7 Books the Black Diaspora Should Read

Over the past few weeks, a number of articles and social posts focusing on books that allies should read have circled throughout social media. Although I have an appreciation for the posts, I am personally committed to the education, support and the betterment of my community: the Black Diaspora.

Great energy and love has spurred from Black people about what to do and how we can make a change, but I believe the happenstance of misguided viewpoints begets toxicity and mirrors the effects of brainswashing. I was raised to appreciate knowing our history prior to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the history of Blacks in America and abroad, and how Black people have suffered from slavery and colonialism. This has prompted me to think of a few books I have read and others my mother suggested me to read over the years.

In order to progress forward, it is important to break the psychological chains that are the byproduct of slavery and colonialism. The books listed below offer historical context to the plight of the Black Diaspora as well as steps to advance as a people:

1. The Miseduction of the Negro by. Carter G. Woodson
2. Breaking the Chains of Psychological Slavery by. Dr. Na'im Akbar
3. The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors by. Dr. Frances Cress Welsing
4. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America's Legacy of Enduring Injury & Healing by Joy DeGruy
5. PowerNomics: The National Plan to Empower Black America by. Dr. Claud Anderson
6. Black Economics: Solutions for Economic and Community Empowerment by. Juwanza Kunjufu
7. From the Browder File Vol II: Survival Strategies for Africans in America: 13 Steps to Freedom by. Anthony Browder

Peace & Love,
Aminata B. Sow
"Ubuntu: I am because we are."

 

Set a Goal & EXECUTE: 30 Books I read in 2018

Last year I set a goal to read 30 books and accomplished it. Check out the list below that includes an array of genres.

1. The Spirit of Intimacy: Ancient African Teaching in the Ways of Relationships by. Sobonfu Somé
2. Killers of Flower Moon: The Oasage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by. David Grann
3. What It Means When a Man Falls From the Sky by. Lesley Arimah
4. Don`t Settle for Safe by. Sarah Jakes Roberts
5. Honey in Harlem by. David Ellis
6. Writing my Wrongs; Life, Death & Redemption in an American Prison by Shaka Senghor
7. Children of Blood & Bone by. Tomi Adeyemi
8. The Road of Lost Innocence by. Somaly Mam
9. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life`s Purpose by. Eckhart Tolle
10. Greater by. Steven Furtick
11.The Year of Less by. Cait Flanders
12. Let the Circle be Unbroken by. Marimba Ani
13. Xala by. Ousmane Sembène
14. Baracoon by Zora Nelae Hurston
15. Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans who escaped slavery and became Millionaires by. Shomari Wills
16. A Man Called Ove by. Frederik Backman
17. Blink by. Malcolm Gladwell
18. Stay With Me by. Ayobami Adebayo
19. An American Marriage by. Tayari Jones
20. Ritual: Power, Healing, and Community by. Malidoma Patrice Somé
21. Binti by. Nnedi Okorafor
22. Dear Ijeawele or a Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
23. Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali by. S.T. Niane
24. Little Fires Everywhere by. Celeste Ng
25. And Then There Were None by. Agatha Christie
26. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by. unot Díaz
27. Becoming by Michelle Obama
28. Moonbath by. Yanick Lahens
29. The Power of Habit by. Charles Duhigg
30. The Art of Breathing by. Danny Penman, Ph.D.

This year my youngest sister and I set a goal to read 50 books. Just finished Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and now reading Just Mercy ``A Story of Justice and Redemption`` by Bryan Stevenson. Life is a journey not a destination and I am fortunate to have mother that continues to instill in me the passion to always seek knowledge. Share what you are reading this year! 

Peace & Love,

2019: The Year of Embracing Your Journey and Elevating

If you know me, you know that I LOVE to send (and receive) cards with positive messages and and words of affirmation for birthdays and just because. For the holidays I use to send holiday cards adorned with Black Santa Claus, angels and nativity sets, yet at the end of 2016 I decided to create New Year’s cards instead with a mantra to live by for the year.

In 2017 the focus was on being intentional with your thoughts, actions and pursuing your goals. In 2018 the focus was on execution. You may have fell short on some of your goals and that is ok. Acknowledge your setbacks, celebrate your winds and embrace your journey. Focus on giving thanks for 2018 and elevating your life in 2019.

Peace & Love,

Be BOLD, Be AUTHENTIC & Live Out Loud

Happy Wednesday Queens & Kings,

About three weeks ago I visited my second home aka the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem to see the documentary on André Leon Talley entitled, "The Gospel According To André". Following the film, broadcast journalist, Tamron Hall graced the stage with André and the director of the film for a brief discussion and question/answer segment. The biggest takeaway I took from the night is to be bold, authentic and to live out loud. As mentioned by Talley himself, he is literally larger than life and commands the attention in every room he walks into.

I believe that when you are your authentic self, you are the most creative, comfortable and free-flowing being. The documentary was so moving for me because I am on a journey of being authentically myself and leveraging my passion to make change. I find at times that it is easier said than done for a number of reasons, but I have to start somewhere.

