Sierra Nicholson

I could be biased because I’ve loved Elaine Welteroth since I first discovered her in 2012. As a Black woman in mass communication, she’s always been inspirational. I listened to More Than Enough via audiobook, and hearing her read her life’s story was fascinating. She didn’t shy away from sharing the low moments of her life. She also didn’t shy away from her feelings of fear and defeat. She paired them with her calculated and bold moves that resulted in the successful outcomes we’ve been witnesses to. I highly recommend More Than Enough to any career-oriented woman, but especially Black women and Black girls who need a reminder that we deserve to take up space too.

I listened to The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store via audiobook, narrated by Dominic Hoffman. Hoffman masterfully read the pages James McBride crafted from his heart, soul, writing talent, and research. This is my first time reading McBride’s work, and I was impressed by his storytelling skills the most. The lives of the Chicken Hill residents were intricately intertwined and thoroughly explained in detail, leaving no question as to how they’re related. No loop was left untied, which took time, effort, and I presume, lots of revising since the book stretches across various years and lifetimes. McBride also uses societal, historical, racial, and generational context to emphasize a shared feeling amongst us all — being oppressed and hoping to free ourselves of it. I can see this becoming a mandatory school read and having a film adaptation. Bravo.

Origin is a powerful movie adaptation and recount of history. It’s a rollercoaster ride that I didn’t expect to get on. As a Black woman, it’s extremely triggering, but well worth the viewing. It inspires you to extend a little grace to others since we’re all part of a world we essentially didn’t create. But it also motivates you to continue breaking the framework of the world as we know it. I learned a lot and my existing knowledge was also affirmed. This movie shook me to my core in a good way. I bought the book, followed the author, and told everyone to watch it.