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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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High art. Street art. Critical social discourse. 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK #3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagra #blackentrepreneurs #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit #pariscollagecollective #pariscollageclub (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqStrHBuljc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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A dreamy Tuesday. Sunshine, sea walls, laughter, and learning. #rezarites #vanity4themovement #iamsaltwater #gaiagallactica #blackwomanwriter #blackwomanartist #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #saltwater #narragansett #pier (at Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqEu2Q8MChK/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#rezarites #vanity4themovement #iamsaltwater #gaiagallactica #blackwomanwriter #blackwomanartist #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #saltwater #narragansett #pier

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Take 5 w. Reza Rites The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK March 21, 2023 Full article at www.AmbitiousBlackFeminist.com Most of my classrooms are those containing high school students or adults, but over time, as I’ve embraced my silliness and discarded discomfort with my own awkwardness, I’ve gotten better with teaching and supporting middle school-aged youth and adolescents. Below are five approaches that work for me when instructing Middle School youth: 1) I never just look over a kid’s shoulder or at their screen. I ask first. “Do you mind if I look over your shoulder or look on?” 2) I remember what it was like when I found academic subject matter difficult, and I channel that while affirming something a student is finding difficult. “Ohhhhh this one is kind of tricky.” 3) Similarly, I model the struggle. “Maybe it’s this, maybe it’s that. It’s frustrating not knowing, but I won't be harmed if I guess wrong, so maybe I’ll pick this one.” 4) I show a skill or technique that works for me, and explain my rationale or process. I then invite them to show me an approach or skill that was taught to them - or that they developed. 5) I like to put energy into ending a task, and creating a vibe where we as a community work super hard right before reaching a break or dismissal. It's a bit like the sprint at the end of a marathon or long-distance run, and it can be especially helpful for the disengaged kiddo. What works for you as far as working with 11-14 year olds and/or teaching in general? Feel free to share a tip or word of advice in the comments. Sunshine and laughter. - Reza Rites READ ARTICLE IN FULL www.AmbitiousBlackFeminist.com #3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackwomanowned #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDVAeNMWyJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Take 5 w. Reza Rites

The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist

And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK

March 21, 2023

I have a confession to make: despite my grades 7-12 certification, most of my classrooms, and the spaces where I’ve felt the most success as a teacher, are those containing high school students or adults. But over time, as I’ve embraced my silliness and discarded discomfort with my own awkwardness, I’ve gotten better and better with teaching and supporting middle school-aged youth and adolescents. And this is the theme of today’s Take 5 “essay.”

It was day 1 for me this past Saturday, with a group of middle schoolers working on their writing skills, and I left feeling accomplished after the following developments: learning about a young man’s crush; identifying then laughing with my twin (she likes cold beverages and sunsets, like I do, lol); and receiving the honor of several kids showing me their drawings and writing samples. And all of this was within 50 minutes; not too shabby, I’d say!

And let me be crystal clear: I am thoroughly appreciating the difference between teaching in innovative and inclusive spaces vs in classrooms and buildings where I am relentlessly bullied for my creativity and/or sabotaged for developing relationships and teaching responsively. It's been tough. On the other hand, I accept that some of the lessons and victories I've experienced come with the consistent practice and wisdom that happens with aging. More maturity has also meant that I feel more comfortable and fluid with my responsibility to share information and best practices. To that end, below are five approaches that work for me when instructing Middle School youth, and with students in educational spaces, in general (including my current GED classroom).

1) I never just look over a kid’s shoulder or at their screen. I ask first. And if I realize I have looked without asking, I am transparent about the situation, eg. “Sorry, I usually like to ask before I just look at someone's screen. Do you mind if I look over your shoulder or look on?”

2) I remember what it was like when I found academic subject matter difficult, and I channel that while affirming something a student is finding difficult. “Ohhhhh this one is kind of difficult for me too or I can see why it’s tricky. Let’s just both give it our best then check the answer.”

3) Similarly, I model the struggle. “Maybe it’s this, maybe it’s that. It’s frustrating not knowing, but I won't be harmed if I guess wrong, so maybe I’ll pick this one. Maybe. Okay, yes!”

