A Milestone Celebration: Uncle Andre’s 60th Birthday
This past weekend was a rare and beautiful moment of family, laughter, and celebration. My Uncle Andre—my deceased biological father’s youngest brother—turned 60, and his birthday brought together family in a way that doesn’t happen often.
Both of his remaining siblings—and even my bonus aunt—joined us, making it a rare and special reunion. With two uncles serving in the military and living in different states, having everyone together was truly a moment to cherish. And the best part? For the first time ever, all of Uncle Andre’s nieces and nephews were in the same room. That moment wasn’t just monumental for him—it meant something to all of us.
This weekend was packed with events, starting with a restaurant dinner on Friday (which I, unfortunately, had to miss for the Uncle Nearest, Love & Whiskey book tour). But Saturday night’s birthday party was the true showstopper. Uncle Andre was fly in his purple suit, and everyone in attendance came dressed to impress. The energy in the room was infectious—love, joy, and good spirits (the liquid kind included) flowed freely.
I spent most of the night catching up with family I rarely get to see, sharing laughs, hugs, and even a deeply special, vulnerable moment with my cousin Chassica (thank you for that). And of course, I stayed on the dance floor, where my cousin Brea danced with the kind of uninhibited joy that makes you want to join in.
Sunday closed the weekend with a relaxed brunch at the Airbnb where the majority of the out of towners stayed. The guest limit was strict, so I just made the cut, and it was the perfect, intimate ending to a weekend full of love and reconnection.
Uncle Nearest, Love & Whiskey: An Evening of History & Spirits
Friday evening, I made my way to Carrollton for the Uncle Nearest, Love & Whiskey book tour event. But before that, I stopped by my mother-in-love’s house—where I quickly realized I had been recruited as the designated “young driver” for her and her girlfriends. Here I was, thinking they just loved my company. Lol
Before the event, we enjoyed dinner at Ida Claire in Addison, and let me tell you—the food was sensational. We ordered a bit of everything: Nashville hot tenders, blackened redfish, fried green tomatoes, ribs, and a hummus board. Every bite was a delight, but the real standout was the shrimp and grits—creamy, savory, and perfectly seasoned. Overall, I’d rate this place a 9.5 out of 10 on the Arrington scale.
At the event, much like at the Uncle Nearest Distillery, they had a carefully curated whiskey tasting experience. Selected, specially brewed whiskeys were lined up. Between tastings, Fawn Weaver (Founder & CEO) and Victoria Eady Butler( Master Blender and Great-great granddaughter of Nearest Green) shared the history and legacy of Uncle Nearest, their personal journeys in the industry, and what’s next for the company. Their insights were powerful—not just about whiskey, but about business, perseverance, and honoring the past while building the future.
The golden ladies I was with wanted to head out before the crowd, which was probably a good idea. We were able to get a signed copy of Love & Whiskey—a perfect keepsake from an evening that was about so much more than just spirits.
Empowering Black Voices: A Poem from the Heart
For as long as I can remember, I have loved words—how they move, how they heal, how they create space for reflection. But sharing my own? That has taken time. Vulnerability is a journey, and I am just now reaching a place where I feel strong enough to let my words be seen.
Maybe it’s in my blood. My dad had an undeniable love for reading—I’d watch him fly through books, even if he sometimes found his quiet escape on the john. He also wrote poetry, weaving emotions into words in a way that feels so familiar now. My own love for rhythmic language has always shone through in music—I have a knack for learning and memorizing lyrics across all genres. Words have always felt like home.
This short poem came to me one night as I watched my children sleep. In their quiet stillness, I thought about how they are growing, changing, becoming. How one day, they too will spread their wings and take flight.
And so, I wrote…
Bird, bird, bird, where do you fly
As you fly, fly, fly way up in the sky
Bird, bird, bird, where have you been
Have you been, been, been in the highest of dens
Bird, bird, bird, where did you go
Did you go, go, go both to and fro
Bird, bird, bird, will you stay for a while
Just a while, while, while sure would make me smile
Bird, bird, bird, I know you must soar
We must all spread our wings and dare to soar.
As I embrace this part of my journey, I remind myself—and anyone who needs to hear it—that our voices matter. Our stores, our creativity, our dreams. They are worth sharing.
A Different World: Nostalgia, Representation, and Love
Thursday nights held a special kind of magic for me—I’d wait in anticipation as a child to catch a new episode of A Different World. The show wasn’t just entertaining; it had a subconscious effect on me. Attending Xavier University of Louisiana, an HBCU and the only college I applied to, meant that the themes of black excellence, friendship, and love resonated deeply with my own journey.
A couple of weeks ago, I rediscovered the series on Netflix. My daughter and I have been watching it together. The moment the intro song played, she cheerfully declared, “I already like your show Mommy!” It was a delightful reminder that while the show holds a cherished place in my heart, its messages continue to inspire a new generation.
Watching A Different World now, as an adult, fills me with nostalgia for the lessons learned and the unmistakable pride of seeing ourselves represented so positively on screen. I don’t necessarily expect my children to follow in my footsteps, but I always want them to see themselves reflected in media that celebrates our blackness and our strength.
This show is more than a trip down memory lane—it’s a powerful testament to the importance of representation and the enduring impact of stories that uplift our community, not just during Black History Month, but every day.
BTW: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” – Aristotle
So, what’s happening with you? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below and our social media pages.
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2 Comments. Leave new
Very heart felt addition. Enjoyed the family gathering weekend immensely
The weekend was fantastic!