It was my neighbor from upstairs. He was ringing to chat with me and make sure I was good. In his words, the whole time, going back to the wellness check, he “thought I went on vacation and forgot to take the trash.” =/

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30

In the words of my 65-year-old neighbor, “Find someone who’s going to love you. And if he’s not black, let him love you anyway.” Read more on spottieottieblackgirl.com!

He named me, Ifeoma. It was the Summer of 2018, and I was hanging out at Le Reve — a popular midtown bar that curated the vibes — with my best friend, who was visiting NYC for the weekend.We were standing by the bar, when this fella, who was clearly much older than me, but still young, started making conversation…

There I was, drenched in water, after walking out to a downpour of rain. I was holding onto a big box containing a package I had delivered to my job, my hook-handle umbrella, my cross-body gym bag and my purse, struggling to get from my office exit to the train. I was stressed.