Dear nécessité,
Happy Black History/Herstory Month. How are you? How are you feeling physically? Spiritually? Emotionally? Take this moment now and scan over yourself, see if anything feels imbalanced, achy, in pain, or in discomfort. Ask yourself if it requires anything right now, and if so, what? We must nurture ourselves and know that no one can properly do it for us, only on the surface level. We must go within ourselves, and this goes for all people.
As you know, it is the celebration and educational moment of black history in America. This is so important because, unfortunately, the schools and the culture of America never properly offered this to us. They only taught it in a minimal manner or not at all. I love those who have paved the way for us today: our ancestors, family, friends, etc..Black history has so much beauty that has never been shared or revealed.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks are not the only incredible people who made black history. Great starting points, but go deeper. Learn and educate yourself more to gain an understanding. Today, many black artists, creatives, intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and more have made a mark in history. I want to use this moment with you to recognize some great individuals making a difference and paving a new way in this present moment.
I respect and honor our yesterdays, as they got us to where we are today. Let’s peek a bit into the present.
When I look at the feminine product brand Honey Pot, founded by a black woman who was acquired recently for over $300 million dollars, that is such a proud and proud black moment. Why black? Because there were many times and years this was not heard of, allowed, or part of the norm.
Today, black female founders still are not given equal opportunities or proper funding. Still!!! It was an honor to have featured Honey Pot and the founder, Beatrice Dixon (Beatrice Feliu Espada), with a Q&A on nécessité. Thank you, Beatrice, and congratulations.
And you know, I must add today’s hottest artist/singer who is on fire, and I am not surprised. Who I am so proud of-
U S H E R. I have known him since he was a teenager, before my husband and I ever started dating. We are still sharing and celebrating his journey and talent thirty years later. I am so grateful and fortunate to witness again, another incredible album. The up close and personal and behind-the-scenes journey of what GOD has gifted my husband to give and do to create and produce such creative work for another Usher album is priceless. Song after song. I believe this has been the longest album-making journey I have witnessed my husband create.
The naming of the album, picking songs, listening to song after song, pulling from this to that, the ride of it all, so much went into making this album that I have never witnessed in all my 27 + years with my husband. Coming Home is another Usher album, a true creative masterpiece. It’s been a few years in the making, but sometime in 2023…it took shape, got better, and came into positive motion!!! And now, 2024, voila, here it is…
This Super Bowl weekend, I salute USHER. I am rooting for him and enjoying this weekend surrounded by such GOD-given talent. It is so special seeing the love, support and people show up for him for this moment. It is a gift from GOD, and I am so grateful I am one of the chosen ones to be front and center. Congratulations. Be sure to watch, dance, and share in this halftime moment with me and see the special performance. From what I saw in rehearsals, I am so excited to see this all executed live on Sunday. It is a nécessité.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you to my husband again for adding more great music to the soundtracks of our lives and sharing it all with me every step of the way for so many years and many countless moments.
Geniuses are never to be understood.
Listen to one of my favorite picks (I have plenty) from this Coming Home album by Usher. This is one my husband knows I LOVE LOVE LOVE. Kissing Strangers, I hope you enjoy it.
You are a nécessité
Much love and gratitude,
Erica Reid
Founder of nécessité
Certified in Plant-Based
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Certified in Gut Health
Certified in Auricular Therapy (Ear Seeds)
Author of The Thriving Child and Shut Up and Cook!
Erica Reid, Founder of nécessité
