1. Miss New York Won Miss America
Congratulations to Nia Franklin!
She is New York Transplant from North Carolina. A talented artist and fellow at the infamous Lincoln Center, Nia won the hearts of social media viewers with her talent.
We look forward to seeing what her reign will be like.
2. Serena & Naomi
The closing match for the Women’s US Open Finale ended in a way that we will be discussing for quite awhile. Unfortunately, we won’t be discussing the overflowing of black girl magic that brought these two beautiful ladies to center stage. This match will forever be tainted with the altercation between Serena Williams and umpire Carlos Ramos. Many viewers felt the palpable frustration that radiated from Serena as the umpire made calls, accusation, and ultimately penalizations that she deemed unfair.
Many people say that Serena should have taken the higher road, dealt with her grievances after the game, but I believe there would have been even more danger in that. When the umpire accused her of cheating, had she not spoken up, we would be talking about how the arguably greatest female athlete is a cheater. Ultimately, Serena was penalized a game for ‘abuse towards the umpire.’ It left many of us asking, “Is this what happens when women stand up for themselves?”
Congratulations to Naomi Osaka who played a great game and won her first Grand Slam.
3. Vote for Jackie Aina!
We love Jackie at Touch of a Queen. Support her by voting her E!’s People’s Choice Awards Beauty Influencer of the Year.
https://pca.eonline.com/#vote/cat37
4. Jollof Rice Seasoning
So myself and social media discovered that Jollof Rice seasoning exist much to our mortification. This dish that African people pride themselves on and countries war about who prepares the best, is to meant to be reduced to a “shake shake” and walaah! Jollof Rice is made with patience, technique, finesse, swag and served with thanksgiving that God created taste buds.
Before, I completely disgrace its existence, I will make effort to try it and see what is really going on. However, it’s on this list so that all of you know that I am not feeling this so far with a strong side eye.
5. Slick Woods is Epic
Have you ever heard of someone walking the runway while in labor? Oh no? Me neither. That is until model Slick Woods let us know that is exactly what she did during New York Fashion Week. We watched this beauty walk in all her pregnant glory but had no idea she would deliver just hours later. If this does not cause you to be amazed at the strength of women, I do not know what will.
6. Power Season Finale
Did you catch up? There is a spoiler alert here.
This season of Power should have been subtitled, “Erbody gon die.” Season 5 was emotional taxing with all the gasp worthy moments that begged the question, “Where is this going?” . Kanaan dead. Terresi dead. Terry dead. Angela Dead. Yet, somehow Dre still lives. We need to rename him, ‘9 Lives” because his dodging of the grim reaper is award worthy.
The finale caused me to be concerned that there is no more story to tell but, writer Courtney Kemp got viewers together real quick.
Courtney Kemp told us via instagram that Angela is in fact not dead. Should we be relieved or concerned?
7. Rest in Peace Mac Miller
January 19, 1992 – September 7, 2018
The death of young people always leaves a void that people are unprepared to experience. The recent death of beloved rapper Mac Miller was no exception. Being the same age and having followed his music for years, I am especially in a state of denial. We often take time for granted because we feel like there is so much more life to live. It is important to not under estimate the demons that some people are battling. Drug addiction is a monster that is tough to conquer. Unfortunately popular culture has us desensitize the power of drugs. Let’s move forward with a loud resilient message of Say No To Drugs, with the hopes of saving lives.
