My Work

I cover a little bit of everything! However, my true passions lie in interviews, event coverage, travel experiences, culture based op-eds, and even curating playlists. You can see some of my favs below. 

For my daily trending news and reporting bylines, check out my Muck Rack !

Spring Reset Trips: 5 Elevated Escapes For Adults To Recharge And Indulge *Travel*

The kids have returned to school and the college crowds are clearing out, making this the ideal time to plan an adults-only spring escape. For those looking to unwind and disconnect, these destinations offer the perfect setting to reconnect with your spouse, friends or even yourself.Spring is a natural time for a reset and travel offers an ideal way to step into the second quarter of the year with intention. As a “shoulder season,” it brings more favorable rates, pleasant weather and greater fle...

Spring Refresh: Black- and Brown-Owned Beauty Brands To Elevate Your Routine - *Beauty*

Spring is the perfect time to rethink and refresh your beauty routine. Whether you’re seeking products made with cleaner ingredients, prioritizing ethical manufacturing, or looking to support brands owned by women or Black and brown founders, trying something new is a great way to reset for the months to come.


As you explore new options, resist the urge to chase trends. Instead, take advantage of the wide range of products on the market and ground your choices in your personal wants and need...

Spring and Summer Travel to Mexico Is Still Happening: Your Ultimate Guide to Sun, Style, Safety Tips, and Nonstop Flight Deals- *Travel*

Despite recent headlines, Mexico still tops the list for a warm-weather escape. Whether for spring break or a summer getaway, travelers continue to flock everywhere—from the ultra-buzzy streets of Mexico City to the laid-back, lazy-river lounging of Los Cabos. With new nonstop routes across a range of budgets, fresh hotel openings, and thoughtful renovations of beloved resorts, Mexico remains a clear “yes” as a go-to spring and summer destination.


On Sunday, Feb. 22, violence erupted in Mexic...

Etihad Airways begins flights from Charlotte - *Travel*

by Martie Bowser


On Friday, March 20, Etihad Airways launched nonstop service between Charlotte Douglas International Airport and Abu Dhabi, marking a major shift for Charlotte’s aviation landscape. The route positions the airport — long known as a high-volume connector hub — as a growing gateway for luxury-leaning global travel. (At the time of publication, the new flights were open for booking despite unrest in the Gulf region.) 


Charlotte was a “natural fit” for the luxury airline’s exp...

He Went To A Wedding In India. Then Airstrikes Left Him Stranded In Qatar. | *Travel*

The escalating military strikes in the Middle East by the United States have transformed some of the world’s most desirable travel destinations into dangerous, anxiety-filled airspaces, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and searching for a way home.


Since February 28, 2026, when the first airstrikes targeting Iran were coordinated by the United States and Israel, more than 13,000 flights have been canceled. Major airport hubs, including those in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel,...

Hidden Gem Bars And Restaurants Across The U.S. Locals Don’t Want You To Miss *Travel*

Every city has a bar, club, or restaurant that appears on every must-see list yet somehow still belongs to the people who live there.These are the places insiders take visiting friends and hotel concierges recommend to their most discerning guests. On a random Wednesday, every seat is filled, there’s a line at the door, and the staff greets half the room by name. In tourism-heavy destinations, from nightlife capitals to historic hubs, these establishments serve as community pillars and unofficia...

I Never Learned to Make My Mom's Cake—Until I Had To

The first Thanksgiving after we lost my mother in January 2022, I intentionally avoided my family’s annual menu group chat. Even as I scrolled past the messages, my eyes kept drifting back to the same empty space on the list, the place where her famous red velvet cake should have been. The idea of gathering for a family holiday without her felt unbearable, but seeing her signature dessert missing from the menu made her absence unmistakably real. That empty space was not just a missing cake. It w...

After A Medical Emergency, Black Travelers Say They Found Better Healthcare Abroad Than In The U.S. | *Travel*

My first trip to Accra, Ghana, was full of emotion. From the moment I stepped off the plane and heard “Welcome home,” I felt the ancestral tug so many had described. I knew this trip would be more than just a photo dump or an Instagram reel.


My visit was to learn about Accra’s thriving businesses and vibrant culture — not to end up in the emergency room. But overnight, a nagging toothache developed into a full-blown abscess, swelling my face to twice its normal size. Once the panic faded, a n...

