Meant a lot to have some of my fam come out to events last week. I find that it’s easy to not be present when there’s a lot going on, with overstimulation causing a sort of paralysis where you’re being pushed and pulled in a dozen directions without even really knowing where you are, or what you’re doing. A strange numbness sets in. But every time I’d see my mother smile while speaking with someone, heard awe in my cousin and aunt’s voices as they took in their surroundings, or watched my pops try making his way through throngs of people to find a nonalcoholic beverage, I was plunged back into the moment and found joy in their joy. In the fact that they’re alive to see the fruits of their love and labors squeezed into chilled glasses made just for them. And to mouth to them from across the room, “Yes, you deserve all this, too.” Shout out to @justinhurttdunkley for bringing my words to life at the @nyplyounglions ceremony, to all of my fellow finalists, and to @schomburgcenter for the honor of speaking at their empowering literary festival. And big ups to my agents and editors for joining the festivities. To more joy we can all feel in real time. You already know who’s behind the lens: @fifthgod. And @matthewplotner / @beyondmeasurecustom made the suit.