One of our forever first family members are making some moves and we are here for it! The eldest daughter of the Obama clan, Malia Obama, has joined the writers room for a potential series that Donald Glover is producing as part of his newly inked 8-figure overall deal for Amazon Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. And this is quite the first job for the upcoming college grad who is set to graduate from Harvard University as part of the class of 2021.
Our good sis has shown interest in Hollywood for quite some time, as in the past, she landed an internship with The Weinstein Company (2017) after having previously interned on HBO's comedy Girls and worked as a production assistant on CBS' Halle Berry drama Extant.
Or in other words, don't play with our cousin, she is coming for her coins!
The usually lowkey daughter may not be on TikTok (although she has had her own stint of living her best life), but she is ready for her close-up. And it showed in her mom's documentary, Becoming, where she was able to speak life into her mother after watching her on a tour stop. She says to her mom:
"You're so good, I love you too much."
After reiterating how proud she is, she then adds:
"This has demonstrated in a way ... those eight years weren't for nothing. You know? You see that huge crowd out there and that last kind of speech you gave about — people are here because people really believe in hope and hope in other people."
Netflix/Becoming
Another scene cuts to a glimpse of the two sisters discussing what's next for their very famous family. "I'm excited for her to be proud of what she's done," Sasha says in the clip referencing her mom. "Because I think that's the most important thing for a human to do is be proud of themselves."
"No longer facing that same scrutiny, being able to let all of that leave your mind, creates so much more space," says a fearless Malia.
The same was done for dad, who disclosed that over the summer, the two were in "organizer mode" for BLM protests last summer.
"I didn't have to give them a lot of advice because they had a very clear sense of what was right and what was wrong and [of] their own agency and the power of their voice and the need to participate. Malia and Sasha found their own ways to get involved with the demonstrations and activism that you saw with young people this summer, without any prompting from Michelle and myself, on their own initiative. They didn't do it in a way where they were looking for limelight. They were very much in organizer mode, I could not have been prouder of them."
We stan philanthropic, young black ladies who step fully into their purpose!
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As for Glover, the multi-multi-multi-hyphenate is taking his talents to Amazon after having previously worked with FX. The new deal cancels out current deal with FX, where his critically acclaimed series Atlanta, which has been on hiatus since 2018, is set to begin production on seasons three and four in March.
We can't wait to see the brilliance this duo has up their sleeves!
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Featured image via Kamil Krzaczynski/EPA
Having a community of people who I can share memories with, lean on in times of need, and inspire each other is something I always valued. I took a moment to truly center in on what I desired from the new friends I would make. Then I realized it all would have to start with me. I had to be centered and confident in who I was to attract who I desired to be aligned with. As someone who moved to a new city and established quality friendships, I gathered these six tips that helped me feel grounded and create community in hopes that it will help you, too.
6 tips to start building community and making new friends in a new city:
Sean Anthony Eddy/ Getty Images
Be true to yourself
Do you know who you are? If someone asked you to describe yourself in three words, what words would you use? In order to develop deep friendships, you must be a friend to yourself first. Know what refuels you and what zaps your energy. Self-study your habits and why you do the things you do. All this will be important to keep in mind when looking to create bonds with others. Every day there’s all kinds of people telling you who you should be, how you should act, or what you should wear. At the end of the day, the only opinion about yourself that truly matters is your own. Spend some alone time with yourself indoors or out at an event you like to truly discover who you are in this season of your life.
Pray about it
Before you step out into the world and cross paths with all kinds of people, it’s important to pray about building your community. God outlines what true friendship looks like in numerous Bible verses such as "Iron sharpens iron." - Proverbs 27:17 and “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. If you desire friendships that last, pray about what you seek in friendship. I remember praying for mentally stable, happy, and whole women who moved through life with abundance mindsets. Take a moment to journal about the community you want to build and then pray on it.
Go to fun events to meet people who share your interests
Most metropolitan cities like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Atlanta are known to have strong young professional communities and events where you can connect with others. I highly encourage you to attend events in or near your community to see what the city is like and meet people. It’s likely that the people at the event have the same interests as you, which is a great way to start a conversation. You can start by searching for events on Eventbrite or following Instagram pages that highlight events happening in your city.
Carlos Barquero/ Getty Images
Accept that you won’t be compatible with everyone you meet
While living in your new city, it’s likely you’ll meet a variety of people. Please know that everyone you meet will not bud into lasting friendships, and that’s okay! You are uniquely created and not made for everyone. Then you’ll meet people who are good for only surface-level connections, and then you’ll have your girls who you can get deep with. I think sometimes people can look down on surface-level friendships, but not everyone needs to fully know you. That’s a privilege to have and to accept within yourself. Continue to check in with yourself and be real about who you crave to spend more time with and who is nice to see for a monthly or quarterly catch-up.
Join Facebook groups & GroupMe chats
If you haven’t used Facebook in a couple of years, it’s time to dust your profile off. Facebook Groups is a great place to join online communities for people who just moved to a new city like you. Typically, you have to agree to the group’s guidelines, and then you can join. For example, you can search for groups in the Facebook app by using keywords like women, Black girl, or [the name of your city] foodies. With the GroupMe app, you’ll have to be invited to join an already existing group. While you’re out and about networking, don’t hesitate to ask if they’re in any online groups/communities they recommend you join too.
Be friendly to folks in your neighborhood
When I first moved to my new apartment, I spent the first week walking around the complex and working in the community spaces to get a better feel of it. I was able to meet people in my neighborhood, enjoy small talk, and learn more about what the community has to offer. Step outside of your comfort zone and work in your apartment’s community space or a local coffee shop to connect with others.
Overall, you may feel alone in your new city, but I guarantee you’re not. There are other people experiencing living in a new city too, and all you need to do is find each other. I hope these tips help ease the nervous feelings you have about building a new community and inspire you to make a new friend today!
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