Cheyenne marcelus
I had the incredible pleasure of having a one on one conversation with Cheyenne Marcelus. She is the author of Good To Me. From the outside looking in, Cheyenne is a mother, wife, writer, and many other things, But when ask what comes first, she says she is a women first, particularly a black women.
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”
-Andre Lorde
Cheyenne’s book, in her own words “A journey to self-acceptance and self-preservations” . She writes about how each poem in the book is a confessional of her own self-talk. and explores themes how to speak to yourself, take care of you, and your mind. Born and raised in Columbia, Mississippi, Cheyenne believes southern upbringing and the hardships and the joy of being a Black Women that she went through in life were the influences that made this book. After coming into her self, she had the courage to share her God given gift — a journal into her deepest and most personal thoughts.
Her poetry invokes a sense of personal nostalgia — a reminder that when we talk to each other, we aren’t so different after all. Each poem gives you a different vibe depending on that season you are in your life. Some of which brought back memories that I thought I forgot. They make you think, they make you laugh, and they even m make you cry, most importantly, inspiration. This is not one of those books you read once and forget about. You’ll find yourself constantly wanting to read more or that one poem you just can’t get out of your head.
Being a writer myself, I always felt that when people read your poetry, they’d know the deepest parts of you and your life and yet she doesn’t shy from that. I found her courage to publish something so personal for the world to read truly inspiring; which was why I wanted her to be the Femme of the month.
I really enjoyed my conversation with Cheyenne. I can tell that she is a passionate person; not only in her work but in her life. I am really proud to know her. I feel this is just the beginning for here. There are so many great things coming for her and I will be there to support. At this point you could say I consider myself a fan.
I look forward to reading the next book in her collection, hint hint, it’s about her lineage.
If you want to grab yourself a copy of her book, head over to her site or amazon. Her website also includes poems in other literary magazines and are available to read online or in print. Make sure you follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
I’ll end this with one of my favorite lines from the book …
… We want to fit in, hide, and go unnoticed
Until we realize the impacts is in our visibility
In seeing our own selves apart from others
In accepting this image and all its uniqueness
An knowing that our own variance
Balance the universe.
THE BEAUTIFUL PARTS
Vicky and Ashley Omekam
Vicky and Ashley also known as Neighborhood Knittas are Nigerian twins entrepreneurs located in the Arlington, Virginia. They are entrepreneurs, educators, both graduated from Coastal Caroline University (CCU), and outstanding pillars of the community.
I first met these two young ladies when I was in 4th grade, I was new in school and barely spoke any english. They were my first friends. Their kindness was so touching to me especially the fact that they were proud of their african heritage. So to see how they have grown into caring, thoughtful, independent women is no surprise to me. I am constantly in awe of how much they continue grow each year. They have become strong presence in their community by trying to change world.
These young entrepreneurs own and online store called Ejima Yarn, meaning twins in Igbo. Ejima Yarn was born through a period in their lives when they were going through a difficult time.
To cope with our mental health, we decided to take advantage of the on-campus counseling offered to CCU students. Through counseling, we were both able to gain insight into our own capabilities and passions outside of our "twinship". We also began to knit again. Knitting brought us peace, opportunity, and determination. We created Ejima Yarn in an effort to inspire others.
Vicky and Ashley also have another initiative Help Your People Today founded in 2020 to inspire others around the world to do the work it takes to help your people today. They help low income communites by providing essential supplies to those in need. Especially with the uncertanty of COVID-19, their work has become essential, and important. They need volunteers; so if you are interrested, please sign up here to help.
I am so honored to call these young ladies my friends. I am may not be there physically to help, but when I can, I do. Whether it’s financially, reposting their work, or leaving a comment of encouragement.
Ladies, I am so proud of the impact you’re making in the community but most importantly in the world. I pray nothing but success, good health and energy to continue to do what you do best. I will always be on the side line rooting for y’all.