What a week it has been! I celebrated the release of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s memoir “Lovely One” the best way I know how — in community!
What Justice Jackson’s Memoir Is Teaching Me
My best friend and I went to see Justice Jackson speak at the Kennedy Center on Wednesday. We were literally speechless by the end of it. Justice Jackson is one of the most honest, captivating, and compassionate orators of our day. Her book is filled with so many insights and lessons.
In Conversation with Black Harvard Law Alums
On Tuesday, I sat down with ImeIme Umana, the first black female president of Harvard Law Review, and Kristin Turner, Political Strategist and Founder of MisfitMinds Collective to discuss the challenges and triumphs of being a black student at Harvard, what Justice Jackson’s memoir means for the everyday person, and the upcoming election. We all breathed a sigh of relief at the end of this conversation because we had gotten so much off of our chest 😮💨
You can check out the full podcast below or on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
100 Historic Black Women You Should Know By Election Day — NEWS
The Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts 🎉 In under 4 minutes a day, you can learn about a phenomenal black woman on YouTube, Spotify, and now Apple Podcasts!
Here are some of my favorite episodes from this past week:
No. 69: Dr. Alexa Irene Canady
Imagine stepping into an operating room where the stakes are life and death—and being the only Black woman in the room, not just as a spectator, but as the lead surgeon. This was the reality for Dr. Alexa Irene Canady, a trailblazer who redefined what it means to break boundaries in medicine.
No. 65: Mahalia Jackson
What do you get when you mix the soul of gospel with the spirit of change? You get Mahalia Jackson—a woman whose voice was as powerful as her convictions.
No. 61: Phillis Wheatley
Did you know that one of America's most famous poets was an enslaved Black woman who stunned the world with her brilliance before she even turned 20? Phillis Wheatley’s words traveled oceans, and her poems were read by kings and presidents—proving that genius knows no bounds, even when society tries to shackle it.
Let me know which episode has been your favorite so far!
Personal(ity)
I know a lot of you are wondering when I’m not writing history newsletters what am I doing? I’m working on my dissertation and other academic writing 🥹 I also have a personal substack where I share life updates and encouragements which you can check out here: shaeomonijo.substack.com
P.s. This newsletter has grown so much over the past few months! I would love to learn more about you and your interest in history. If you have a second, please fill out this survey.
with care,