in opposite day. 😵‍

The way certain industries are handing out platforms and opportunities to people who bring nothing to the table but the crumbs of someone else's ideas and the nerve to call them their own... 🤮 Meanwhile, brilliant minds with actual solutions, actual expertise, and actual vision can't get a seat at that same table.
​
But you know what? This isn't about being mad at the mediocre. It's about recognizing that in a world where empty confidence is getting standing ovations, imagine what could happen if those with actual gifts, who are good people at their core, moved with even HALF that audacity.
​
Wouldn’t the world be different if so many of us didn’t relinquish power to the daft?

REFLECTION

Every time we lose a giant, they pass us the torch.
​
​When our cultural giants transition, it's not just a loss. It's an invitation. A mandate. A torch being passed directly into our hands. 🔥 And that torch? It's heavy with responsibility.
​
Watching Nikki Giovanni's work impact generations has me thinking about legacy. She didn't wait until the critics agreed with her vision. She didn't wait until society was "ready" to hear what she had to say. Her work spoke truth to power at a time when being outspoken and Black was absolutely a risk. Her work did not wait for permission. Her work took up space and helped us feel seen.❤️ And because she did? Generations of us learned what's possible when you answer the call of your purpose without waiting for permission or perfection first.

My big sis Kai A. Pineda always says “You are chosen.” She reminds me of it in times where I doubt, whether it’s my purpose, my voice or my assignment. We are chosen by God, to exist in this plane, for such a time as this. And to be here is to honor our calling, even the ones that feel too big for us.
​
​Is it possible that the difference between being called and being chosen is that chosen ones answer the call? Nikki Giovanni was chosen. And now her work here is done. And in these moments when new ancestors are made, I can’t help but feel convicted about going deeper into MY calling. 🤲🏾
​
Our giants didn't just feel called to create. They didn't just talk about creating. They didn't workshop their purpose statement for 47 years. They created. They moved. They acted. Even when they were scared. Even when criticism came. Even when the world tried to convince them their voices didn't matter. 💪🏾
​
​Your greatness is not governed by other people's comfort with it. 🙏🏾
​
Reader, the assignment on your life is waiting for you to accept it. And the only day we have guaranteed is today. That is why we must start now. 💫

RECOMMENDATION

Join The Book Academy Waitlist today.
​
​One of my assignments is to help get other folks’ stories out into the world. It is definitely something that lights me up, that I’m good AF at and I know can change lives (because books truly do that). 📚♥️
​
That’s why I created The Book Academy. Because I'm tired of important stories going untold because publishing is meant to be gatekept. Meanwhile, there are so many people (who aren’t white men) whose stories and lessons need to be shared. Because history is written in INK.

You might have thought about writing a book but it feels daunting. Or you think you’re too busy or don’t have enough time to make one happen. Or you think you don’t have a big enough platform. Or you don’t know where to start. 🤔💭
​
The world doesn't need more books. The world needs YOUR book. Your perspective. Your wisdom. Your truth. You know how I know? Because that idea won't leave you alone. Because that story keeps tugging at your spirit. Because deep down, you know somebody needs to read exactly what you have to write. 📖🖋️

Next week, I'm opening the doors to The Book Academy, with some exciting updates and exclusive pricing. But ONLY my Patreon community and those on The Book Academy Waitlist will get first access.
​
​If you've been waiting for a sign to finally write that book, this is it. Don't let another opportunity pass you by. Make sure you're on the waitlist before next week so you don't miss out on this exclusive access.

So tell me: What gift have you been holding back that the world needs? What's the real reason you haven't shared it yet? Hit reply and let me know. 💬
​
Talk soon,

P.S. Come inside my Patreon Community! It's where I share exclusive content you won’t find on my socials, early access to my latest projects (like this upcoming reopening of The Book Academy!) and behind-the-scenes updates. Be the first to know and take advantage of opportunities before anyone else! ✨