I’m excited to share that on May 13th, I was honored at Lincoln Center during the 8th Annual Black Girl Magic Ball, a fearless celebration dedicated to Black women and femmes making an indelible impact across arts, activism, education, and beyond.

Founded by the incredible Dr. Mahogany L. Browne—renowned writer, poet, organizer, and Lincoln Center’s Poet-in-Residence—the Ball creates space for Black women to revel in our brilliance, honor our heritage, and commune in pure joy.

To stand in that room and be recognized was humbling, but even more so was to be in the company of this year’s powerhouse honorees:

Maori Karmael Holmes – A native of Los Angeles, Maori is a filmmaker, writer, and curator currently based in Philadelphia. She founded the BlackStar Film Festival in 2012 and serves as Chief Executive & Artistic Officer of its parent organization, BlackStar Projects.

Nona Hendryx – In the spirit of two-fisted political singer-songwriters like Nina Simone and Joni Mitchell, Nona tackles social issues, love, and politics through music with a vocal range that moves from funk to the stratosphere.

Rachel Cargle – An Akron-born writer, entrepreneur, and philanthropic innovator. Her book A Renaissance of Her Own (Penguin Random House) centers the reimagining of womanhood, solidarity, and self. She also founded The Loveland Foundation, Inc., offering free therapy to Black women and girls.

Sade Lythcott – A Harlem native and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Black Theatre, the first revenue-generating Black Arts complex in the U.S. and one of the longest-running theaters led by a woman of color. She continues the legacy of her mother, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer.

Jason Reynolds – A #1 New York Times bestselling author of award-winning books such as Long Way Down, Stamped, and Look Both Ways. He’s received a Newbery Honor, NAACP Image Award, and served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature from 2020 to 2022.

To be included in this constellation of luminaries—people who have used their voices, talents, and platforms to shape culture—was both a gift and a responsibility. I am so grateful to Dr. Browne for the acknowledgment, and for expanding my circle with such intentionality and love.

The magic in that room was undeniable. I saw it in the mirror, in the eyes of the other honorees, and in every person present. It reminded me that our joy, our brilliance, and our power are revolutionary.

Xavier Said “I’m proud of you Mama!”

If you’re receiving this email, it’s because you are part of my journey. Your support sustains me. I carry you into every room I enter, and I hope to continue making you proud.

#BlackGirlMagic

#LincolnCenter

#SayItLoud

#ArchitectActivist

#RepresentationMatters

#HistoryMakers

#AdjayeAssociates

#BeyondTheBuilt

#GREATNESSBook

#315thLiving

#NOMA

#FAIA

#ElevateOurVoices