Moniqueblog

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activism / culture / issues / Moniqueblog / self-worth

I Almost Gave Up.

Monique / September 17, 2025
culture / entertainment / issues / Moniqueblog / movies / self-esteem

How One Scene in ‘Sinners’ Helped Me Heal My Body Image Wounds

culture / Moniqueblog

After The Civil Rights Movement: Growing Up In Birmingham, Alabama

culture / Moniqueblog / self-acceptance / self-esteem / self-worth

I’m Terrible At Self-Love. Here’s How I’m Striving To Get Better At It For The New Year

Monique looks tired with the lyrics of "America the beautiful" behind her. An arrow points to her with the word "Tired" above it.

I Almost Gave Up.

By Monique | September 17, 2025

I was this close to quitting last week. My soul was feeling heavy. I was tired, angry, and heartbroken. America had let me down, again. I thought, “What is even the point of writing about society and its ills if it seems like it’s not working? Who cares?” I started thinking that no matter how…

A picture of Annie from Sinners with pictures of me as a teenager and me as an adult.

How One Scene in ‘Sinners’ Helped Me Heal My Body Image Wounds

By Monique | May 19, 2025

Annie helped me think about how I view myself as a woman who never fit a size 2. (Photo credit: Warner Bros., my photographs) Sinners has changed the game for Hollywood in many ways, and one of the most talked-about is how it elevated plus-sized women to a place of desirability. I recently made a…

Growing up in Birmingham, AL

After The Civil Rights Movement: Growing Up In Birmingham, Alabama

By Monique | February 1, 2023
The journey to self-love can be a tough one, but first you have to realize it's necessary. In the image, Monique looks pensively with her hand supporting her face.

I’m Terrible At Self-Love. Here’s How I’m Striving To Get Better At It For The New Year

By Monique | December 27, 2022
Princess Jasmine for Halloween

Why Princess Jasmine Is My Favorite Halloween Memory

By Monique | October 31, 2022
L'Oreal ad featuring Aja Naomi King

What Aja Naomi King’s Flyaways Reminded Me About Society’s Exhausting Expectations For Black Women’s Hair

By Monique | April 7, 2022
Yahima's (Monique Candelaria) last moments, thanks to Montrose (Michael K. Williams). (Photo credit: HBO)

How ‘Lovecraft Country’ Let Me Down With Yahima’s Shocking Death

By Monique | September 15, 2020
T'Challa, in his Black Panther suit sans mask, studies his claws pensively. He's weighing the responsibility now on his shoulders.

How Do You Honor A King Like Chadwick Boseman? By Living In Your Purpose

By Monique | September 1, 2020
Monique and John Lewis at the Miami Book Fair 2013.

My Extraordinary Time With John Lewis, Civil Rights Trailblazer And Proponent Of ‘Good Trouble’

By Monique | July 18, 2020
beautiful graffiti mural honoring george floyd from black lives matter protest. Revolution.

Witnessing A Revolution Unfold (And How I Hope It Continues)

By Monique | June 8, 2020