Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!

Reflecting on 2023…Continuing to Make Moves…Come on in 2024!!

Where do I begin…2023 was another year to remember! It’s nothing like looking back on what happened in the world, what things I accomplished, where I’ve been, and what is in store. This is an opportunity to reflect on ALL that 2023 had to offer!! Traditions were made and carried over…tears were shed of joy and sadness…many lessons learned…new friendships made!! Now I know I will not cover everything but just think of this as an extended highlight reel.

So let us begin….

If I could describe 2023 in three words I would say Patience…Process…Breathe. These three words were very much applicable to me and all aspects of my life, and I would even argue to this year!!

Jumping right out the gate…AI has arrived no more hovering in the shadows. Not gonna say too much but not sure how this is all gonna shake out. Let’s just say it has shaken up a whole bunch of stuff. A part of me is like oooooo, and the other is like uh oh!

Continuing in this vein of the not sure where this is going, oh my, disappointments, and fails I’ll just drop a few names Elon Musk/X, The Flash movie, “Dilbert” cartoonist Scott Adams, Jason Aldean, Diddy, The Idol on Max, Jonathan Majors, Prince Harry’s memoir “Spare”, Ozempic, George Santos, the Met Gala cockroach, Jann Wenner, and how about 15 votes to pick a speaker of the House (for him to be later booted out)…trust me there are more, but I will spare you….

How about that Super Bowl performance from Rhianna and then the baby bump reveal?!? A new monarch and the coronation of Charles III, Damar Hamlin’s injury shaking the entire country on the first Monday of the 2023, Keith Lee vs. The City of Atlanta, Barbenheimer, Jeremy Renner being critically injured by his own snowplow, The Mega Millions jackpot tipped over $1 billion, Turkey and Syria were struck by a catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake, India became the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon, can’t forget the Montgomery Boat Brawl (will never look at folding chairs the same), Samara Joy earning the Grammy ‘Best New Artist’, no more cheap streaming, and then let me drop this mic…André 3000’s flute album [Listening to it as I type…Simply EPIC]!!

And one of my favorite movies of the year dropped this year Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse!! And I will say this with confidence the BEST Spider-Man movie (both animated and live action)…I will fight you for it!

In some #BlackGirlMagic news …. Missy Elliot and Chaka Khan were induced in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Missy’s becoming the 1st female hip-hop artist to be enshrined. It was announced that Ida B. Wells and Althea Gibson will be featured on the US quarters in 2025. Issa Rae dropped her new prosecco ‘Viarae’. America’s first gourmet biscuit brand is a Black woman-owned business, “Mama’s Biscuits”. Dove and Open Source Afro Hair Library launched the “Code My Crown” initiative (a guide for coding textured hair and protective styles in video games). Racha Tahani Lawler-Queen made history in Virginia opening the state’s first Black-owned birthing center, Gather Grounded Midwifery [Richmond]. Fisk University made history not just with the first HBCU gymnastics team but also in hosting a meet with all Black women coaches. And in wildlife news, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant became the first Black woman in the U.S. to ever host a wildlife show on broadcast television, NBC’s Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild.


Much like the years before, there was plenty to celebrate in 2023! Professionally, I would see several publications become available to the masses ranging from book chapters edited collections, an article on Black Gamers and Black Girls finding space in comic books, and several book reviews. I’d be featured in various media outlets while continuing to serve my community. I was selected as a Faculty Mentor Fellow for the VCU Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship and a Humanities Research Center Residential Fellow-Health & Medical Humanities…both of these fellowships I get to continue the work that I do on Black female representation in comics, media, and popular culture. I’m also building my mentorship and community networks. 2023 would also present several #ProudProfessorMoments, especially seeing my AFAM students participate in the VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity!! This among many other events would be reflected in being awarded the 2022-23 VCU Faculty Champion Award! Throughout this year, I continued to do work on my IG site “Black Girl Magic in Media” and even created a new site that focuses on the statements I make (professionally and personally) through fashion “DrGsTShirtCollection”. In addition to the fellowships, I would present at various conferences all across the U.S. Strides are being made and I’m excited about what is coming next in 2024…A few things in the works that I’m crossing my fingers on!!