4) I show a skill or technique that works for me, and explain my rationale or process. But then, I make clear that there are different teachers and methods, and that I respect all of them. I invite them to show me an approach or skill that was taught to them - or that they developed. If they come up with a response, I might probe a little further about how they use it or how it helps get through a project or lesson. I usually end by affirming their techniques, and reassuring them it’s not mandatory for them to use the technique I've just shared - or even remember it!

5) I like to put energy into ending a task, and creating a vibe where we as a community work super hard right before reaching a break or dismissal. It's a bit like the sprint at the end of a marathon or long-distance run. I use techniques like talking faster and louder (like an excited coach), setting sequential alarm locks, creating and vocally signalling countdowns (7 minutes left! 4 minutes left!), and other approaches so that it feels fun or competitive to reach the end. This can be especially helpful for the disengaged kiddo. Consider this: if you can convince a student who has been disconnected to join the last 5 minutes before break, hell, that’s five more minutes of learning than what was there before AND it’s something that both student and instructor can build upon. Am I encouraging “participation trophies” with this one? Well I am not against those, but what I am talking about is making progress with the big bad wolves we call Middle Schoolers.

What works for you as far as working with 11-14 year olds and/or teaching in general? Feel free to share a tip or word of advice in the comments. Sunshine and laughter. - Reza Rites

#3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackwomanowned #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack

#carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Light work. Energy work. Dookie. #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #joyisthemovement https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpv6q5wsxBX/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #joyisthemovement

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Take 5 w. Reza Rites The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK March 11, 2023 Hi friends, how did things go as you finished up the week and slid into the weekend? Here are five of my observations, proclamations, or ramblings for today’s Take 5 note: 1. I smell good. No, really. Think hints of coconut, pineapple, mango, lime, lavender, and “spice.” Throw in turmeric, ginger and cinnamon - given my tea-making and drinking - and you might be close if you’re trying to imagine it. 2. Thank goodness for that tea, too, for it takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit (at least mine) when writing about an insipid and dangerously cruel character. Oof. 3. I am currently writing at least one grant to support a summer writing program for South County residents, 18 and up. I’m excited. 4. One of the publications that motivates me, and makes me feel seen as a Black woman writer, is “Midnight & Indigo.” I am posting a collage showing screenshots from some of their more recent newsletters and posts. 5. The other accompanying collage and visuals include a picture of me at Raphael's Restaurant in Providence - in front of a piece of art they purchased as part of decorating their eatery. If you’re hungry for “The Taste of the Caribbean” - and want to see the three pieces of #3amblack art they have on display - check them out at 568 Broad St., in Providence Do you have 5 observations or realizations from the week? Feel free to leave them in the comments if you’d like to share. Sunshine and laughter, Reza Rites *opportunities posted are neither endorsements nor markers of affiliation. READ ARTICLE IN FULL www.AmbitiousBlackFeminist.com #3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackwomanowned #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpqSLBwPuYq/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Take 5 w. Reza Rites

The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist

And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK

March 11, 2023

Hi friends, how did things go as you finished up the week and slid into the weekend? I finished a story for my grad school program, introduced some new study materials to my “adult education” students, did some vending, and met and shared love with a diverse group of women of color at the International Women’s Day event organized by the Providence City Council. Thanks to community connector and joy maker Lauren Case for setting me up as a vendor. Here are five other observations, proclamations, or ramblings for today’s Take 5 note:

1. I smell good. No, really. Think hints of coconut, pineapple, mango, lime, lavender, and “spice.” Throw peppermint and/or grapefruit oil in, from time to time, and maybe essence of turmeric, ginger and cinnamon given my tea-making and drinking, and you might be close if you’re trying to imagine it.

2. Thank goodness for that tea, too, for it takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit (at least mine) when writing about an insipid and dangerously cruel character. Oof.

3. I am currently writing at least one grant to support a summer writing program for South County residents, 18 and up. I love teaching, so I am excited, but I’m also thrilled to be working with an original writing program I developed over a decade ago for adults and youth in community settings. The curriculum became the foundation for the lessons, units, and instruction I’ve developed and delivered over the years in schools. However, it’s really nice to bring it back to a community-based learning space.