When in doubt go within, quiet your mind, scribe, meditate, breathe and trust in the process. You may be unsure of the path but as you walk the road of life, always remember to be BOLD, AUTHENTIC & Live Out Loud!

Sincerely,


A Being seeking the best version of herself

HBCU Homecomings & Building Your Network/Net Worth

October 2015 was the season for HBCU Homecomings for me. I had the pleasure of attending my Homecoming at Howard University, Savannah State & Spelman/Morehouse. I think it is safe to say that most HBCU Homecomings are the same; beautiful melanated people, good food, music and fun. Now we could argue whose Homecoming is the best, however, I have established that where you attended school has the best Homecoming. Unless you reside in the city of your alma mater, you are bound to drop a pretty penny on Homecoming, from your flight to your housing, new outfits, parties, food and liquor; easily $500 or more. After a weekend of cookouts and parties, laughs and hugs, we head back to our perspective city energized yet dreading work on Monday.

During that whole weekend, how many of us share ideas and express interests in starting an organization or business? Do you think about starting an investment club with your friends? How about buying property near your alma mater? When I was in Atlanta for Spelman and Morehouses' Homecoming, I couldn't help but to see opportunity. Opportunity to connect ideas, build powerhouses and grow generational wealth. 

Our collective buying power as a community is more than $1.3 trillion dollars, but how many of us are taping into those resources? I know, I know, the idea seems daunting because you might be wondering where would one start. It starts with a conversation and the sharing of ideas. No idea is too small or too big. So the next time you are attending your Homecoming, enjoy the people and the atmosphere, but also think about how you can Build Your Network & Your Net Worth. From there, place action behind your thoughts! #BuildingGenerationalWealth

Peace, Lover & Blessings,


Aminata B. Sow

The Value of a Penny (I Am a Money Magnet)

"At first I hardly recognized it. It didn't look like much. I stopped and picked it up and examined it. It was a gnarled coin. It looked like it had been run over many times. The edges were jagged. I could barely make out the face of Lincoln. One old, beat up penny. I was out for a walk in the neighborhood. On these walks I occasionally find a little money. Never very much: a penny here, a nickel there. But I always stop and pick it up, then toss it in a jar where I keep change." That excerpt is from Glenn Dromgoole's book, "The Power of a Penny".

How many of you have gone to a store, paid for your items and told the cashier to keep the change? Do you pass up FREE money on the ground if it is not a nickel, dime, quarter or dollar bill? If so why? I truly believe that many people do not value the penny. It is seen as worthless, however pennies add up. If there were five pennies on the ground, would you pick it up? If not, would you pick up a nickel? Both equate to the same amount and spend and save the same way.

I vividly remember, years ago while a student at Howard, sitting in the car at a drive thru window and an old friend throwing 4 pennies out of the window after the employee handed him his change. After questioning his actions, he told me, "They are just pennies". At that point I knew that we were not financially yoked, and that although this old friend wanted to make a lot of money, he did not see the current value in what he had now. My mother taught me at a very young age to learn how to count my money, save my money, and when I find money to pick it up because it is a Blessing. If you want to make money and grow your money, I believe that you have to value what you have and what is around you. No form of currency should be beneath you because at the end of the day it holds value.

I believe that words have POWER, so I have a daily affirmation that I recite about money and I will testify that I find money EVERYWHERE. I have a special savings account where I store my change and it continues to grow.

Next time you see a penny, pick it up and throw it into a savings account. Trust me, you will not regret it.

Daily Affirmation: I am a Money Magnet, I attract ALL Blessings! #BuildingGenerationalWealth

Peace, Love & Blessings,


Aminata B. Sow

Initiating the Conversation about Money (Building Generational Wealth)

In the words of the O'Jays hit For the Love of Money, "Money money money money money". We sing about it, we rap about it, we worry about it, we work long hours to make it, we lose sleep over it and we will cry over it. We can talk about money ALL day long, but how many of us actually have constructive conversations about saving money to build Generational Wealth, or have conversations about investing with a group of friends?

I know what some of you may be thinking, "no one ever taught me how to save because it was not discussed in my home" or "I know the importance of saving, but I plan to do it later when I get married and start a family". I find that many Black (African, Black American, Caribbean) homes do not discuss the importance of saving and investing money, because survival of how to get money to pay this bill, or pay that mortgage consumes a lot of energy. Lack of knowledge around the topic of money has also kept us from having the conversations. Although this may, or may not be true for some, we as a community need to be in a position where talking about money is not taboo, and share and educate others on how to save and invest.

The best way to overcome the fear or taboo regarding conversations about money is to ask questions, start conducting research about the basics of saving and investing, start initiating the conversations among family, friends and co-workers, and lead by example by actually saving and investing! You can start off small by saving $5 a week, or sacrifice eating out everyday and save $30 a week. Building Generational Wealth, takes time, however, you HAVE to START somewhere. Money was not discussed in my home often, so I want to educate myself, my family, my friends, my peers and my future offspring.

One of the methods that I use for saving is the "52 Week Money Challenge". This is my second time utilizing the method, and have altered the challenge by saving $60 every week. I make my deposits every Monday and also deposit change that I find on the ground into the account. Whether you decide to lead by example, or initiate the conversation, don't think about the process too much; JUST DO IT!


