Llaren V.

This is a collection of the many things that make up my life. It's a combination of fashion, entertainment, photography, techie stuff, love, and everything and anything in between. I post whatever catches my eye & hoping to encourage and touch the hearts of many. Well anyway, enjoy my blog guys!

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Day 11 - Black-owned Business YOU Support - Today, I'm showcasing several Black-owned businesses I have supported in the past and will continue to support in the future. The businesses pictured are also local to the Detroit-area or have founders who are from Detroit. I can honestly vouch for the quality product and/or services they provide. Please visit the IG pages of extraordinary Black-owned businesses to learn more. @thedirtlabel @designluxe @detroitvseverybodyllc @trishsgarage @glamoursalons @tginatural @vagencyevents

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Day 10 - Love - Love is love. No matter the form. #30blackpics #blacklove #blackloveisbeautiful

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Day 9 - Family - As the summer gets underway, this is the time of year many gather for Family Reunions. We come together for Picnics, Bar-B-Ques, Talent Shows, Formal Dinner Receptions, Fish Fry's, Theme Park Fun, and the list goes on for activities you may see at Family Reunions. No matter how big or small, learn about your lineage from elders, keep in contact with relatives near and far, and never forget who your family is. #30blackpics #familyreunions

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Day 8 - Graduate - If you've been following my #30blackpics posts, I've already shared my own graduate stories; today, I'm sharing stories from other graduates. I recently posted on FB that I love this time of year, because it's inspirational to see so many of my brothers and sisters completing their education. I'm filled with pride every time I come across a story of one of us beating the odds to achieve something that our people were once denied. Thank you @euniquejg for creating @becauseofthem and showcasing stories of our future leaders and their achievements. Congratulations to the Class of 2016! That cap and gown sure does look good on you! And future grads, keep it pushing! We love, support, and are proud of you from far and wide. #30blackpics #classof2016 #futuregrads #blackexcellence

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Day 7 - Spirituality / Worship - At 6 months, I was christened at an African Methodist Episcopal church. In college, I had a schoolmate tell me that I needed to be baptized in order to be "covered." When I mentioned this to my Mom and Aunt, they asked me if I believed in God, and since I did that was all that mattered. My Aunt referred me to this Romans scripture. It was then that I realized spirituality was personal, between only me and God. That if I had faith in Him, I was indeed "covered" and that no man or woman could tell me any different. I'm thankful He is in my life daily. I wake up to Mary Mary's "Go Get It" every morning to "go get (my) blessing." No matter how much I loathe getting up at 5am or earlier, I know that having a job, a car to drive, and solely waking up is a blessing. And when I work on Sundays, I listen to my Gospel playlist, and have praise and worship in my car. Those are some of the best rides into work. I'm thankful for His many blessings and grace in my life. And my faith in Him is unshakable. #30blackpics #wonthedoit

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Day 6 - Hair - I have a board on my Pinterest page that's entitled "Hairstory - What stories does your hair tell about you? Well, mine just won't shut up!" Pictured here are the many stories I can share over the span of my life. But, I believe the poem I wrote back in 2006 for a Softsheen-Carson contest best describes my story. I am who I am; I am not my hair. It's a part of me... The versatility became my sense of expression and confidence. And I've had good hair days and bad ones too! It has been naturally curly/wavy, pressed, slick-back into a bun or Afro puff, cornrowed, put into two ponytails (my Mom's fav), long, short, chemically-relaxed, colored, highlighted, wet-set, spiraled curled, twisted/braided/coiled out and the list goes on. It has truly been on a journey over the years, and I've loved every bit of the ride! #30blackpics #Hairstory #hairitage 💁🏾💇🏾

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Alt 1 - Black Girl Magic - Miss District of Columbia, Deshauna Barber, wins Miss USA 2016. #30blackpics #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlsrock

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Day 5 - Institution of Learning - Growing up I always knew about HBCUs, because I think everyone in my immediate and extended families attended one. So, it was only fitting I'd attend one, right? Well, I was adamant I didn't want to go south, so I opted to head East. My Mom gave my an earlier version of this guide (left) when I was a junior in high school. I recall researching every school I potentially wanted to attend. I was able to visit several of them during a Black College Tour I took with my choir in 1998. However, I didn't choose any of those schools, although the experience of a Black College Tour was very memorable. My first choice was @lincolnuniversityofpa because it was in a quiet town that was within driving distance from NYC, DC, Philly, MD, and VA - places I'd never been, wanted to visit, and had heard so much about. But, the main reason for attending LU was the L.A.S.E.R. (Lincoln Advanced Science & Engineering Reinforcement) Program. Since I was planning to major in Computer Science, this program would aid me in furthering myself in a technical field. Although I missed all of the fun during the summer after my senior year, I was able to get a jump start on college courses (Physics & Calculus) before I even graduated high school. The program was intense, but my summer was one to remember! I made lifelong friends that summer, even some I consider family! The experience I had at my HBCU was invaluable. And as I converse with others that attended an HBCU, I've heard a version of the same thing. So, when I meet another person from an #HBCU its all love... Love for the experience, the lessons learned, the history, the pride you have for yourself and your blackness. ✊🏾 Feel free to tag your HBCU and share your experiences and love for your #HBCU! #30blackpics #hbcuproud

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Day 4 - Mothers - Clearly, these photos aren't of my Mom. But, if I posted a pic of my Mom, I would have to hear about her not wanting her "face all over the Internet." So, instead I'm posting photos of my fav TV mom, because I firmly believe that Clair Huxtable's character was solely based on my Mother. From all of the expressive looks to the feathered hair styles to the trendy, padded Blazers, these women favored one another in many ways. However, the similarities are much more than the physical. The life lessons taught, the discipline, the work ethic, the strength, the class, and the sharp tongue to ensure you never forget who she is... The woman who "brought you in the world and would take you out!" As I became an adult, I realized and appreciated everything my Mom did was out of sheer LOVE for my brother and me. My Mom, just like Clair, made motherhood look easy and they did so flawlessly. #30blackpics

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Day 3 - Artwork - As a little girl, I'd often wonder where these beautiful black women and girls were headed, donned in their finery? They looked jubilant as they traveled together to a destination unknown. - Artist Earl Jackson, "Following the Path" (Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan - my home state)

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Day 2 - Firsts - I had the honor to attend the FIRST degree-granting historically Black university, @lincolnuniversityofpa Founded in 1854 and only 50 years after women were permitted to attend, I graduated in 2003. Here I am, an EDUCATED, BLACK WOMAN and a PROUD, HBCU GRADUATE. #30blackpics #LincolnPride #LU #HBCUGrad #HBCUProud #tbt

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Day 1 - Author/Book - Here are three books on my reading list by three very successful African American women I highly respect. These three woman have faced obstacles in their respective careers/fields, and fought hard to overcome the odds. Here are their stories... Our stories. ✊🏾 #30blackpics

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My good friend, @mz4tay, shared this with me today and suggested I take part. How could I not obliged? It's for my people!✊🏾 So, for the next 29 days (I missed Day 1), I'll be sharing 30 positive pics (two posted for today) of African Americans. I've never completed one of these challenges successfully, so here goes...

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@ebonymagazine does it again!!! This editorial team has been pulling out all the stops as of late. I love how @ijessewilliams, #harrybelefonte, and @zendaya are representing 3 generations of my defiant, proud, and conscious brothers and sisters. I see you Ebony... I won't fall. #standforsomething #blacklivesmatter Repost from @ebonymagazine - If you don't #StandForSomething, you will fall for anything. The December 2015 cover of @EBONYMag, featuring @ijessewilliams, @zendaya, and #HarryBelafonte. Celebrating our #EBONY70 and the 2015 #EBONYPower100.

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"I don't care care if we on the run" #FrontRow #IGotTheAisleSeat #Paris #HBO

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Front row seats! Lol!

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"You'll never know what your legacy will be." #Oprah #LiveTheLifeYouWantDET