4. One of the publications that motivates me, and makes me feel seen as a Black woman writer, is “Midnight & Indigo.” I am posting a collage showing screenshots from some of their more recent newsletters and posts. I believe in what they publish and how they’ve positioned themselves in the literary community, and I’m enrolled in an event tomorrow, that will be the second I’ve done as part of their workshop and class offerings.

5. The other accompanying collage and visuals reflect additional things that caught my attention recently, including but not limited to the following categories: opportunities for writers and artists, sources of inspiration, and moments of affirmation. They include a flyer from the International Women’s Day event referenced above, a writing retreat being organized by Adrienne Maree Brown, and a picture of me at Raphael's Restaurant in Providence - in front of a piece of art they purchased as part of decorating their eatery. If you’re hungry for “The Taste of the Caribbean,” - and want to see the three pieces of #3amblack art they have on display, check them out at 568 Broad St., in Providence.

Do you have 5 observations or realizations from the week? Feel free to leave them in the comments if you’d like to share.

Sunshine and laughter,

Reza Rites

#3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagra #blackentrepreneurs #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack

#carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Take 5 w. Reza Rites The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK Below are five things on my mind for today’s edition of Take 5 with Reza Rites. What are five things you’re thinking about? My uncle, Jay Clifton, passed away last month; I want to thank everyone who checked in and shared condolences…. I received news that three poems I submitted for consideration were selected by the What Cheer Writer’s Club, for “Solidarity,” their forthcoming anthology... Black American history, and the domestic struggle for freedom, self-determination, and access to opportunity and autonomy has always seen multiple iterations, directions, attempts, and victories, and it has often included a global awareness and intentional integration of Black Freedom Struggles abroad. I keep seeing cool opportunities* for creative writers... My first mentor-instructor meeting went well. During one exercise, he asked me about my poetry and invited me to say anything I wanted about it. Along with a series of now-forgotten utterances, I briefly mentioned being inspired by Rumi and Pablo Neruda… Sunshine and laughter, Reza Rites *opportunities posted are neither endorsements nor markers of affiliation. READ ARTICLE IN FULL www.AmbitiousBlackFeminist.com #3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagra #blackentrepreneurs #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit https://www.instagram.com/p/CpapW1nL90J/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Take 5 w. Reza Rites

The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist

And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK

Below are five things on my mind for today’s edition of Take 5 with Reza Rites. What are five things you’re thinking about?

My uncle, Jay Clifton, passed away last month; I want to thank everyone who checked in and shared condolences. His life was characterized by love for family, professional globetrotting, and service to country, including through time in the Air Force and in his work with the State Department. He balanced being a man who joked quickly and cared warmly, with being a man of mystery and patron saint of confidentiality. I never could describe what he did - even after visiting him in Haiti during a Thanksgiving break while I was in high school. But there was no doubt he loved me and his/our family fiercely. He will be missed by many, including me.

On a parallel timeframe, that is also, perhaps, a perpendicular political positionality, I received news that three poems I submitted for consideration were selected by the What Cheer Writer’s Club, for “Solidarity,” their forthcoming anthology. One of my poems, in particular, offers a critique of “the military industrial complex” and the destruction caused by the weaponry and belief system that condones heinous acts of violence perpetuated all across the world.

Despite what appears to be a contradiction between the love, admiration and adoration that I feel (felt?) for my uncle, and my political and philosophical beliefs about war, I think there are two basic truths demonstrated here that are worth noting in the wake of Black History Month: a) many families can and do stay faithful to love, and to co-existing in the gray areas of mixed and sometimes unaligned personal beliefs and principles. Black women are the original authors of plurality and inclusion; and b) Black American history, and the domestic struggle for freedom, self-determination, and access to opportunity and autonomy has always seen multiple iterations, directions, attempts, and victories, and it has often included a global awareness and intentional integration of Black Freedom Struggles abroad. This is true in my family, as well.

I keep seeing cool opportunities for creative writers. While I figure out what I can and cannot do (now), I am going to try to share more of these announcements* on my 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK pages.