Personally, I celebrated my 20th Delta Anniversary of being an illustrious member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and graduating from Clark Atlanta University (Go Panthers!!) Wow does time fly!! I got a chance to travel to Raleigh, NC to see the Ruth E. Carter exhibit “Afrofuturism in Costume and Design” as well as the AWESOME “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, “We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC” exhibits both in Washington, DC. During the early spring, I served as the first keynote speaker for CulpeperCon (Culpeper, VA) as well as participate in numerous events in the 757 area of Virginia centered on Afrofuturism and comics. To jumpstart my summer, I got an opportunity to go camping in West Virginia (nothing like being in nature) and visit the historical site of Storer College (an HBCU in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, that operated from 1867 to 1955). And I started a new tradition of attending other HBCU Homecoming celebrations so that I can see how my fellow HBCU grads get it in!!

With 2023 being as one of my friends called it “The Jordan Year” I cannot help but think about how this year is like a four-quarter game of your favorite sport. There are multiple chances to get ahead, fall behind, and even come out as the winner. And speaking of sports, there were a lot of FIRSTS and REPEATS! This year we got to see the Denver Nuggets celebrate their first NBA championship, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII, Brittney Griner made her reappearance in the WNBA after being detained in Russia for almost a year, The Vegas Golden Knights win their first Stanley Cup in only their sixth NHL season, Simone Biles makes history at the US Gymnastics Championships with her 8th all-around title [further cementing that she truly is a G.O.A.T.], Coco Gauff wins the women’s singles at the US Open, the Las Vegas Aces win the WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty becoming the first repeat WNBA champions in 21 years, and the Texas Rangers win their first World Series in franchise history, just to name a few!

We went through a historical SAG-AFTRA (suspended its 118-day strike on November 9) and Writer’s Guild of America strike (suspended its 148-day strike on September 27) and for a minute we were almost at a standstill with television and film. However, even with the strike in effect, several shows shined through in 2023 that are definitely worth mentioning:

  • Found (NBC)
  • The Irrational (NBC)
  • Justified: City Primeval (FX)
  • Class of ’09 (FX)
  • The Bear (FX)
  • Hijack (Apple TV+)
  • The After Party (Apple TV+)
  • Special Ops: Lioness (Paramount +)
  • Lawman: Bass Reeves (Paramount +)
  • The Chi (Showtime)
  • Billions (Showtime)
  • Winning Time: The Rise of Lakers Dynasty (Max)
  • The Gilded Age (Max)
  • Rap Sh!T (Max)
  • Lupin (Netflix)
  • Beef (Netflix)
  • They Cloned Tyrone (Netflix)
  • Loki (Disney+)
  • Rye Lane (Hulu)
  • Poker Face (Peacock)
  • The Continental (Peacock)

With the conclusion of several great series like Succession, Billions, Snowfall, Jack Ryan, and Loki I can only hope there will be more greatness in store for 2024!!

In the music world, Beyoncé went on her Renaissance World Tour (highest grossing to date) and let’s just say folks are STILL talking about it. She put new meaning to “traveling for what you want to see!” Ohhhhh and let me tell you about the NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series, they were killing it with the features this year!! I was like a kid in the candy store every time I got an alert on YouTube!! Some of my faves for 2023 you can check out below:

2023 was also a HUGE celebration for Hip Hop! As we know Hip Hop is not just a genre of music but a WHOLE MOVEMENT!! It would start with a Questlove curated a hip hop tribute at the 65th annual Grammy Awards ceremony, Hot 97-WBLS hosted the Hip-Hop Forever concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Hip-Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium, Boom Bap Atlanta: Hip Hop 50 Fest, the National Museum of African American History and Culture’s (NMAAHC) hosted its annual Hip-Hop Block Party in Washington, DC, the Museum of Pop Culture (Seattle, WA) would showcase an exhibit Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop, along with a host of events all around the world. Closing out the year of hip-hop celebration, it was a true treat to see Queen Latifah become a part of the 2023 Kennedy Center Honors!

