Zahara

  Hollywood Black is a triumphant read. The book takes the reader on a journey throughout Black Hollywood, and while there has been much progress since the days of old. There's still so much more work to be done.  I appreciated the author pointing out the shortcomings and stereotypes when it comes specifically to black narratives in Hollywood. The photos that were selected to accompany the entries were a great addition and one of the many highlights of the book.   It's important that black film history be preserved and not lost to time. This book is a great entry point for anyone interested in Hollywood's black film history and black film talents. Rating: 5/5 stars 

  Zola a sixteen-year-old circus trope performer laid amongst a field of yellow lilies in full bloom during a brief respite from her circus performing duties. Alongside her was her trusty companion Lyra--a tigress who rescued her when she was a child during the war that ravaged her hometown Tabia. The sun's rays caressed Zola's sun-kissed skin. She was engrossed reading a book she recently purchased at a shop. "I don't know how much longer I can go on living like this." She thought out loud while turning to look at Lyra who was napping.  While she was grateful for the Majic Traveling Circus for taking Lyra and her in five years ago when they had nowhere to go. There are other personal goals she wishes to pursue and mysteries she has to uncover. For example, the phoenix tattoo located on her left upper arm what does it mean? All she can remember is hearing a woman's voice and catching a glimpse of her warm brown eyes before she lost consciousness again after Ly...

  For the past two years, I've been doing some much-needed soul searching and reflection on my life journey. Naturally, with the knowledge I know now as an adult; I pondered what advice I'd bestow upon my younger self if I could go back in time and it would be the following: Health & Wellness Taking care of your health and wellness needs to be a priority because if you're not well and healthy, you'll greatly limit your activity and stop yourself from accomplishing your dreams or goals. For starters, you need to maintain a healthy diet by first adhering to a strictly vegetarian diet before transitioning fully to a vegan or plant-based diet full-time. You are what you eat after all and nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining health, wellness, and a healthy lifestyle. Career & Education As early as middle school or as late as high school nail down your passion or passions. What would you like to pursue as a career? Create a roadmap on how you plan to get there....

  Greetings! I recognize that with all that's occurring in the world right now it's a stressful and anxiety-inducing time of uncertainty. However, people must practice self-care more than ever and take necessary breaks. One way to do that is through journaling. Journaling your own thoughts, concerns, feelings, or experiences often is a therapeutic way to alleviate stress and negative emotions that you have bottled up inside of yourself. It's not good to allow for these types of emotions to stay within you as they can negatively impact and eat away at you over time.  I found it's best to journal at your own leisure others found that it's best to set aside some time each day for journaling. However, you should do what works best for you.  It's quite simple to get started journaling you don't need to buy a fancy journal; a spiral notebook or even a composition notebook can serve as your journal. Therefore, I encourage you to incorporate journaling into your sel...

  It's Springtime and that usually means Spring cleaning. Usually, around this time of year, I like to slow down and do physical, mental, and spiritual cleansing. In the Spring, I like to clean up and organize things in my house whether it is my bookshelves, closets, or my bedroom. It's good to get rid of junk or clutter that has accumulated over the past few months.  Taking care of your mental health is also extremely important. I find that drinking herbal teas and meditation are great ways to help ease and cleanse one's mind of stress. Lastly, exercising and monitoring your diet are also essential elements in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle and cleanse your physical body.

Back in the day, I used to watch Saved by the Bell  reruns before I went to school from time to time. Recently, I decided to binge-watch the show in its entirety and I couldn't help thinking why Zack and Lisa affectionately dubbed "Zisa" by shippers/supporters of the pairing wasn't explored more during the show's run.  Zack and Lisa's Relationship Throughout the Series It pretty much has been established that Lisa has a crush on Zack, thinks he's cute, and they're childhood friends. Even from time to time, she would join or aid Zack with his shenanigans. For example, the teen hotline episode "1-900-Crushed" where she anonymously gave students advice for a profit nonetheless.   Untapped Potential The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable and palpable. Not to mention, they share multiple subtle intimate and ship teasing moments throughout the show. During the "Operation Zack" episode  Zack displayed rare vulnerability and op...

  A Phoenix First Must Burn Sixteen Stories of Black Girl Magic, Resistance, and Hope Synopsis: A Phoenix First Must Burn is an enthralling anthology series that features sixteen talented authors who pen a diverse array of short stories with black women at the heart of each story told. Review: It can not be said enough, there are so many untold stories and untapped potential that are waiting to be explored.   When it comes to narratives or characters of African ancestry and heritage, they usually fall into one of these categories: drugs, racism/oppression, gangs, or slavery. Any why yes, it's important to showcase black triumph, perseverance, and overcoming adversity, it's also important to showcase black joy, creativity, and to see black characters and narratives positively represented in sci-fi, fantasy, etc. I am proud to say that this anthology book does exactly that. I could easily see these wonderful short stories developed into either animated shorts or a televisi...