My first time was on my 16th birthday. You were not my first, but my second. We were neighbors. I had known you since middle school, and we had done other things, so choosing you was inevitable, natural. I trusted you. I trusted you with the panes for the windows to my soul. I was, every time, vulnerable with you, depending on you, giving you the chance to make me better…
Continue Reading
Dear Obama Family, I begin this letter already knowing that whatever words I write will not adequately express my gratitude. I can’t believe today is already your last as our First Family. Time has flown by. Your first day was just a heartbeat ago. I was 14 when you first moved into the White House; 18 when you were voted in again to stay. I have so far been alive…
Continue Reading
It’s the same person who says, “Maybe if her dress wasn’t so short, she could have prevented it.” It’s the same person who asks first, “What was she wearing? Was she drunk? Did she lead him on?” It’s the same person who cites someone’s sexual history as a justifier. It’s the same person who dismisses and attributes physically rough behavior to “boys will be boys.” It’s school dress codes, in…
Continue Reading
Millions, if not billions of singles walk around the planet, and contrary to popular belief, not all of us are looking for love. I am one of the many singles who remain so by choice and are completely satisfied; however, so many people around me are not satisfied for me, and I am bloody weary of hearing the below phrases. Perhaps my fellow singles can relate. 1. “Why are you…
Continue Reading
The names, times, and places have been changed to protect identities and my now lowered self-esteem. I remember the first time I saw Smith. I was riding in a car; he was riding in another. I immediately thought he was attractive, but forgot about him just as quickly. I didn’t think about him again until I saw him later that week. I didn’t know his name or who he was that week.…
Continue Reading
From my personal Facebook page… “One day in the third grade, a girl asked me why my gums (gingiva) were black. I lied and said I was fighting with my sister and she punched me in the mouth. That’s the first lie I remember telling. I’ve lied since then. I’ve said I’ve done my homework when I didn’t. I’ve said I’ve missed texts when I saw them. I’ve said I…
Continue Reading
This story was my first publication outside of NIA SPEAKS. “Don’t Get Ahead of Me” was published as the cover story last December in Insight Magazine, an international magazine for high school and college-age Christians. My father rushed down the stairs, faster than I’ve ever seen him run before. He was out of there. Gone. In the middle of Detroit. And I knew he wasn’t going to stop until he…
Continue Reading
Being a writer is so bizarre in its own kind of way. I, personally, am kind of bizarre – especially when I’m writing. I’m part philosopher, part hobo, part artist, and part weirdo – all Nia. When I’m in my writing spells, I wear long, past-my-knees sweaters. I drink tea (well, I always drink tea), and, if I have to go into society and come back, I’ll drink the same…
Continue Reading
Note: In retrospect, this can easily be seen as a continuation of “Accessories.” Today, my Spanish professor started off class by asking us to state one thing we’re thankful for. Students said “my family” and “life” and “grace” and “the weather.” When it was time for me to say something, I simply said “running water.” While washing my face this morning, I stopped and said, “Thank you, God, for this.…
Continue Reading
As I begin to grow up, I realize that most adults are too serious, too rigid, or too boxed. When I say boxed, I mean stuck… willingly. I don’t know. Too caught up in what is to explore what could be. Too wrapped up in the past to enjoy the present. Too busy with the future to deal with what is now. While growing up, we – ever so slightly-…
Continue Reading