Afropunk

Last summer, I enviously watched post after post of greatness on Instagram of a festival I had never heard of in Brooklyn, New York. From the fashion, to the music, to the general lack of conformity and black excellence, I knew I had to be in attendance the following year. So fast forward to August 26, 2016. 

My friend and I bought tickets way back in March. We teeter-tottered with the idea of going so often, that we literally didn't buy our plane tickets until mid-August. The way 2016 has been set up we just didn't know if we should pay to go to New York, or what if anything at all could happen with us randomly heading to a festival, but thankfully everything worked out in our favor. 

Let me tell you this.... I. Love. Brooklyn. I literally love everything about it and when I tell you I got my entire life on this trip.... Words can barely describe the fun, the freedom, the energy and good vibes. This was probably the most fun I've had in a long time. The right people went and everything just flowed well. 

Background on Afropunk: Literally the Land of No Fucks Given. No judgment, plenty of self expression and absolutely no hate. My black hippie, nerd girl self felt as if I had stepped foot on Mecca. Definitely not the destination for the more bourgeois or conservative friend... 

But I digress. 

We frolicked in Manhattan a bit, but mainly spent the majority of our time in Brooklyn. Outside of my must have detour to the New York Public Library, this was a very go with the flow weekend. I even ended up randomly getting an eye exam and buying new glasses in Williamsburg. 

I truly enjoyed Afropunk and I think this may be my new annual event that I attend. (Sorry Zula Ball in New Orleans)

September...

It's been a month and some change since I took the time to sit and reflect... Or even write for that matter. Two trips since my last post. Hundreds of news stories, controversies and disasters have happened... And here I am, sitting unscathed on the other side. This summer has been heavy. Not so much in the sense that I've been bearing the weight, but heavy in the sense that the world & people around me have been dealing with so much and all at once. It's hard to feel happy when everyone around you is going through so much, so I've just kind of laid low and tried my best to keep my strength since it's been needed so much and so necessary as the times have changed..

September always serves as my catalyst for better days. Fall represents newness, new opportunities, fresh starts and an end to the misery known as summer. I always say, I come alive in the Fall, and I expect this year to be no different. I anxiously await the first cold front, the days when leaves begin to fall and I'm forced to add that extra layer to my attire. I can't let the stains of summer, overshadow any of the happiness and better days that wait right across that threshold. 

September, I welcome you with open arms. The summer is almost over, and things will definitely get better, for everyone.