One of my fondest memories as a kid was participating in the summer reading programs. Outside of numerous attraction tickets and personal pizzas, I connected with stories that still inspire me today. For today's summertime episode, I discuss my love of reading and the authors/genres that shaped my journey. Authors are change agents using imagination and creativity to challenge societal norms and realities we encounter. They also remind us how wonder and joy are important to the work of community building and activism. So YES, books have always been political. Yet, they provide a balance of actively seeking Joy, Fun, and the things that we Love. #SupportBlackAuthors

Books mentioned in episode:

• The Talking Eggs by Robert D. San Souci
• The Rough Face Girl by Rafe Martin
• Black Series by @joan.vassar
• Times Undoing by @cheadwrites
• Reel by Kennedy Ryan
• bell hooks Collection

My Current Summer Reading list:

1. The Art of Loving you by @natashabishopwrites
2. Goal by Alexandria House @msalexhouse
3. Big Girl Blitz by @authordanielleallen
4. Sweet Heat by Bolu babalola @boluberry
5. Best Man: Unfinished Business by @malcolmdlee

Favorite Reads of 2026 so far:

• Score by @kennedyryan1
• Somebody's Wife by @robbireneewrites
• A Renaissance of Our Own by @rachel.cargle
• The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey by @waltermosley_official
• A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by @tiawilliamswrites

Podcast intro produced by: Leem Lizzy @leemlizzy

Musical highlight artists:

Childish Gambino aka. Donald Glover

Social- @childishgambino

Stephen Marley w/ Melanie Fiona

Social-@stephenmarley @melaniefiona

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