Black Reads: Issue 040

With this month being Black August, I wanted to curate a Black Reads that honored third spaces so we can get back to doing the WORK that is required when it comes to Black August.

Our ancestors did not have spaces that allowed them to freely gather, organize, and develop plans to fight back. Those spaces were intentionally cultivated. Third spaces are a lost recipe, and today, with so many political prisoners still fighting for their freedom, it’s important we start cultivating safe spaces again, but with the intent to organize, not make our little dance videos.

One thing is true: our ancestors kept their hair done. Part of that luxury was because the salon was a third space, spending all morning there sometimes even after the appointment is done…catching up on the tea. There were no rules that prevented us from being together, and the stylist had fair rates.

When I reminisce about the salon as a third space, this essay, written by Kerbi Lynn, definitely tells the story right.

Reading this essay made me reflect on the “village” we reminisce about and how the reactions from our villagers left lasting impressions. I, too, from the South, was told red fingernail polish was fast, and did wear it until my mid-thirties. However, I didn’t learn about Black August until my mid-thirties as well. That’s something to reflect on if this story is similar for a few of us.

Why didn’t our village continue the traditions of our ancestors with care, respect, and love? I think in bloom...with room to grow wrote an essay that will trigger some thoughts if you were a Black girl called fast for having red nails.

Black Reads: Black August Edition

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August 27, 2025

The past two Sundays this month, I’ve spent with fellow Black women in community studying and discussing Black August, hosted by Nubia Lateefa. Going into the month, I did not know the importance of August to the Black community, and if you are like me, that’s not something you want to admit. I’m so grateful for Nubia …