Kianna Alexander

Standing on Business…and on the shoulders of the Ancestors.

Hey y’all,

I don’t know about you, but it seems to me that Black History Month 2025 needs to extra, in every possible way. We are being assailed and assaulted from every side. Hell, there is a literal coup going on right now, and our rights, freedoms, and our very existence are being disrespected, dismissed, or diminished. I’m NOT here for it.

So that means I’m being purposeful about how I spend this month. Now y’all know me, I’m down for Black history all day, every day. But for the official month where our history is to be celebrated, I’m doubling down. For me, that looks like:

-Buying from Black owned businesses to recirculate my money in our community

-Reading books and scholarly material that highlights our accomplishments and contributions. (Buy those books from Black author’s directly when you can!)

-Consuming Black media in all forms: film, television, online content, music, visual arts, and more.

-Encouraging and elevating Black youth whenever possible, and

-Showing respect and gratitude to our Black elders.

I know there is a lot going around about boycotting certain companies who are rolling back their DEI promises, or otherwise acting a fool and playing in our faces. And I’m down for that cause as well. Here’s what I’ve discovered, though. IF I’m purposeful to begin with, and get the things I need and want from Black owned companies FROM THE BEGINNING, I don’t need to buy anything from those big companies that don’t respect me or my Black ass dollars. See how that works? I don’t even have to say these companies’ names. You know who they are. I’d rather elevated the companies I’m actually supporting, fam.

I’m putting my money where my mouth is. This week, I’m highlighting a few Black creatives and businesses I love, so you can support them. I know y’all to be an awesome bunch, a lot of you have been rocking with me for many a year and I’m ever so grateful. So now, let’s share some of that love with these awesome creators and businesses!

LET US MARCH ON by Shara Moon

(link goes to the Dock Bookshop, a black owned indie bookstore)

Devoted wife, White House maid, reluctant activist…

A stirring novel inspired by the life of an unsung heroine, and real-life crusader, Lizzie McDuffie, who as a maid in FDR’s White House spearheaded the Civil Rights movement of her time.

This riveting novel, released February 4, 2025, illuminates a forgotten heroine of our nation’s history. A can’t miss read! I’ve known Shara for nearly a decade and she does NOT play about her research, so trust me on this one. Get into Mrs. McDUffie’s story, ASAP!

Apparel: Izzy and Liv

This is one of my very favorite apparel brands. If you need the flyest gear, I’m talking t-shirts, tote bags, mugs, all that good stuff, this is the place to get it. The brand celebrates the vibrancy and uniqueness of our culture. I’ve been a customer for about 7 years and it’s my go to for the good stuff, y’all.

Creator: Thee Glam Naija

Makeup girlies, rejoice. Even if you know nothing about how to do makeup, Nai Jelee is gonna get you right and keep you entertained while doing it, honey! I follow her on the clock app (though I don’t go over there much now since it’s been infiltrated), but the link goes to her IG, where she posts her video tutorials, which also come with some very astute and hilarious commentary. You might get a giggle out of her videos even if you have no interest in makeup, so go check her out!

Lastly, just a reminder that my upcoming historical follow-up to CAROLINA BUILT, titled A CUT ABOVE, is available for pre-order. If you missed the link last month, here it is again. This is for the limited edition, signed print of the book that A) you can only order directly from me, and B) will no longer be available as of February 28th. Remember, the early bird gets the worm and whatnot, so go ahead and click the cover image to grab yours today.

Thanks, as always for reading, and for your support. I hope you all have an amazing weekend, and I’ll check in with you next week.

Love and Hugs,

Kianna