There are many things that I learned during 2016, but these are the lessons that I valued.

1. Self Love

Even when it hurts, or it seems impossible. Even when I'm having what my bestie calls a "slump".

2. To Love My Blackness

Black is beautiful, creative, fluid, unifying and an anthem. Blackness is absolutely magical.

3. Black Girl Magic

This year showed me the true nature of being sun-kissed. A literal goddess (or god, if that's your thing) and how important that is as a core part of my identity.

4.Black Hair

Every coil holds infinite healing, grace, wisdom and roots. Black hair is beautiful, it makes me wonder if their was ever even a question.

5. The importance of press-on nails

Girl, these literally save my life. Who has the time (and money) to go to the nail salon and get their nails done? Not me.

6. Valuing my feminine identity

As a femme-identified person I LOVE to slay. I love it, for so long femininity was the punch line to a misogynistic joke. For why? Femininity heals, nurtures, has raised nations and protected them. Femmes are lit.

7. AAVE as a beautiful ever-growing language

8. How annoying it is to have any part of my Black culture appropriated.

And that's really all that I have to say about that.

9. The importance of being the one that "is just going to say it"

Say it. Do it. Be the real friend. Don't hold back and walk in your truth.

10. Intense and painful growth

But sis, the relief that you are no longer stagnant is phenomenal. Do you hear me? Cast it off, change your ideologies, get "woke", be about your liberation and LIVE YOUR LIFE.

11. The beauty of friendships with other Black femmes

And honestly the power of Black relationships. Concentrations of magick, of understanding and deep love. It always feels like (finally) coming home.