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How A Season Of Mississippi Living Changed Me
I am a city girl.
I love the hustle and bustle of the city: the opportunities, the events, and the people.
However, when you just want some peace and quiet, the city is just the opposite. I spent the past summer in Mississippi, the backwoods in Mississippi. Trust me, the distinction is necessary. There's no semblance of the life I left behind in Chicago.
As a child, I was forced to spend a couple of summers in Mississippi with my great-grandmother. My father had such fond memories of the place, I thought I would love it too.
I didn't.
I hated the heat. The bugs. The animals. I hated how quiet it was.
And quite honestly, every image or thought I had of Mississippi was akin to the movie, Mississippi Burning. I was paranoid that every pick-up behind us on the dark roads was the Klan coming to get us. In some ways, I had an overactive imagination.
Then again, Mississippi is Mississippi.
I took my current trip to Mississippi because I needed to escape.
The city that I loved had also hardened me over the years. It's the reason I've heard more gunshots than imaginable. It's the place where I lost classmates to violence. It was the place where income equality and segregation contributed to chaos in some neighborhoods and safety in others. And it was also the reason for heightened anxiety after being robbed at gunpoint. The city that I loved had started to feel more like a prison than a home.
In the woods of Mississippi, the homes are far apart. There are barely any streetlights. Things close early. No liquor sales on Sundays. While it was totally different, it was exactly what I needed.
I wasn't worried about what I was doing on the weekend because honestly, there was nothing to do. I wasn't worried about my surroundings because there's no one around. I chose what to do with my day. I enjoyed the sunlight and the stillness. I had a chance to sit with my thoughts. I had the chance to write and I did so every day.
Being in Mississippi also gave me the opportunity to spend time my father. I hadn't lived with him since I was 8 years old. As a young child, my father was all over the place. While sweet to my sisters and me, he angered quickly and was volatile. About 15 years ago, he moved from Chicago to Mississippi and that has done well for his temperament.
It was amazing to see the man he'd become: someone who was calm, reflective, spiritual and on a journey of self-improvement. It was nice to get up and have coffee with him and have discussions. Like me, he enjoyed talking about politics, how we could improve our communities, and old movies.
It was funny to see the similarities we shared and how the quirks I thought were unique to myself were inherited from him.
In my father's quest to improve himself, he wanted to enrich the lives of those around him. He was determined to teach me how to drive. While I don't need a car in the city, I still think driving is an important skill. A two-car road with no lines is intimidating, to say the least, and if I ventured off the road, there's a sturdy tree waiting for me. My father would say if you can drive this road, you could drive anywhere. I believe he's right.
After getting accustomed to passing cars, no lights at night, and staying calm when I hit deep curves as to not drive off in a ditch, I can drive; even though, I drive slow enough to drive Miss Daisy.
I never thought the place I dreaded as a child could ever provide me with any solace.
In Mississippi, I saw distant family members, enjoyed impromptu BBQs with my dad and step-mother, and took a weekend trip to my favorite city: New Orleans.
In Mississippi, I thought about what was important. I cultivated a calmness that helped lessen my anxiety. I left Mississippi more determined to accomplish my goals and a renewed sense of self.
Mississippi became the place that I came back to life.
xoNecole is always looking for new voices and empowering stories to add to our platform. If you have an interesting story or personal essay that you'd love to share, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us at submissons@xonecole.com.
Arnetta Randall is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign with a degree in creative writing. She is an avid blogger with a few articles published online. She is a self-published author of the book, Stereotypically Me. You can like her on Facebook to follow her latest news.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images