thequeenspeaks

[thequeenspeaks]

This is a horrible lesson in kwanzaa and mad anti Black, do better

HAPPY KWANZAA Y’ALL

A few things I did not know about this holiday:

It is not celebrated in any African countries, in fact, it is a compilation of different ideals I guess the founder saw while he traveled the continent (im most definitely paraphrasing)

It was founded by Maulana Ndabezitha Karenga who realized that black Americans had no holiday to celebrate besides like Black History Month

The black candle stands for the people, the red candles stand for the blood shed by our ancestors and the green stands for our growth in the future. The flame stands for the bright future our people have

The seven days are Umoja which means Unity 2: Kujichagulia which means self determination 3: Ujima - collective work and responsibility 4: Ujamaa - collective economics 5: Nia - purpose 6: Kumbaa - creativity and 7: Imani - faith

Each piece of the set up has significance and a name. The Bendera (flag) represents the tradition, the mkeka or mat the foundation, the kinara (candle holder) stands for the people, the mishumaa saba (candles) stand for what I mentioned above, then there’s the mazao or a bowl of fruit which stands for the harvest, the vibunzi or muhindi (< plural) (ear of corn) which stands for how ever many children are in the family and the kikombe cha Umoja Which is the Unity cup.

The Bendera or flag holds the same three colors as the candles, red, black and green and represents the blood, people and growth as well.

This holiday was created to uplift and connect and empower the black community. It’s not some voodoo holiday, it’s not pushing radical ideals, it’s meant to unify us and help us to remember our past while looking ahead to the future.

My family tried to celebrate this a couple times when I was younger but we quickly fell off. It wasn’t until last night when I went to a family friends house to celebrate that my interest was kindled. I want to learn more and spread the joy that I got from the first night of this beautiful holiday.

Harambee! (not the ape, this means let’s pull together (according to some website) but it’s also what is said at the end of the ceremony)

[thequeenspeaks]

Pronouns: She, Her and Bad Bitch

[thequeenspeaks]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tea with Queen & J. (@teawithqj)

Throw back Tea with Queen and J moment for hump day!!! Have you listens to the new episode?! Ep #125 of @TeawithQJ podcast is up! “We Gotta Have It” LISTEN NOW! ❤✊🏾💚 https://soundcloud.com/tea-with-queen-and-j/125-we-gotta-have-it #teawithqj #podsincolor

[thequeenspeaks]

Day one of Afropunk, be back today, if you see me say hi 🙋🏾. ALSO, SOLONGE WAS AMAZING!! #afropunkfest #teawithqj #deray #facepaint #fauxlocs #afro #solongehive (at Commodore Barry Park)

[thequeenspeaks]

Wedding time!! I love seeing love!! (at Skyline Community Church United Church of Christ)

[thequeenspeaks]

35 Reasons To Touch Yourself As a Form of Self-care http://ift.tt/2s4Z834

[thequeenspeaks]

She got the glow

[thequeenspeaks]

Forgot to show off my new hair 💁🏾💕

[thequeenspeaks]

My very unfiltered thoughts on why I didn't attentive the women's march

“The Struggle Will Not Be Gentrified” - Natasha Michele http://ift.tt/2jM2ykL

[thequeenspeaks]

Too often women are not supported enough or are discouraged from choosing their path. We must continue to dream big, and in doing so, we empower the next generation of women to be just as bold in their pursuits. - #SerenaWilliams. Serena couldn't have said it better, my pursuit and vision is @_msvixen_. Lots of new things happening in 2017. Can't wait!!

[thequeenspeaks]

As a New Yorker from the Bronx. IM DYING!!!😂😂😂

A Thousand Miles (NYC Cover) 😂

[thequeenspeaks]

Trump supporters are protesting Starbucks by… buying more Starbucks

Trump supporters have started #TrumpCup, a viral campaign to force Starbucks employees to say “Trump.“ 

It’s in response to a viral video of a Florida man screaming “I voted for Trump!” at a Starbucks barista who didn’t make his drink fast enough.

The apparent irony of “protesting” a company by giving them more of your money hasn’t gone unnoticed by people on social media. 

Even fellow Trump supporters have tried to point out the nonsensical nature of the protest.

[thequeenspeaks]

I will not lose! (Don't tell my husband Nas I quoted JayZ, he hates when I do that). . . . . . . . . . #msvixen #brooklyn #fortgreen #afropunk #hm #thrift #ninewest #cheetahprint #leapordprint #cuw #outrehair #outre #streetart

[thequeenspeaks]

Juneteenth w/ @teawithqj event in the bag!! I had so much fun, thank you to everyone that came through. Today was special for me and J. you made it even more tingly in our hearts #podcast #teawithqj #womenpodcast #blackpodcast

[thequeenspeaks]

The plan is to grow, expand and reach new goals. I created Ms. Vixen because I wanted a place where I was the standard not the exception, and I created it. Here at Ms. Vixen women are everything, continue with me on this journey 💜💜💜 EIC @thequeenspeaks_ 📷X @lessamontography ____________________________#msvixen #tumblr #afropunk #artblog #womenblog #blm #browngirlbloggers #lifestyleblogger #lifestylephotography #fashionblogger #beautyblogger #wellnessblogger #musicfestival #art #culture http://ift.tt/28YU4Qo

[thequeenspeaks]

But why am I so damn beautiful tho!!!

[thequeenspeaks]

It's time to go into second gear. This year has already been amazing for me professionally I'm on it, the way Ms. Vixen @_msvixen_ and my podcast @teawithqj has grown in only 6 months is amazing. I truly admire myself, I work hard, and still somehow manage to have time for important things, great friends, family, smiles and peace of mind are success, I'm successful because of the balance I've created, and honestly still maneuvering. Keeping your life in balance is hard work, but I'm worth it. I value myself, so daily I put in the work for my peace. -Queen #peace #msvixen #lifebalance #success #naturalhair #brooklyn #art #brooklynstreets #podcast #blackmedia #thequeenspeaks