This page is my creative mixtape, a blend of books, beats, and big ideas shaping how I see the world. Here’s what I’m listening to, reading, and reflecting on as I keep building spaces where culture, creativity, and community meet.
Moonchild ft. Robert Glasper & D. Smoke
Taken from the Moonchild's new album "Waves". Each one of these artists it crazy talented on their own but together they make the ultimate ensemble!
Song: Up From Here
I am Reading...
History texts often teach that the United States has made a straight line of progress toward Black equality. The reality is more complex: milestones like the end of slavery, school integration, and equal voting rights have all been met with racist legal and political maneuverings meant to limit that progress.
*I am a big fan of the historian Carol Anderson and how she paints this realistic picture of what racism and equality looks like using examples throughout history.
A powerful call for true accompliceship for non-Black people, and a way for Black people to see and celebrate themselves, White Supremacy Is All Around ushers in a new voice that is timely, urgent, and essential—and a vision we all need now.
*I'm actually listening to this and taking notes in the book. Still reading this as well as reading her Substack whihc is amazing!
by Uketsu
From the bestselling author of Strange Houses and Strange Pictures comes a new unsettling mystery—eleven strange buildings, each with its own twisted floor plan and eerie backstory, and a terrible secret that connects them all.
*This Book! I can't put it down. It's like the last two he's written, they were creepy, mysterious and suspensful enough to keep you up all night trying to see what is going to happen.
Image credit: TV Insider
I LOVE THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO! It's the revenge part for me. I remember watching the original adaptation in my 11th grade english class and I didn't give it enough credit. Alexander Dumas was a brilliant writier and this story has everything in it, love, drama, crime, loss and more important revenge...I mean justice.
Now shoing on PBS Masterpiece this series is an Epic New TV Adaptation of Dumas' Iconic Novel, One of the Greatest Revenge Stories. Falsely Accused, Imprisoned, & Reborn as the Count of Monte Cristo. Click this link to watch the trailer for this series.
I am Learning More About...
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
This interactive, LEGO®-themed workshop invites educators to build inclusive, welcoming environments brick by brick through playful and hands-on learning. Participants will actively engage in collaborative activities that unlock creative ways to foster inclusion, connection, belonging, and equity in their classrooms and schools.
Throughout the session, educators will explore the powerful role that relationship-building and community engagement play in creating spaces where every student and staff member feels respected, included, and motivated to contribute. Using LEGO® bricks as a metaphor and tool, participants will construct tangible representations of their shared vision for inclusive school culture bringing abstract concepts into concrete form.
The workshop emphasizes practical strategies that support diverse learners and historically marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students. Attendees will reflect on their own practices, biases, and opportunities for growth, while gaining actionable insights to interrupt othering, exclusion and promote belonging and equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Disclaimer: While this workshop uses LEGO® brick play as a tool for creativity, connection, and professional learning, it is not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with the LEGO® Group. We draw inspiration from the universal joy and accessibility of building bricks to foster authentic engagement and community in educational spaces.
Quotes I am Inspired by...
"The question isn't can you, it's will you"
- Unknown
I am Indulging in...
No. 50 Hibiscus Loose Leaf Tea~ Bellocq
This is indulgence in liquid form, one of my favorite tea flavors.
All Natural Freeze Dried Strawberries
These are just delicious, especially if you want strawberries in the winter or a quick nutritious snack!
Image credit: LEGO®
LEGO® Botanicals Tulips
I LOVE Lego and this set because it's beautiful, colorful and perfect for any home.I also like it because at some point the snow will melt and the flowers will be back and everything will be vibrant again.