Inspired by Letitia. Motivated by Lizzo. Loved by Trevor.

*Photo from Yahoo!News

I kicked off last week by basking in the infectious joy of Letitia Wright’s smile. She is radiant. Yes, recent photos of her celebrating have been all over social media. Each time I see one of these images, I feel as if she’s smiling in slow motion, and her pure joy and gratitude for living transmits through the screen and electrifies me. Letitia inspires me to dream more boldly and to live more loudly.

Mid-week, I learned of Lizzo’s game-changing approach to the age-old acceptance speech. I thought, how bold, how purposeful, and how very doable. Why have I not seen this done before? By embodying a commitment to leverage her platform to elevate other women’s voices, Lizzo showed us that she’s far enough on her healing journey to make space for others to be uplifted, affirmed, and celebrated. Her selfless illumination of women catalyzing change motivates me to explore how my purpose shows up, and how to live and walk in ways that uplift others.

And on Thursday night of the already-inspiring week, Trevor Noah reminded me of the intimacy that can be possible through intentional use of media. When he took the time to thank Black women for our contributions and acknowledge the importance of our presence, I sensed that he knows my pain, my power, and my tenderness. He asked rhetorically and matter-of-factly, “Who do you think teaches me?” He wanted us to know the answer is obvious: Black women. Trevor’s words hit hard for me because he sees Black women without dissociation or distortion. He assured me that he hasn’t relegated me to one dimension.

The combination of these highly visible, in-public celebrations of Black women spoke to me. I’m grateful to Letitia, Lizzo, and Trevor for ushering me into the weekend feeling inspired, motivated, and loved.