NishaSpeaks' Column

Today, I had to choose between milk or graham crackers. That may not seem like much to you, but I literally stopped in the aisle in confusion, because I've never had to THINK about what I was putting in my basket. I budget, yes, but not being able to purchase a sweet snack for my family was kinda wild. Today, I had to choose between milk or graham crackers. That may not seem like much to you, but I literally stopped in the aisle in confusion, because I've never had to THINK a

“It really is ok; even if ok doesn’t look like what you think…it’s still ok.” This simple phrase carries a profound message, especially during times of uncertainty. As we navigate the stormy seas of seasonal depression, economic hardship, and political outcomes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But remember, it really is ok; even if ok doesn’t look like what you think…it’s still ok. Now we’ve talked about the changing seasons and how it can significantly impact our mood. As day

These two simple words encompass a universe of strength, resilience, and achievements that have shaped our world. From the pioneers who defied expectations to the quiet heroes who change lives every day, women deserve our constant recognition and respect. History is rife with examples of worthy women. We think of scientists like Alice Ball, whose groundbreaking research developed the first successful treatment for Hansen’s disease (leprosy). Or Mary Church Terrell, who was a

Happy New Year, Folks! Sooooo…how are you? How’s it going? How do you feel? Me…How am I??? Chile…Listen, I’ll just say I am very happy to be here! I’ve never really been into the cyclical trends of New Year, New Me, or setting “goals” for the year. The way 2023 behaved, I’m just trying to stay on the right side of right! LOL! I must say 2024 came in with a BANG! I mean right out the gate, but I can say that God is STILL good, and my trusting Him and the process is what I inte

We have all had a time or two or three or four where we have literally begged God for something. Sometimes it occurs when we are being selfish and not exercising self-control and sometimes it’s just when we think we know what is best for us. We let our emotions and desires override our intellect and the Holy Spirit within us. We create an opportunity instead of waiting for the opportunity that presents itself in God’s time and in His will. We rush in and say, “I want this and

I remember being on Twitter and coming across a thread of tweets that literally made my heart race. I had never had someone read my mind before, and these three tweets affirmed, solidified, justified, and any other “FIEDs” you can think of! Oh yes, Ms. Ma’am...Keri Hilson came with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing BUT the truth! What were the tweets you ask… ok, hold on, let me set it up. Can I get my single, black women in their mid-40s to come to the front, please? Y

pic source: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/monolith Soooo we’re still putting limits and restrictions on what Black is??? I thought we’d addressed this before…but maybe not. I’m not going to hold you, but yeah…about that. Saw a post on Facebook about the Jonathan Majors Ebony Magazine cover shoot. The individual who wrote the post was pitting the February Valentine’s shoot of Majors against Black masculinity. Stating that images such as those of Jonathan Majors were emasculati

...and I stand on that! 10 toes down! I won’t have to beg for it, be confused about it, be uncertain about it; I won’t doubt it, I won’t question it! I will be sure about it; I will be certain about it, clear about it, and it will make itself known! Yes! Yes! Yes! Ok, let me not get ahead of myself. Hey y’all! Happy New Year! Peace and blessings shall be your portion! Whew! So 2022 was a lot, right? I KNOW! We made it, and I feel really good about this 1st quarter. I know som

It seems like therapy has become trendy, fashionable, if you will, another thing to add to the myriad of items in pop culture. Everyone is throwing around buzz words like…triggers, narcissism, triangulation, etc. It almost feels like your thoughts or opinions aren’t valid unless you weave in at some point that you have a therapist. Now I am defiantly a proponent of therapy, would never discourage anyone from getting therapy, I would even recommend it for a few of y’all LOL, b

“You never really know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” No truer words have ever been spoken. But I believe we must be careful what we designate as “strength.” Google defines strength as: “The quality or state of being physically strong. The capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure.” But wait…before I get too deep into this, let me just say…THE OPINIONS STATED IN THIS PIECE DO NOT REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF URBANE MAGAZIN

We have officially transitioned to the Holiday Season, which runs from November through early January and is chock-full of family gatherings, new recipes, games, and the like. There are a few other things that come with the changing seasons that are especially noteworthy. Is that a chill in the air??? Indeed, it is. We’ve gone from 90+ degree temps to the 70s, 60s, and as I sit here typing this, it is currently 41 degrees at 10:30 am. Then there’s this phenomenon called Dayli

Are you thankful, or are you grateful? There is a difference. Webster defines “Thankful” as being pleased or relieved, and “Grateful” as showing an appreciation of kindness. So honestly…which are you? This time of year is primarily focused on being thankful. Getting that warm and fuzzy feeling thinking of all the things our lives include: food on the table, thankful for the presence of friends and family gathered around us, we feel happy that we have a roof over our heads, a

Alright, Sis...spring has sprung, and summer is on the horizon! Where are we all summer long? OUTSIDE! Oh yes, we have been cooped up too long, daughter, freedom is nigh! 2020 and the coronavirus did a number on all our summer plans. Concerts... canceled . Festivals... canceled . Vacations... CANCELED . We experienced so much last year, and now that the world is opening, we definitely deserve to let our hair down and have a whole lot of fun. So where are we going? I have thre

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and they asked me....do you ever wonder how some people that are close to you get blessing after blessing and you know they're not doing right? I think we all have wondered that...it's frustrating but you must remember, their story is not your story, their race is not your race and God's timing is perfect! Listen do not let the Green Eyed monster of envy and jealousy distract you. Stay in your lane, keep your focus. Yes

Hello, my name is AWESOME! You know those introductory name tags you get at conferences and meetings? No one likes a Debbie Downer or a Negative Norman! Don't let that be your name tag. When meeting new people, entering new professional and personal relationships, let their first impression of you be positive, a winning attitude, and a confident self-image. It's refreshing and fun to be a positive person, and as Believers, our countenance should mirror our beliefs! We are ove

Mom! Mom! Mom! Mommy! Mommy! Mommy! Mama! MA! ma! Mama! Ma! Ma! Ma! Ma! Mum! Mum! Mum! Mum! Mummy! Mummy! Momma! Momma! Momma! We’ve all seen the hilarious Stewie from “Family Guy” meme – and I’m willing to bet 95% of all moms have experienced the Stewie meme in real life. Oh, the feels of motherhood! Lots of hugs, kisses, guidance, and scolding. All in hopes of releasing an aware, stable, considerate, and whole human into the world. What an enormous undertaking! I mean, coul

To be loved, To be loved, Oh, what a feeling to be loved ...but who told you that love had to come from someone other than yourself? You mean self-love? That is exactly what I mean! I know self-love has become one of those pop culture, buzz words that everyone is spouting. But honestly, if you haven’t grabbed hold of it and tried it out…whew...you don’t know what you’re missing! Self-love is defined as: regard of ones’ own well-being and happiness; taking care of your own ne