Katura J. Hudson

Today is the last day of Kwanzaa. Every day of Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 - Jan. 1) focuses on a principle, collectively called the Nguzo Saba. The principle for today is Imani, which means faith. Today is also Haitian Independence Day. On January 1, 1804, Haiti made history becoming the first Black republic and the first country in the Western Hemisphere  to abolish slavery.  There’s something extra special about these two celebrations falling on January 1 — about bringing in a new year grounded in thoughts of freedom & faith. Just a bit of what’s on my mind as we welcome 2022. Happy New Year! Photo description: my fully lit kinara sits on my bookshelf, on top of fabric from West Africa. With it is a plant, a printed list of the Nguzo Saba, ears of corn, an Ankh and cowrie shells.

I bought this shirt earlier this year. I first read bell hooks in college, and this was my visual reminder to revisit the work of the woman who introduced me to Black feminist thought. I didn’t want to put it on until I had actually done what the shirt said. But today I changed my mind. It’s not too late to revisit or read for the first time. Grateful her words are eternal. Photo description: Katura smiling, wearing a white t-shirt that says ‘read more bell hooks’ five times - each line in a different color. Resource:  10 Powerful bell hooks Works on the Intersectionality of Race and Feminism  

This holiday weekend was a first for me. Actually two firsts.  For the first time in decades of family dinners, I made the dressing. From scratch with cornbread and lots of fresh sage. It’s my mama’s recipe, with my grandmother’s tweaks and it was GOOD!  I rested every day of the four day weekend. I rested *before* I got tired. And I loved it. Sleep and relaxation hit different when they’re not rewards for overworking.  Photo description: a smiling selfie of me wearing a winter white sweater, red lipstick and twists, standing in front of my mantlepiece.

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.”