My first mentor-instructor meeting went well. During one exercise, he asked me about my poetry and invited me to say anything I wanted about it. Along with a series of now-forgotten utterances, I briefly mentioned being inspired by Rumi and Pablo Neruda. Then he asked me to read some of the poems I had submitted (that he had selected), and after I finished reading each one, he followed up by reading the same one that I had just done. It is hard to explain the impact, but the experience was affirming and reverberative. He also asked me to send additional writing samples, audio poems, video presentations, and other creative works - a request that showed that rather than cower in fear when offered a glimpse of my full portfolio of work, he was ready for the ride. Beep beep.

Sunshine and laughter, Reza Rites

*announcements are neither endorsements nor markers of affiliation.

#3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagra #blackentrepreneurs #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack

#carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Take 5 w. Reza Rites The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist And “3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK” I have to write. Yes, this is an existential statement. Yes this is a pledge. Yes this is a mantra. But also, yes, I am in a grad school program that requires 25 pages of new creative works per month. So I, quite literally, must write. In the last “listicle” I wrote and published, I pondered aloud whether there was value and purpose in bringing back projects, templates and formats that I had previously reclassified as archived material in my professional arts and writing library. But when my friend, Dj @ladyruck, recently brought back her show, The Ladies Lounge, I felt inspired. And when I reflected on how easy it was for the words to emerge and intertwine with each other in the most recent listicles I produced, it felt settled: I was going to officially relaunch the “Take 5 with Reza Rites” postings. My next Take 5 post is in the works but accompanying this write-up are screenshots from the two most recent “articles” I wrote. What are five things on your mind? Sunshine and laughter, Reza Rites #3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagram #reels #blackentrepreneurs #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit https://www.instagram.com/p/CpWiAK7spmc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Photo/selfie dump and documentation of days when my new haircut was acting right. There have also been many days that were marred by mismanaged styling attempts. Oh well. Onwards. #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #vanity4themovement #joyisthemovement #naturalhair #kinkyhair #curlyhair #shorthairdontcare #blackwomen #carefreeblackgirl #blackgirlmagic #selfcare https://www.instagram.com/p/CpT8nFXswEc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #vanity4themovement #joyisthemovement #naturalhair #kinkyhair #curlyhair #shorthairdontcare #blackwomen #carefreeblackgirl #blackgirlmagic #selfcare

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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POSTED WITH LOVE AND PERMISSION TO SHARE Nothing in this world is ever perfect. But loving you And being loved by you Are probably the closest it gets. Happy Valentine’s Day lovies. #3amblack #3amblackpoetry #rezarites #shop3amblack #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagram #reels #blackentrepreneurs #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CopZHSHr9K2/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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POSTED WITH LOVE AND PERMISSION TO SHARE To exist is to love you To love you is to exist Happy Valentine’s Day, my love. #3amblack #3amblackpoetry #rezarites #shop3amblack #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagram #reels #blackentrepreneurs #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CokWIZjOTzU/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Art. Essays. Poems. 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK #3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagram #reels #blackentrepreneurs #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit https://www.instagram.com/p/CoP6xAeLvEQ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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I cannot stress number 1 enough, though number 4 is pretty cool too. #3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackbusinesses #blackwomanowned #blackwomanownedbusiness #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagram #reels #blackentrepreneurs #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn5os7fsEul/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Cuz Black girls are gonna do Black girl things.* *haircut by me #rezarites #3amblack #ambitiousblackfeminist #naturalhair #blackhairstyles #curls #naturalcurls #curlygirl #natural #naturalhairstyles #selfie #hairstyles #blackgirlmagic #carefreeblackgirl #blackwomen #poetry #art #hoopmobb #southcarolina #bigchop #twa #hair #hairstyles #haircut https://www.instagram.com/p/CnlWsFhsJcS/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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ambitiousblackfeminist · 1 year

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Did a thing to do some things. More things coming. #3amblack #rezarites #3amblackpoetry #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #blackartmovement #blackwritersofinstagram #blackpoetsofinstagram #blackartistsoninstagram #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #askmeaboutit https://www.instagram.com/p/CnQSCFpss6Q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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