Beyonce Is Putting Self-Love On Top By Defining Her Own Version Of Success
Many women are using this unpredictable time to self-reflect and improve on areas of their lives. If you are part of this wise population, then you know whatever you focus your attention on grows. Beyonce is no different...OK, maybe just a lil' tiny bit, but not fundamentally. In her conversation with British Vogue, the Queen took the time to speak about how radical black joy is in her life, which she is now letting spill into her fashion.
Whether it be by playing dress up with her family or the bright and bold colors used in her newly released Ivy Park collection, Beyonce is letting it be known that internal happiness is the new bag. This realization comes with a cost to us fanatics who have grown accustomed to our worlds coming to a pause when she releases a whole album with visuals out of thin air. Or that guilt-free and quick transfer from our savings to our checkings when she releases new world tour dates. This scale-back is with good reason as she explains:
"I truly cherish this time with my family, and my new goal is to slow down and shed stressful things from my life. I came into the music industry at 15 years old and grew up with the world watching, and I have put out projects non-stop. I released 'Lemonade' during the Formation World Tour, gave birth to twins, performed at Coachella, directed 'Homecoming', went on another world tour with Jay, then 'Black Is King', all back to back. It's been heavy and hectic.
"I've spent a lot of time focusing on building my legacy and representing my culture the best way I know-how. Now, I've decided to give myself permission to focus on my joy."
One of the biggest thieves of joy is comparison, and for an artist like Beyonce who has continued to reinvent herself decade after decade comes the pressure to top her last release commercially. However, this idea does not take into account the growth an artist has made personally, especially when choosing to make an impact over popularity.
Beyonce is deciding to unsubscribe from the limiting belief system fed to us and define her own version of success. To her, success looks like:
"Owning my films, clothing lines, and masters is important to me. Your songs, your image and the way you conduct business do not have to be created from a commercial point of view, or a male point of view. You can decide what success looks like for yourself. Being number one does not mean better quality. And commercial success certainly doesn't equate to being impactful. Cultural currency is invaluable."
One may look at Beyonce's decision and be able to see that as a woman, a wife, a mother, and a mogul, there is a shift in the consciousness of what it means to be a female version of a hustler. There is a knowing that success and happiness from a male point of view may differ entirely from what is most beneficial to a woman's overall well-being and quality of life.
This inspiration provides us with an opportunity to examine areas of our lives where we are using phrases like "I should feel joy about..." and instead ask ourselves, "What really brings me joy?" In response to that, we must have the courage to make radical changes in our lives, no matter the sacrifice.
"Soul not for sale." Beyonce said it best.
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New Jersey native creating a life that she loves while living in gratitude. She loves using beauty, and fashion to create a balanced lifestyle while prioritizing wellness. A devoted fur mom, and a full-time lover of laughter. She is out for revenge against the darkness by being light, taking her own advice, traveling the world, and letting you know that you are so lit! Connect with her via IG @iamzaniah and please visit Zaniahsworld.com
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
The first time I was in Atlanta, I couldn’t get over how many great restaurants the city had to offer. Whether you’re looking for a soul food brunch spot, a late-night pizza joint, or a cozy place to grab a creamy latte, you’re in luck because Atlanta seems to have it all.
Frequently referred to as “The Black Mecca” because of its reputation as a hub for Black culture and history, Atlanta is also home to many Black-owned restaurants. Many of these restaurants are owned by HBCU grads, who have also made it their mission to give back to the community by creating job opportunities or setting up education funds for Atlanta’s youth.
If you’re looking for restaurant recommendations for your next trip to Atlanta, here are five great spots that are not only Black-owned but also owned by HBCU alumni.
1. The Black Coffee Company
Owned by Xavier University grads Chris Bolden, Jamin Butler, Branden Cole, Gino Jones, and Leonard Lightfoot.
If you’re looking for a place to get a great cup of coffee, start your day at Black Coffee Atlanta, owned by The Black Coffee Company. The company was founded in 2018 by five high school friends and graduates of Xavier University in Louisiana as a way to create resources and job opportunities for their community. The Black Coffee Company started by serving organic coffee sourced from coffee plants in Ethiopia, and since then, it has expanded to include beans from places like Kenya and Brazil.
The coffee shop has two locations in Atlanta: one in the Lakewood Heights area and a second on the campus of Morehouse College. The owners also donate a percentage of profits to their educational fund, which goes towards providing educational and financial resources for area youth.
2. Dough Boy Pizza
Owned by Clark Atlanta graduate Erika Barrett.
Serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas made with fresh ingredients, Dough Boy Pizza has earned a loyal following among Atlanta pizza lovers. The company has two locations: one at the Lee White Food Hall and one in the Decatur neighborhood. Some crowd favorites are the Piled Up Pepperoni Paulie and the Big Meech, made with shrimp, steak, and a savory pesto drizzle. The restaurant caters to different diets: the pizza crusts are vegan, and the menu also offers several vegetarian pies (or you can build your own pie).
The owner, Erika Barrett, a Clark Atlanta alum, is no stranger to the food industry. Besides the Dough Boy Pizza restaurants, Chef Barrett, the CEO of Southern Culture Foods, also opened SOCU Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar, in her hometown of Mobile, Alabama.
3. Slim & Husky’s Pizza
Owned by Tennessee State University Grads Clint Gray, Derrick Moore, and EJ Reed.
Another great Atlanta pizza spot is Slim & Husky’s Pizza, where each pizza, including the pizza sauce, is made from scratch. The menu is full of pies that pay homage to classic hip-hop songs and artists. The Cee No Green is a take on a meat-lovers pizza with Canadian bacon, sausage, and pepperoni. There’s also a California Love vegetarian pizza, and the Red Light Special is a red sauce and mozzarella pie.
The restaurant also offers homemade cinnamon rolls and wings. Founded by three Tennessee State alumni, Slim & Husky’s Pizza has seven locations in Tennessee, two in Atlanta: one on Metropolitan Parkway and the other on the Morehouse College campus.
4. Busy Bee Cafe
Owned by Alabama A&M grad Tracey Gates.
Considered one of the best restaurants in Atlanta, Busy Bee Cafe received a James Beard Classic Award in 2022, an award that recognizes local restaurants that “reflect the character of the community.” The no-frills diner offers quintessential Southern food like BBQ ribs, chicken and waffles, fried pork chops, and oxtails. The restaurant also has a rich history in Atlanta.
Founded by Lucy Jackson in 1947, the restaurant became a meeting place for Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights Movement. Busy Bee Cafe was sold to two local businessmen in 1968, who later sold it to Milton Gates in 1981. Today, Milton’s Gates daughter, Tracey Gates, an Alabama A&M alum, is the owner and head chef and has even added a few family recipes to the menu.
5. Slutty Vegan
Owned by Clark Atlanta graduate Pinky Cole.
Slutty Vegan started when Clark Atlanta graduate Pinky Cole decided to fill the demand for delicious, vegan burgers. The budding entrepreneur first sold her fresh, ready-made vegan burgers from a shared kitchen and fulfilled orders through Instagram. In a few weeks, she was selling burgers across Atlanta from a food truck. After building a loyal following, Cole opened her first Slutty Vegan restaurant in 2018 in Atlanta’s West View neighborhood.
There are currently six other locations around Atlanta, including on the Spelman College campus. The restaurant’s claim to fame is its burgers, piled high with vegan patties, bacon, and cheese. The burgers come drizzled with the custom “Slut Sauce,” and if you’re still hungry, you can complete your order with the hooker fries: vegan beef, cheese, jalapenos, onions, and tomatoes stacked on a bed of hot fries.
Featured image by ljubaphoto/Getty Images