Katura J. Hudson

Do you have a TO DO list? What about a GET To Do list? I started creating a Get To Do list to balance my growing scroll of assignments and projects with fun and relaxing things that I can look forward to. The things on my Get To Do list come with no obligation, no deadline, just a sense of freedom or joy. For me, it’s just as important to have these written reminders for fun and relaxation as it is to have them for work. Maybe more so. Photo Description : a screenshot of the notes app in my phone. It displays my "get to do list" which includes: Watch Girlfriends on Netflix Bake then eat dessert for breakfast Online dance class Outdoor exercise Catch up with some favorite folks At the bottom of the list is photo of the cast of Girlfriends.

Sometimes quotes are for inspiration. Sometimes they’re for affirmation and confirmation. Reason 5011 why I keep James Baldwin’s words with me. Photo description: selfie of me in a gray t-shirt, with James Baldwin’s quote in white text: “I can’t believe what you say because I see what you do.”

A meeting was removed from my calendar today. Instead of filling that full hour with work (which is definitely my impulse), I took a much-needed break and watched a few Janet Jackson videos. Rest is a practice and self-care is productive. Photo description: screenshot of Janet Jackson, wearing a red hoodie and smiling in her “Doesn’t Really Matter” video

A few years ago, I heard one of the most inspiring talks ever. It was given by Diane Nash, who, as a student at Fisk, led efforts to desegregate lunch counters in Nashville, desegregate interstate travel through the Freedom Rides, and co-founded SNCC. She told us, a room full of college students, 20- and 30-somethings: “My contemporaries had you in mind when we acted. Even though we had not met you, we loved you.” What an affirmation and reminder. Who do you have in mind when you are working, planning, organizing, leading? Photo description: Katura is wearing a gray t-shirt with the following quote from organizer Diane Nash: “My contemporaries had you in mind when we acted. Even though we had not met you, we loved you.”

I don’t remember being told, “we’re going to start celebrating Kwanzaa.” We just did. I think I was 12.  Kinara in place. New terms trying to roll off the tongue.  “Habari Gani.” “Umoja.” “Kujichagulia.” That was my favorite one to practice. Karamu at the Wesleys’. Forming a big circle and calling out the names of our ancestors.  And a few years later, leading Kwanzaa celebrations at church because as I often had to explain, yes, you can be Christian and celebrate Kwanzaa too.  Whether you officially celebrate Kwanzaa or not, I hope we all take inspiration from the Nguzo Saba or seven principles that are its foundation. (Learn about them here) HARAMBEE!! (Let’s pull together) Photo description: Celebrating Ujamaa: me, my friend Maisha, her mom "Mama J," and my mom during one of our many mother-daughter get togethers. The four of us are standing behind a lit kinara.

Author-illustrator Rashad Malik Davis had the generous idea to celebrate Black entrepreneurs in a new IG Live series called  25 Days of Buying Black. He invited me to join and to my surprise, I agreed!  We chatted about writing and marketing, favorite books, and supporting Black-owned businesses. Somehow we ended up talking about getting our scalps greased too. It was a good time! You can watch the replay on his IG.

I’m A Big Sister Now is a featured title in the October 2020 Just Like Me subscription box. It’s great to team up with other Black-owned businesses that share Just Us Books’ goal of connecting readers with books that center and celebrate us!