Shifting gears…Self-care…This year I was more intentional about making sure I listened to my body more while taking care of it. I have said it before, I’m no spring chicken and my body has definitely reminded me of that recently. Starting over the summer I began booking monthly appointments for 60-minute full-body massages (Shout out to my girlfriends Antoinette and Shermaine). And MY GOD they have worked miracles!! Every month is a heavenly treat! That on top of my monthly loc maintenance appointments are just a few things that have become a part of the regular self-care routine. In 2024, I am hoping to add a few more things.

Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com

In addition to stepping up my self-care game, I plan to continue collecting more stamps on the passport. Now one thing that I got to do this year, which I LOVE, is travel (especially internationally)! Can’t quite pick a fave place but going to Tanzania and Curacao definitely warrants a return visit! You can check out my blog travels here!! I look forward to traveling the world even more in 2024 ( I already have a few more places planned)!

Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com

Switching gears to the music scene, I definitely got my fill of concerts….Catching Dru Hill, Jodeci, and SWV in Birmingham….Going to see Lauryn Hill in Denver for the 25th Anniversary of The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill album tour (definitely one of the lucky ones)…Witnessing the greatness of Lakeside, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi, and a repeat performance of SWV at Hampton’s Homecoming…All the way live!!

Now I will say there are several events that I am looking forward to in 2024 especially as it relates to Las Vegas Residencies. Here are a couple that I plan to put on my calendar:

  • Jodeci: The Show, The Party, The Las Vegas Residency
  • New Edition: Las Vegas

With the popularity of Usher’s residency, it seems like Vegas is becoming the HOT SPOT again!

This year we also lost a great many icons, many of which surprised me and hit me to my core. It never gets easier, but I do continue to be thankful for the legacies that they leave.

  • Fred White (January 1st)
  • Lisa Marie Presley (January 12th)
  • David Jude Jolicoeur ‘Trugoy the Dove’ (February 12th)
  • Richard Belzer (February 19th)
  • Lorenzo ‘Lo’ Jelks (February 25th)
  • Wayne Shorter (March 2nd)
  • Tom Sizemore (March 3rd)
  • Bobby Caldwell (March 14th)
  • Lance Reddick (March 17th)
  • Willis Reed (March 21st)
  • Harry Belafonte (April 25th)
  • Jerry Springer (April 27th)
  • Vida Blue (May 6th)
  • Jim Brown (May 18th)
  • Ray Stevenson (May 21st)
  • Tina Turner (May 24th)
  • Jim Hines (June 3rd)
  • The Iron Sheik (June 7th)
  • Treat Williams (June 12th)
  • Christine King Farris (June 29th)
  • Alan Arkin (June 30th)
  • Tony Bennett (July 21st)
  • Sinéad O’Connor (July 26th)
  • Paul Reubens (July 30th)
  • Angus Cloud (July 31st)
  • DJ Casper (August 7th)
  • Ron Cephas Jones (August 19th)
  • Bob Barker (August 26th)
  • Mangosuthu Buthlelezi (September 9th)
  • Dick Butkus (October 5th)
  • Hughes ‘Uncle Redd’ Van Ellis (October 9th)
  • Rudolph Isley (October 11th)
  • Suzanne Somers (October 15th)
  • Richard Roundtree (October 24th)
  • Herbert ‘Bertie’ Bowman (October 25th)
  • Matthew Perry (October 28th)
  • Bobby Knight (November 1st)
  • Rosalynn Carter (November 19th)
  • Sandra Day O’Connor (December 1st)
  • Norman Lear (December 5th)
  • Andre Braugher (December 11th)
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This year I celebrated turning “42” my Jackie Robinson year! Another year of blessings and good times with family and friends! I will always be grateful for life and another day to live it!!

Ahhhhh so before this post comes to a close I look forward to implementing a couple of new themes to guide me through the year… #FocusForward and #LightsCameraAction !! Stay tuned for how this will come to fruition!

