"Greens, Cornbread, and Gratitude: Nourishing Our Roots and Resilience"

I attended a webinar today titled There Will Be Joy, hosted by the amazing Regina Alhassan, ResearchPRO |. Regina, with her brilliance and grace, paid homage to her ancestors—Black philanthropists who blazed trails long before the world acknowledged their contributions. She honored icons like Mary McLeod Bethune, Mary Ellen Pleasant, Ella Baker, Madam C.J. Walker, and Fannie Lou Hamer. These women not only paved the way for others but also embodied a kind of love and generosity that kept our communities thriving, even under the weight of systemic oppression.

Regina mentioned how she wished she could have met Fannie Lou Hamer—how she dreamed of sitting in her kitchen, eating greens and cornbread, and soaking up her wisdom. That image stuck with me. It reminded me that the spaces we create, whether at the kitchen table or in larger arenas, are sacred. They are where we share knowledge, build resilience, and fuel the spirit for the fight ahead.

Regina also encouraged us to attend events this week that center and uplift Black women and all those committed to making a difference. It got me thinking: today is the day to embrace that call to action. It’s a day to return to the traditions that remind us of our strength and beauty.

When I was younger, growing up in New York, we celebrated Black Solidarity Day—a day to reflect, connect, and recharge as a community. I don’t hear much about it anymore, but I want to revive that energy. Today, I’m celebrating by recommending a few resources that uplift and affirm the beauty of Black and Brown communities.

3 DOCUMENTARIES TO WATCH:

1. I Am Not Your Negro Based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, this powerful documentary directed by Raoul Peck examines the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. Baldwin’s words remind us of the depth of our fight for equality and the resilience that carries us through.
2. 13th Directed by Ava DuVernay, this documentary takes a deep dive into the history of systemic racism and mass incarceration in the United States. It’s a sobering but vital reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
3. Mr. Soul! This celebration of Ellis Haizlip’s groundbreaking variety show, SOUL!, highlights the vibrant culture of Black art, music, and politics in the late 1960s and 70s. It’s a joyous reminder of the beauty and diversity of our talents.

3 BOOKS TO READ:

1. All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks This profound book explores the meaning and practice of love in all its forms—romantic, familial, and communal. bell hooks calls us to embrace love as a powerful force for healing and social change.
2. Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson Wilkerson’s exploration of caste systems, including America’s own, challenges us to rethink the roots of inequality and imagine a better future.
3. Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur A riveting account of the revolutionary’s life, this book is a testament to the fight for liberation and the resilience of the human spirit.

3 PODCASTS TO LISTEN TO:

1. The Stoop, (The Stoop) Hosts Leila Day and Hana Baba explore Black identities across the diaspora, delving into stories that often go untold but resonate deeply.
2. Pod Save the People, (Pod Save the People Podcast - Apple Podcasts), Hosted by activist DeRay Mckesson, this podcast brings a sharp focus to social justice, policy, and culture.
3. Truth Be Told, ( https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_PgxS3FkP7D52czIACfhk1lhLrRo1rYe) Hosted by Tonya Mosley, this advice podcast centers the wisdom of people of color, creating space for healing and connection.

GIANTS

https://youtu.be/ZqL9Z9l38IA

I also had the chance to visit the Giants exhibit, curated by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz at the High Museum in Atlanta before it ended today. It was a feast for the soul—affirming, inspiring, and a reminder of how deeply our artistry resonates with the world.

So today, treat yourself to greens and cornbread (don’t forget the black-eyed peas and rice) and remember how awesome we are. Let’s use this day not to fret about the uncertainties of politics in our country, but to savor our rich history, celebrate our accomplishments, and draw strength from our collective resilience to combat any forces, policies, or people who seek to diminish our light. Together, we are unstoppable!

Christal Cherry is a passionate advocate for women of color and the Black community, using her voice to celebrate their beauty, strength, and resilience. Known for her ability to inspire and uplift, she’s both an equalizer and a joy giver. Through her consulting firm, The Board Pro, Christal empowers nonprofit leaders with the tools and knowledge to serve marginalized communities effectively. In her free time, she leads a national network of extraordinary Black women fundraisers dedicated to driving change in the nonprofit sector. Christal resides in Atlanta with her son, Mac, and her lovable Yorkie Poo, Charlie.

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