I read a poem: a web of a story in six photographs and a video.

1. Heading out the door to Agape the last Sunday in February aka Black History Month.

2. The inspiration for the jewelry? This Spanish-language film. “Watch!" said Spirit as I channel-surfed two days earlier. I noticed the actress was wearing traditional Mexican earrings and remembered I own a pair. Ah! #godismystyleguru

3. My friend Beth Grossman watched me at Agape from her living room in New York then texted me this photo. “It’s like you’re in our living room.”
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4. “You’re getting your Amanda Gorman on,” said an Agape minister. I had not made the connection. I wore the yellow robe-like coat because Spirit told me to. #godstyledme #godforthewin

5. The coat made its debut (belted, as a dress) at the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of The Hate U Give in 2018.  Amandla danced her way onto the red carpet!

6. My Black History Month reading? "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. In 1993 I traveled to D.C. for Inauguration Week with a few Elle magazine colleagues to host a reception in the inaugural poet’s honor. I remember greeting Anjelica Huston and Bill T. Jones and the otherworldly elegant Carmen de Lavallade with husband Geoffrey Holder.
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7. Angelou!

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
’Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.

BONUS VIDEO! CLICK HERE TO WATCH MY READING.