So as we count down these last few days of 2023 I cannot help but think, Come on in 2024!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Dr. G's Travels

#TanzaniaJourneyTravels-Day 6: Welcome to Zanzibar!!

Today was a day of transit and rest! Leaving the beautiful and breathtaking Serengeti! As mentioned in previous posts the past few days have been unforgettable and will be embedded in my memory.

Now as we made our way to Zanzibar (also known as Unguja) we would board a plane that I kid you not could only hold 12 passengers and the two pilots. Another unforgettable experience…I literally was a seat away from the pilots. Talk about flying on a small plane (see below)…

Our plane for the trip between Serengeti and Zanzibar

Once we landed in Zanzibar I would have somewhat of an awakening. First off Zanzibar is actually an island province that is still part of Tanzania. So we were literally leaving grasslands and plains entering an urban city landscape. As we were flying over the city, the aerial views showed just how jammed packed the city is. Now while their is a similar landscape to the mainland, you can see a distinct change in Zanzibar. It is also very clear there is definitely a heavy middle eastern influence, as the majority (99%) of the island practices Islam, with a very small percentage that practices Christianity.

This would put things into perspective…when talking with people from the Tanzanian mainland many have expressed how the President is preferred to come from the mainland and have the vice president from Zanzibar. There tends to be different leadership styles from both roles. Currently the President of Tanzania is from Zanzibar (and is the first woman president) due to the President passing away from COVID-19. A example of the VP stepping in.

Another awakening moment was how perceived what Zanzibar would look like upon my arrival. I will admit when I thought of Zanzibar I pictured primarily beaches and five-star resorts or something from a spy action movie…think Queen Sono (Netflix), but there is definitely a deep history here as well considering during the mid-19th century as many as 50,000 enslaved people came through through the Zanzibar City port.

More to come on that in the coming days.

As stated earlier today was more of a day of transit and rest, not too much to report. However, I’m looking forward to a little R&R as well as making some more memories!!

Till Tomorrow!! See you then!

~Dr. G

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Dr. G's Travels

#TanzaniaJourneyTravels- Day 5: A Visit with the Maasai

What a day!! There are many moments where you will watch something on tv or read in a book that make you say, “I wish I could be there” or “I wonder what it would be like to see a community in their natural element. Well today I was able make that happen when visiting a Maasai village. I have read about them, seen them portrayed in movies, featured in documentaries, but here was a moment to witness them in all their glory!

A brief history…The Maasai is a community of people that inhabit the northern, central and southern part of Kenya and northern part of Tanzania. They are known for their residence near many game parks/reserves of the African Great Lakes, their warrior style of fighting, and their distinctive customs and attire. While the last Census in 2019 of the Maasai population was reported as numbering 1,189,522 in Kenya this may be skewed as many of the Maasai view the census as government meddling and often either refuse to participate or actively provide false information. I can definitely respect this move and also count it fortunate that they even allowed us into their space. I will say they definitely encouraged us to take pictures and video and they even let us wear some of the garments during the visit.

Dr. G dressed in traditional Maasai attire with some of the Maasai women

The Maasai are very much a self-sustaining community that rely on cattle for wealth (although they are very familiar with the US Dollar) and the men and women each play an active role in maintaining its existence. Interesting enough the women I would say in many ways take on a great deal of the tasks whether it is teaching the kindergarten classes, bearing children, selling goods in the market and building the homes that they live in. The role of Black and African women is in many ways universal.

Some other interesting things to note include:

  • The Maasai people were against slavery and never condoned the trafficking of human beings, thus those outsiders looking for people to enslave avoided the Maasai
  • All of the Maasai’s needs for food are met by their cattle. Not only do they eat their meat, but drink their milk daily, and sometimes drink their blood. Goats and lamb are slaughtered for meat on special occasions and ceremonies.
  • A big part of their culture also includes music and dance. Upon entering the village we would participate in the welcome dance and jumping competition. I appreciated taking part in this as we were not just simply bystanders looking on (see the above video).

