Yes, it was also difficult in ways I refuse to type with my keyboard. I’m not disputing that. But there was also a lot to celebrate. Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. The Cowboy Carter tour announcement and Beyonce’s AOTY award. Captain America opened at number 1 at the box office even though the movie was meh (we can be mediocre too y’all).

I rewatched Love Jones with fresh eyes. You can read my thoughts below:

Love Jones and the Art of Us: A Valentine's Day Reflection

Regina Black

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Feb 14

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I helped my nine-year-old daughter edit an essay about Harriet Tubman—a project she started because she was tired of her elementary school teaching the same two civil rights leaders every year. I watched Miss Juneteenth for the first time and texted friends about how country it was to get arrested for shooting an alligator. (Just watch it. Trust me.)

But the best thing I did this month was shut out the noise. I focused on things that mattered to me and filled my well, not depleted it. I wrote words that I'm proud of. I made art (yes, actual art) that was just for me and that I like looking at.

A Few Things I Loved This Month

Imani Perry's Back in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People blew my mind with how creative and beautiful it is. The way Perry traces blue through Black cultural history taught me so much that I'll never look at the color the same way again.

Kennedy Ryan's Can't Get Enough is a fantastic finale to the series. And yes, it's much, MUCH hotter. (Full review coming soon.)

Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest by Fawn Weaver was research for a WIP, but also because I've become a whiskey drinker in my old age. Such a great story that now I want to take a trip to Tennessee and tour the distillery.

The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw. I'm mad that it took me this long to get to this one, but I'm glad I finally did. If you're an audio person, the production is incredible.

I’m watching High on the Hog and it’s taught me things about Black food history that reshape my understanding of American cuisine. Black food history is Black history period. There's so much to learn about things we take for granted.

Beyond the Gates is soap opera at its finest. I haven't been this excited for a daytime show since Generations premiered. It’s got me sending text messages like this:

Maybe what made this month different was creating my own celebration instead of waiting for the world to celebrate me. I plan to do more of that this year.

What was a highlight of your February? Let me know in the comments!