Peace, Love & Blessings,


Aminata B. Sow

Selfishness Campaign

I went to lunch with a good friend of mine the other day...and boy did she drop some knowledge. A lot of the gems given during the conversation resonated with me and actually made me somewhat emotional after her departure. During the conversation I realized how much she had grown as a human being and I admired that she wanted to constantly reflect on what she needed to do to become the best version of herself in the future. What really stuck with me was her acceptance of past, present, and future relationships and no longer needing to justify why some relationships may dwindle. I've given a lot of thought of what kind of person I want to be and whether or not I have actually chosen to walk down a path of betterment or bitterness by dwelling on relationships that are no longer as strong as they once were. As I write this I realize that in an effort to be selfless I've lost myself just a smidgen and maybe incorporating selfishness into my character make-up won't be such a bad thing after all. A few ideas on how to selfishly enhance my being while not negatively affecting the people I love the most are listed below:
1. Stop pushing through:
Ignoring your body or your mind is actually one of the most unhealthy things you can do to yourself. If you're tired...then you're tired...and that's OK. You shouldn't have to justify why you are unable to do something for others if it means you can not give the best version of yourself at a particular moment, especially if the event or request is trivial. Remember, while you're running around like a chicken with your head cut off...other people are asleep or resting or not worried about the unnecessary stress you have inflicted upon yourself to make others happy. So I'll take my own advice...I need to have a seat somewhere.

2. Wait for the request:
"Too often we jump in and start helping a friend, co-worker or family member before they've even asked. Then we get burned when they don't take our advice. It hurts." Go ahead and set some boundaries, because setting clear and concrete boundaries allows you to help wholeheartedly and be sincere in the process...not just enable them.

3. Find your happy and run like hell with it:
As I write this I've even begun to feel slight guilt for premeditating this whole "selfish" campaign. Approximately 5 seconds has passed and I've realized that I'm not really being selfish at all...I'm trying to be happy...and therefore the previous sentence is some bullshit. I am no longer exhausting myself by attempting to "do the most"...that is the goal for 2016. There is some quote that states "friends come and go"...that's a crock of foolishness to me. Real friends are forever no matter where you are in life, so finding your happy should not offend the ones you love the most...because they love you as well and want you to be happy.

With all of that being said...being a little selfish can lead to a happiness you have been unable to experience previously. When you're happy, your energy is infectious and inspires and encourages others to be happy too. Let's face it...everyone's a lot more fun when their happy.
Onward.
~Ola.

The Winter Solstice & A Time to be Still

On Wednesday, December 16th, I attended an event that was conducted by Egyptologist Anthony Browder about the connection between Kemetic (Egyptian) Spirituality and practices and Christianity. From the two hour lecture, the one topic that stood out to me was about the Winter Solstice which begins December 21st. Astronomically, the Winter Solstice marks the beginning of shortening nights and lengthening days, however it also is the period when the sun is still. Following the Winter Solstice is a full moon that appears on December 25th, which in Kemetic faith is recognized as the birth of the sun and the enhancement of solar energies by a full moon.

During the period of December 21st-24th, it is the most opportune time to align our bodies with our spiritual self. Society has conditioned us to believe that during the Holiday season we should attend multiple events, buy gifts for loved ones and people we could care less about and to rip and run to make sure we have things we do not need, however we should spend more time to be still and prepare for the new year. Listed below are a few things one can do to align with your spiritual self.

Preparation for the Winter Solstice

December 21-24, 2015

• A time for prayer, meditation and fasting
• A time to be still and intentional in your thoughts, speech and actions
• Burn incense, play inspirational music & no tv

S.A.V.E.R.S. Morning Ritual

S= SILENCE, MEDITATION & PRAYER
A= AFFIRMATIONS
V= VISUALIZATIONS
E= EXERCISE
R= READ
S= SCRIBE (WRITE)

Be You. Be Still.

Peace, Love & Blessings,

Aminata B. Sow

YOUR Word Has Power

Have you ever mentioned someone's name and days later that person calls you or you bump into them randomly on the street? In that moment that you spoke that person's name did you realize you were breathing life into the Universe about that individual? Ever hear of the term "Be careful what you wish for, words have power"? Well I am here to affirm that Words do have power and you can either use them for power positive energy or negative energy. The choice is yours.

As humans it is easy for us to get caught up in focusing on the negative. "I do not want to get stuck in traffic", "I do not want to be late for work". What is usually the outcome once you state what you do not want to happen? Many times it actually happens. Why? Well you focused on what you did not want to happen and you spoke life into it. Instead of focusing on what you do not want to happen, breathe life into positive statements.

In the book/film "The Secret" the tenet of the work is that the universe is governed by a natural "law" called the law of attraction which is said to work by attracting into a person's life the experiences, situations, events, and people that "match the frequency" of the person's thoughts and feelings. The book/film affirms that thinking positively can create life-changing results such as increased wealth, health, and happiness.

So the next time you have the urge to think or say something negative, switch your mindset and breathe positive energy into the universe.


Peace, Love & Blessings,

Aminata B. Sow