One other thing that would stand out for me was the 5-step progression of boys to elders. Between the ages of 12-15 the young Maasai boys are circumcised making this the first step into manhood, then at age 15 they are trained to become warriors (this lasts for 9 years), after they become middle man, from there a man at which point they are eligible to be married, and then the final stage is becoming an elder.

As an extra bonus, the professor/teacher in me, I was elated to be able to see the kindergarten class in session. I love when children have such enthusiasm…

These past few days have truly been enlightening and confirming! This would be another time coming to the continent and feeling like being in a second home. On our way to dinner one of the Maasai asked us where we were from and when we replied USA/America, he would then in turn tell us “you look like you are African, like you belong here…” That hit deep for me because I am real big person on this idea of “Home” and belonging. For him and several others to say we are Home it really makes you think who we are and where we fit in.

Let me tell you I AM PROUD to be a BLACK WOMAN whose ancestors are from AFRICA!! No one can ever take that away!

So today closes out our last day in the northern part of Tanzania, tomorrow we are headed to Zanzibar! I cannot wait to share what new experiences and memories will be gained!!

See you tomorrow!! Happy October!!

~Dr. G

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Dr. G's Travels, On the Desk...

#TanzaniaJourneyTravels-Day 4: Soaking up the Serengeti!!

Today was one of those days where I got to check off a major activity on my bucket list…Going to the Serengeti!! I was like a kid in a candy store!! In many ways riding through the Serengeti (which in the Massai language means “endless plains”) I realized how much of the Lion King is based off of this region. It is also a protected national park that is one of the Seven Wonders of this World and spans across 12,000 square miles. It is also renowned for its massive lion populations, and this was definitely made evident on today…

While it was great to admire the many animals, riding through was also quite calming and peaceful. Considering all that has transpired for me personally and professionally this particular part of the trip was well needed. In many ways, riding through Serengeti National Park was like icing on the cake! It’s that sweet treat you’ve been waiting for after a great workout!!

Dr. G getting ready to enter Serengeti National Park!!

The Serengeti is home to a mass amount of grazers (elephants, gazelles, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, among others) and is maintained by the Tanzanian and Kenyan governments.

Some of the many miles of plains at Serengeti National Park.
Photo credit: Dr. G

In addition to visiting the Serengeti we got an opportunity to visit The Olduvai Gorge. Here at this gorge which is known as the “Cradle of Mankind” due to it being the site of the first human remains of the first human being to walk on Earth. Talk about seeing the first footsteps of mankind…

Dr. G standing in front of the Oldupai Gorge (also known as Olduvai Gorge)
Photo credit: Dr. G

Super glad I was able to share some more highlights with you all, I was not sure if I would have Wi-Fi, but I pulled out the W! Continue to stay tuned and I will see you tomorrow!

~Dr. G

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Dr. G's Travels, On the Desk...

#TanzaniaJourneyTravels-Day 2: Village Culture and Agriculture!!

Gotta love when you don’t have a particular plan, but things just work out for you! Woke up, grabbed some delicious breakfast, and then sat on our balcony with my Kindle and coffee!

Following the morning rise and liquid pick me up, we would spend the day in the RiverTrees area soaking in some more Tanzanian culture. While we had planned to use this as a chill day, we embarked on a local village walking tour. The village, Chim Chim, sits right next to the RiverTrees Country Inn where we are staying and is a space full of farm land, greenhouses, small businesses, schools, churches, and family homes.

Take a look at some of the visuals that were captured today:

Some of the local churches and Hair salons… Photo credit: Dr. G

“Agriculture is our backbone.” This is the motto and mission of this scenic East African country. Just walking through the village not only did we saw how the community lives, but how they work and the agriculture that sustains them. While Tanzania is known for the nature-filled parks, game reserves, spices, and the Massai people, much of what keeps the country moving and shaking is the agriculture. A great deal of the country deals with farming with much of their product includes corn/maize, sweet potatoes, yams, and bananas.

Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Eggplants, Bananas, and Figs….Fresh Food coming!! … Photo Credit: Dr. G

While walking through the village we would also stop by one of the local churches (see below). [Much like in the US, one can find many churches throughout one’s city, the same is definitely true here within the Chim Chim village.] Now while the original purpose was to admire the spiritual space and briefly rest our feet, the pastor of the church was led to say a prayer for us. In that moment, I would definitely realize this was no accident or chance encounter. Such a powerful moment, that will stick with me even after we return home!

Entering the El-Shaddai Christian Centre…Photo Credit: Dr. G

Shout out to our amazing guide from Wayo Africa, Delvina who was AWESOME!! So well-versed in everything from farming, education, politics, and so much more! I feel like I got a course in Tanzania 101 all while soaking in some village culture.

A final shot with our amazing guide Delvina!! … Photo Credit: Dr. G

Closing Thoughts of the Day…

One thing I love about traveling is meeting new people and building on my community network. After returning from our village tour we would meet this gentleman named Emmanuel who owns a safari company in Tanzania. During our conversation, where he was very careful with his words, he would talk about how excited he was to see Black Americans not only traveling to Africa but also doing safari excursions. Based on his choice of words and enthusiasm in seeing us, I gather not many Black folks do safari trips. This could be for a variety of reasons (access, lack of information and resources, fear, misrepresentations, etc.) This is why it soooo important to step outside of one’s comfort zone/neighborhood and explore all that the world has to offer. I appreciated the honest conversation and Emmanuel’s candor! It just further confirmed the importance of #TravelingWhileBlack ! This was the second place where I felt like I was home, and it was an extra bonus hearing a fellow native tell us “this is your home!”

While I was definitely exhausted at the end of the day from all the walking, plus the heat sapping our energy, this was an eventful and informative day.

Tomorrow begins our journey to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area!! So stay tuned!! See ya later!

~Dr. G

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Dr. G's Travels, On The Radar

Tanzania Journey Travels!!

So you all know I LOVE to travel!! Always collecting new stamps for the passport!!

Every now and then I like to chronicle my journey especially if its in a new place!! So over the next few days I will be documenting my time all throughout Tanzania!! I am so excited to share this experience with you all!! Located in the eastern part of Africa, Tanzania is known for its lush nature, an array of sites, places, and things to do!!

One can visit the tallest mountain in Africa Mount Kilimanjaro, visit the internationally known Ngorongoro Crater and see the “Big 5,” trek through the Serengeti National Park (a safari Mecca), and explore the markets and deep history of Zanzibar!

Day 1: Landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport

Just a few highlights! So arriving safe and sound to Tanzania, talk about a long journey! In total the flight was about 15 hours, and the time quickly moved forward 7 hours ahead (for my Eastern Time Zone folks). I will say the airport at Kilimanjaro was probably one the easiest and painless airports to get through, and trust me when I tell I have experienced some trauma (talking about you Amsterdam)!! Got our luggage and headed to our stay for the night!!

Once settled in, grabbed a bite to eat and chilled for the rest of the evening! First meal (see below) in Tanzania gets a strong A in my grade book! I had a coconut sauce crusted sautéed perch with sliced potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a Stoney Tangawizi (which is their brand of ginger beer). [FYI I will be partaking in Tangawizi just about every day!!] This meal marks the beginning of what I know is going to be an AMAZING holiday!!

Gonna be some fun times!! New memories loading soon….

In addition to starting my #TanzaniaJourneyTravels today, let me also mention that today is World Tourism Day!! Perfect way to kick things off!! So World Tourism Day is celebrated every year to focus on promoting tourism in various parts of the world. Initiated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), World Tourism Day aims to make people understand the joy of exploring the world. And I could not agree more with this mantra! One thing that I always promise myself is to take at least one international trip every year. I’m just grateful that I am able to do so because there is so much to learn and gain from see what the world has to offer!

So start planning your next global adventure!!

Make sure to stay tuned each day for a daily dose of Dr. G’s #TanzaniaJourneyTravels !!

See you tomorrow!!

~Dr. G