Christmas And New Year’s In Cancún: Celebrate Culture And Tradition With Ocean Views *Travel/City Guide*

Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s in Cancún means trading snow for white sand and winter coats for bright bathing suits. Whether traveling with family or planning a solo retreat, Cancún remains one of the most memorable places to celebrate the season. While it is often favored for its summer crowds, the city comes alive during the holidays with celebrations and events rooted in Mexican traditions such as Las Posadas, church services, seasonal foods and cultural experiences. From sunrise on th...

National Gingerbread House Competition Brings The Holiday Spirit Back To Asheville After Hurricane Helene *Travel*

The annual National Gingerbread House Competition made a sweet return to the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, rekindling holiday joy and community spirit after a challenging year marked by Hurricane Helene.The competition has signaled the beginning of the holiday season in Western Carolina since 1992. What began as a small local contest has grown into a nationally recognized event. This year's homecoming welcomed a record-breaking 235 entries representing 25 states, with contestants toting...

G Herbo On New Project And How His Fashion Week Stint Represents A Period Of Elevation In His Career - *Interview*

G Herbo is redefining himself in every aspect. The Chicago-born rapper is back with a new album and a fresh look that reflects his personal growth, both inside and outside of the booth.


Since gracing the cover of XXL’s Freshman Class in 2016 at just 21, G Herbo has been one of the defining voices of Chicago drill music, ushering in a new sound and generation of rappers who helped spark a movement.


Now 30, Herbo has evolved into a father, fiancée, and budding fashion icon — even if reluctan...

Friendsgiving Magic: Why Disney Is The Ultimate Place To Celebrate Thanksgiving With Friends *Travel*

It’s time to retire the idea that Friendsgiving has to be a potluck at one friend’s house, crowded around a folding table with mystery side dishes and a store-bought pie. For friend groups ready to elevate the tradition beyond the living room, there’s no place more magical to gather than Walt Disney World or Disneyland.
Between the festive atmosphere and endless entertainment, Disney creates the perfect backdrop for friendship, gratitude, and celebration.
During the holiday season, both Disney W...

The Black Girl's Guide To Travel: Budget-Friendly Solo Adventures *Travel*

Solo travel can be pure joy—until the bill arrives. Without anyone to share those mini-bar indulgences or spa-day luxuries, a solo getaway can quickly stretch your budget and have you rethinking the pros and cons of inviting that “annoying” plus-one.


For Black women, solo travel comes with its own unique set of considerations. From safety and inclusivity to cultural awareness, these factors often influence not only where you go, but how much you spend once you get there. Still, with a bit of...

The Black Girl’s Guide To Travel: Early-Bird Tips For The Best Holiday Deals | *Travel*

The holiday season is upon us, and while it should be a time for joy and celebration, it can also bring stress and frustration, especially when it comes to travel. Flight delays caused by weather or technology issues, inflated ticket prices, and overbooked accommodations are all challenges many of us know too well. With proper planning, though, they don’t have to ruin your adventures.


Just like the streets and stores that will soon be filled with shoppers, you can expect booking sites and tic...

How This Entrepreneur Is Driving Ghana’s Global Expansion Through Its People *Travel/Interview*

From the endless rows of vendors at the splendidly chaotic Makola Marketplace to the storefronts of global brands such as Clarks and Sony in the Accra Mall, Ghana's capital embodies a harmonious blend of traditional heritage and modern entrepreneurial energy.
Located in the southern region of Ghana, Accra is rapidly evolving into a beacon of innovation, culture and economic opportunity in West Africa. The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area’s current population is approximately 4 million, with Accra...

Jermaine Dupri Headlines Fine Wine Festival For The Perfect Blend Of Music, Wine And Culture *Travel/Interview*

Ten years ago, a collective of young Black creatives and entrepreneurs in Brooklyn, New York, began fostering cultural connections through wine. Now, a decade and countless pours later, the Fine Wine Series has grown into the nation's largest cultural wine experience.On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the brand will commemorate its global impact and expansion with the return of its annual Fine Wine Festival. To celebrate the milestone of their flagship event, the brand cofounded by brothers Dozie O...

