YaYa Books

These are AI photos.
But they are representative of something real.

I made them of my dad, Harold, and me. He passed when I was twelve. Before he died, he was writing an autobiography called Waiting for My YaYa. A story that never got to be finished. When I created YaYa Books, it was my way of keeping his spirit alive, and carrying forward the creativity and love of the arts he passed down to me.

My dad always reminded me of Laurence Fishburne’s character in Boyz N The Hood—wise, thoughtful, intelligent, and set apart. Plus, I thought they looked like brothers lol.

He never got to see me graduate, get married, or grow into the woman I am today. That hurts so bad and often feels unfair but I know he’s proud. I can feel it every time I create, every time I build something beautiful out of love.

I’ve had my criticisms of technology, but moments like this remind me that it can hold space for grief too. It can help us see what love might’ve looked like if time had stretched a little longer and I find that comforting. ❤️

✨ God has been moving in such a powerful way in my life, and I’m so grateful. After walking through a tough season, it feels amazing to step into opportunities that align with my purpose.

I had the honor of speaking to a youth group and their parents about something I’m passionate about, the hidden dangers of social media and AI. I even took them back in time with a story about navigating chat rooms as a teen (including that dial-up internet sound 😂).

Before I wrapped up, I shared some of my favorite reads on internet safety and introduced them to my heart project, YaYa Books. 📚✨

It’s a blessing to plant seeds through both stories and books. ❤️

If you’d like to check out any of the books shown here, they are available on our affiliate site. (link in bio!)

My husband said this to me and it’s hilarious because I really don’t need glasses. I have 20/20 vision but I wear non prescriptions and blue light glasses all the time.

They make me feel smart and grounded and yes, sometimes I forget they’re on my head and I put on another pair. 🤪

Hi family, please swipe for an important update. This has been on my heart for a while now. We will continue to be intentional and thoughtful about the books that we bring before you.

Relaunch date will be announced soon.

I pray that you will continue the journey with us. ❤️

Thank you for reading.

I’ve been thinking about vulnerability a lot lately, especially in the realms of friendship and social media.

What does it look like in practice? How does it feel? 🤔

I’ve noticed this culture emerging. One of pushing people to seek therapy while also shutting them out of important emotional connections that only a tribe can provide.

How do we make and hold space for transparency and healing within our communities in this superficial age where many don’t know how to open up or don’t feel safe to do so?

For Bridget and many others with a story to tell, poetry is a saving Grace. There is so much beauty in Black women bearing their souls. The beauty of releasing and restoring. The beauty of informing the hearts and minds of listeners so that they may be renewed.

Personally, I’ve learned so much from our pain and I’ve learned even more from our joy. A large part of the knowledge that I’ve gained from Black woman has helped to keep me alive. I’m inspired by Bridget’s bold vulnerability and her poetic voice in Strength Beneath The Scars. I must warn you, this is a heavy read but it is one of triumph. Perhaps it will be Bridget’s story that will help to keep someone alive. If you’re interested, please give Bridget a follow, learn more about what motivates her work and purchase a copy. 🤎