deandreab
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Five Books to Commemorate the Day
The third Monday of January, every year, is the commemorative celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Growing up, the day has always been significant because it wasn’t just a day out...
The Year That Changed Me
We enter into a New Year and we are all so hopeful no matter how great or dreadful the previous year may have been. When we entered 2021, we all took a collective sigh...
Hi 40, It’s Me Deandrea
After a year of anticipation, the time has finally come, and I am 40. I do not take this lightly and honestly, it is not met with any trepidation, I am strangely excited. After...
Dear Mrs. Miller, a Love Letter to My Son’s Preschool Teacher
My son Stephen E. Beaven III, aka Trey, is the ultimate introvert. He doesn't say much, and when he does speak, it is so profound that it could shock you if you don't know...
I Am Hanging on by a Thread
I tend to live in a place of gratitude, I always have, and I always will. That is not to say that I do not become overwhelmed and begin to question everything. Go back...
Black History 365: Celebrating Black History All Year
Growing up, February was so important to my family because my our roots run deep. All of my grandmother's brothers served in the military and each served during wars. My grandparents were sharecroppers in...
Why This Year May Be What We Needed
Alas, 2020 is coming to an end so let us all let out a collective sigh of relief. However, as the year has progressed and has become more tragic and uncomfortable I can't help...
What’s on the Ballot and How It Affects Mothers
Election season is somewhat like a holiday for me, a long and visceral one, but a holiday nonetheless. I know not everyone feels this way between the hateful ads, the constant debates, and the...
Why I Want My Kids to Remember the Pandemic
I honestly have no clue what day it is and after the first day of the month, everything runs together and it has been this way since approximately March. When the pandemic first began...
A Letter to my Father: The Ultimate Introvert
My dad hates attention. Even as I write this post, I can imagine him cringing at the fact that I am writing him this letter! However, my dad deserves some kudos because he is...
The Tale of Two Americas: You’re Either All in or All Out
“We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”-James Baldwin
To say the least, 2020 has been exhausting for many...
Living Through a Pandemic When You Have Anxiety
I have had anxiety for the better part of a decade. I discovered it during my senior year of college when I thought that I was having a heart attack, only for my doctor...
Motherhood: When You Didn’t Think You Would Be a Mom
In a recent interview with People magazine, Oprah discussed why she never had children. She discussed the “depth of responsibility” that it would take to be a mom. She also talked about the people...
The Day My Daughter Began Preschool
As we get into our stride of the school year, I hope that this year is meeting and exceeding all expectations while not exhausting parents too much. This is my very first time experiencing...