Mickey meets island time: Disney brings Caribbean flair to water parks, resorts *Travel*

The taste of summer is a distinct one. Oftentimes, the sweltering season is associated with the tropical, island flavors of Caribbean and Latin cultures. Imagine smoky jerk chicken cooked to perfection on an open-flame at a roadside shack, beckoning you to stop by for a mouthwatering bite. Or tender, juicy mojo pork marinated with savory cumin and cilantro, and brightened with zesty lime and orange juices.

Can’t make it to the islands for these delightful bites? Mickey and Minny have you covere...

Missed Out On Bad Bunny Tickets? No Problem—Here’s Why Puerto Rico Is Still The Place To Be *Travel/City Guide*

So you didn’t snag tickets to Bad Bunny’s sold-out residency in Puerto Rico? Well, don’t let that keep you from exploring the beautiful island, which is full of fun, flavor and culture that goes way beyond the concert gates.
On Friday, July 11, the global reggaeton superstar, born Benito Ocasio, kicked off his groundbreaking 30-show residency titled "No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí" ("I Don't Want to Leave Here") at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum (El Choli) in San Juan.
The residency runs until Sept...

Where Them Fans At: Are Carnival Cruise Line’s Policies Anti-Black Or Just Miscommunication? | *Travel*

For many, cruising evokes memories of bottomless drink packages, staff-led conga lines, and effortless travel. However, recent updates to Carnival Cruise Line‘s onboard policies and regulations have created their own waves on social media, raising questions about whether these new rules target Black cruisers and Black culture.


At the heart of the discourse is the so-called ban on handheld “clack” fans and a perceived crackdown on hip-hop music.


On June 7, 2025, the 53-year-old cruise line...

Master P’s Ultimate Guide To New Orleans Includes His Last Performance, College Basketball And A Po’Boy *Travel/Interview*

Rap legend Master P has seen the world. His lifetime of careers, from founding and running No Limit Records to stints in the NBA and numerous entrepreneurial ventures, has afforded him the opportunity to be a globetrotter. However, to him, nothing beats the streets of New Orleans.
"I was 8 years old," Master P recalled of his first time participating in a "second line" with Forbes in a digital interview.
He reminisced about the excitement he felt partaking in his first traditional NOLA street p...

Samuel L. Jackson And Pierce Brosnan Saddle Up In Western 'The Unholy Trinity' - *Interview*

Samuel L. Jackson and Pierce Brosnan ride onto the big screen together in their new western, The Unholy Trinity.


Directed by Richard Gray, The Unholy Trinity is a story of seeking vengeance and uncovering secrets in a town torn apart by the battle between lies and virtue.


The film follows Henry Broadway (Brandon Lessard), a young man on his journey back to his childhood home of Trinity, Montana, to avenge what he believes was his father’s unjust murder.


Along the way, he realizes his qu...

These Global Destinations Embrace LGBTQ+ Travelers During Pride And Beyond *Travel*

The earliest Pride celebrations were held in June 1970, marking the first anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Over time, the protests and marches for resistance and acceptance evolved into massive lively festivals that represented progress while continuing to strive for equality. Today, across America, the month of June is filled with members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrating equal love and acceptance.However, under the current political climate and social hostilities, the...

'Noah's Arc' Cast Is Still Redefining Black Queer Love 2 Decades Later With New Movie: 'We're The Elders' - *Interview*

In 2005, the groundbreaking series Noah’s Arc brought revolutionary representation of LGBTQ+ individuals to television, particularly for Black gay men.


Now, after nearly a 20-year hiatus, the show that has been acknowledged as a beacon in the LGBTQ+ community is back with a brand-new movie: Noah’s Arc: The Movie, premiering this week on Paramount+ with Showtime.


Created by Patrik-Ian Polk, Noah’s Arc centers on the careers, love lives and friendships of four Black gay men in Los Angeles....

Experience Juneteenth In These Cities Honoring History And Culture *Travel*

On June 19, 1865, Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced the end of slavery to more than 250,000 still-enslaved Black people. The announcement came nearly two years after former President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.As the westernmost Confederate state, Texas still maintained a stronghold on institutional slavery, requiring the physical presence of Union soldiers to enforce emancipation. Galveston was their final stop, where they declar...
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