Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine’s Day! It’s been a while because, well, life. And sometimes you need to focus on real life and leave online to deal with itself. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing, blogging and posting on social media, but lately, I have had a hard time. Facebook is where…
The Broke Pocket Diaries: Who am I?
I am a Black woman. A mother of two Black children. A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. A child of God. A writer. A communicator. A maker. A creative type. A student. A teacher. A professional. I am a whole bunch of things. All those pieces create my personality and who you see…
Thank God it’s Friday
Listen y’all. This was supposed to be a summary post, highlighting all my summer fun as we head into fall. But that’s going to have to wait. Between the first week of school, the girls’ extracurricular activities, business building and a five am wake-up–because my oldest daughter was sick and needed a trip to emergency–and…
Black girl will travel: Niagara-on-the-Lake
I’ve visited the Niagara Region–specifically The Falls–many times over the years. Each time an out-of-town guest would plan a trip to my parents’ former home in Montreal or my place in the Toronto area, the first thing they would say is, “Can we visit The Falls?” Yeah, sure, I guess. The Falls are spectacular, but…
Toronto Carnival 2018: Lessons learned
Friends. I am tired. Busted. Exhausted. Spent. What did I do, you ask? I was on the road with Saldenah Carnival, playing mas, enjoying myself and living my best life this weekend. Listen, I’m sore, but I had the best time. As a second-time mas player, I have learned more lessons and had an even…
Top 10 tips to make your Caribana lit
Hey y’all! Are you enjoying the summer? I’ve been unable to breathe for the past six weeks–I’ve had a chronic asthma attack and allergies. I’ve been trying to control it, but it’s been kicking my butt. I dragged myself to the doctor today and got a bunch of new prescriptions. Thank the Lord for medication–but…
Yassss! Fashion on a budget
I think I’ve mentioned this before: I am not one to spend a lot on clothing. It just seems like a waste of money. When my sister-in-law invited me to the chartering of the Toronto chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha last weekend, I needed to find something to wear. As much as I enjoy social…
Why me not liking your celebrity fave is not hating
When Beyoncé announced her pregnancy with twins, I was mildly interested. I’m not a big Bey fan. I think she’s an amazing performer and I like some songs, but I’m not blown away by her. I’m not a fan of most celebrities. I like a lot of people’s work, but they aren’t my faves….
Just watch the wedding, dammit
I’ve been watching/seeing the coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s upcoming wedding. Some of the coverage has been positive (“Yay! Royal wedding! Fascinators! English people!”) and some has been negative (“Colonizers! Who cares! Welfare families! Meghan ain’t even Black!). I’m not a royal watcher. I have major issues with legacy of the royal family…
School Daze: White Privilege Conference Youth Action Program
When I was 12 and 13, I spent my days trying to be cool (which I was not) and navigating life as the child of Black Caribbean immigrants. I was woefully unaware of all the stuff that came with being Black in a predominantly white environment and being the child of immigrants who moved to…