Posted in Monthly Book Recommendations, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Monthly Recommendations-August 2025

As summer comes to a close and fall approaches, grab a book or two to make the transition a smooth one. So as the month closes, see August’s Monthly Book Recommendations below:

  • Blood in the Water ~Tiffany D. Jackson
  • This Motherless Land ~Nikki May
  • Colored Television ~Danzy Senna
  • Red Clay ~Charles B. Fancher
  • Weird and Wonderful You ~Zaila Avant-garde
  • The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic ~Lindsey Stewart
  • Sky Full of Elephants ~Cebo Campbell
  • The Strangers: Five Extraordinary Black Men and the Worlds That Made Them ~Ekow Eshun
  • When The Harvest Comes ~Denne Michelle Norris
  • Great Black Hope ~Rob Franklin
  • Sunstruck ~William Rayfet Hunter
  • Flirting Lessons ~Jasmine Guillory

As always, don’t forget to support your local bookstores!!

And remember, you can always go back and check out previous lists in the “Resource” section of the website!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 17-Finding Black Joy in Affirmations!!

I GOT THIS!! Be Your Own Hype Person!! Whether you believe it or not there is value in patting yourself on the back and being your own cheerleader!! One of the many ways this can be done is through affirmations. Affirmations are statements that can brighten your outlook on life and the world. When you say them to yourself regularly or write them down in a journal these statements can change the game!! Affirmations also help build confidence and reduce our stress responses, which in turn can make us more resilient in the face of challenges and crises. The great thing about affirmations is that they have no cost and can be used whenever and wherever!! You gotta love that!!

Today’s #BlackJoy moment is about finding joy in affirmations!! Here are a few affirmations to get you through the day, week, month, or year!!

As you take in these affirmations remember this: Be intentional…Embrace the statements…Breathe in and Breathe out!

See you all tomorrow!!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 10-Motivation Saturday!!

Some days are good, some days not so good…but through it all, it is important to realize we are the conductors of our life and we have the final say about it!! Considering what we have experienced (and are experiencing) in the past few years globally and personally we could all use a daily dose of motivation. I know for me personally I have dealt with loss of close family members and new transitions, professionally going through a third-year review of my tenure track process, and mentally going through a roller coaster of emotions. You name the emotion and I guarantee I experienced it!! I got to a point where I learned to be selfish with my time and not see that as a bad thing…I learned to step back…I learned to celebrate all wins no matter how big or small!!

I began to give myself grace and latitude…A lot of this was due to self-reflection and support from family and friends. When it is all said and done, each day is an opportunity to start anew and begin fresh.

So today’s #BlackJoy moment is about sharing some motivational vitamins!! Keeping it simple, cheerful, and affirming.

Image Credit: @wholeheartedschoolcounseling
Credit Image: @QuotesByChristie
Credit Image: @WetheUrban

Hopefully one or all of the above messages resonates with you, in some sort of way, and you can take the necessary steps to do what is needed to fill your cup with joy!!

See You All Tomorrow!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On The Radar, Resources

Black History Month 2022!!

2-2-22

It is that time of the year!! And while I personally see Black History Month as an everyday conversation, I understand that for some this is not the case. With that being said, Happy Black History Month to you all!!

The celebration of Black History Month is a great time for the nation and the world to expand on the many contributions of the Black/African American experience. Established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History” week , Woodson wanted to make sure people understood not only the experiences but also provide an opportunity to focus on particular themes. The legacy of Negro History week, according to Woodson, was never meant “to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” Thus, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) an organization created by Woodson would begin to explore Black History through a yearly theme. The first theme came about in 1928 and it centered around the idea of “Civilization: A World Achievement.” This year’s theme is the importance of “Black Health and Wellness”!

This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. 

With this year’s theme centered on “Black Health and Wellness” (For more information about this click here!) I wanted to provide some tips and resources on making sure you are taking care of the best YOU!!

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
  • Be Kind To Yourself
  • Exercise…Get an accountability partner or even join a group
  • Keep your body hydrated
  • Incorporate smoothies into your diet
  • Take in nature…It is a great remedy for alleviating stress
  • Start a gratitude journal
  • Make sure to plenty of sleep…To go back to those naps that we took during kindergarten
  • Meditate…whether its 5 minutes or 30 minutes, make sure to give your brain a break
  • Spend time with family and friends!!
  • Check out these podcasts: Therapy for Black Girls, Peace of Mind with Taraji, Black Mental Health Podcast, Black Mental Matters, The Friend Zone, Minding My Black Business, Talking Off The Couch, AFFIRM, Getting Grown (just to name a few)
  • Host a potluck or tapas-style gathering where you focus on a specific cuisine
  • Don’t forget to smile and laugh routinely!!
  • Do something for others just because you can.
  • Tap into your spiritual side
  • Incorporate a daily affirmations routine
  • Try to be spontaneous or try something new each week.
  • Your Boundaries Matter!
  • Soak in some Sunlight and Vitamin D
  • Cultivate a positive mindset
  • Always Invest in Your Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

Additional books and resources highlighting Black Health and Wellness, click here!

While there is an official celebration of Black History know that this is a 365-24/7 effort for me!!

Photo by Bekka Mongeau on Pexels.com