03/15/2025
Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival 2025! ☀️
A time was had! Shoutout to the dope vendors I connected with at the festival: .inc
Many thanks to my dear friend, , who invited me to document and celebrate the launch of her new book, “Brighter: The Royal Legacy Anthology Volume 1” (go check that out!!!). Immensely proud of you, sis!
There’s a powerful current underlying so many of the beautiful events, spaces, and collectives on The Deuces and in south St. Pete. Many of them were born out of a need to process our grief by existing and healing in communion with one another. I was reminded that so many of the folks fully leaning into their gifts are simply alchemizing their grief, just like I am. Special shoutout to Mr. Scott of , whose work is a testament to his journey in disrupting cycles of community harm and violence in honor of his son Marquis’ life.
Lola described grief as a disruptor — a process that is fundamentally life-altering. When we do the work of processing and healing (vs. avoiding, bypassing, or burying the weight of our grief), it can be transformative not just for ourselves, but for others as well. It’s a necessary part of getting free individually and collectively! In reflecting on her brother George’s life and legacy, Lola shared this quote: “I’m so grateful for the culture that’s allowed him to be remembered. I’m so grateful that my work has allowed me to remember.”
In the 5 years that I’ve been back home, so many of the people I’ve been blessed to share space with breathed life into me through my own cycles of grief and healing. And they continue to do so! Y’all have truly sustained and changed my life for the better. I’m grateful for every opportunity to return the favor ♥️