Hello all and Happy February!

In honor of the month that celebrates Black History and Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing fun, themed events happening around DC, books I’ve read by authors of color, and great lineup of movies and TV shows airing for the next few weeks!

Even though it’s the shortest month of the year, I often find that February post-Valentine’s Day just drags on and on. By the time March rolls around, I just want it to be spring! Hopefully these books, articles, movies, TV shows, and activities provide you with enough fun and inspiration to get your through this final stretch of winter. Enjoy!

Interesting Articles:

• A fascinating Forbes article: Black In Business: Celebrating The Legacy Of Black Entrepreneurship that highlights influential black business men and women throughout history.
• The New York Times gives us the rundown on upcoming NYFW.
• Fascinated by high-tech red carpet looks in recent years? This article visits the studio behind some of the iconic outfits.
• Margaux NY’s Seven Shoes Resolutions for the New Year reminds me to take better care of the shoes I already own and break out of my comfort zone with new styles!
• 9 Books To Read For Black History Month 2020, As Chosen By Goodreads Users – great for anyone looking for a new book to dive into or to support black authors.
• An article devoted to that feeling of Freundeschaden: The joy of connection with someone who shares your pain.
• An interesting look at how slang helps turn online worlds into communities.

DC-Specific:

• Seeing Deeper at the Washington National Cathedral – February 10-14 – I’m so excited for the experience filled with music, light shows, yoga, prayer, and Second Chance Prom!
• Politics & Prose is hosting a Black History Month Trivia Night – February 13
• Outdoor Voices in Georgetown is hosting fun, FREE workouts on February 13, 15, 16, and 22!
• Valentines Murder Mystery at The Whittemore House – February 14
• The opening of the Renwick Gallery’s newest exhibit: Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists – February 21

Movies and TV Shows

• Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) – February 2
• To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You – on Netflix February 12
• Ordinary Love – February 14
• Buffaloed – February 14
• High Fidelity – on Hulu February 14
• The Call of the Wild – February 21
• Emma – February 21
• The Night Clerk – February 21
• Hunters – Amazon Original series on February 21

Books:

• Don’t Touch My Hair – Comedian Phoebe Robinson gives her hilarious and poignant take on pop culture and social issues. This was both a fun and informative read.
• Such a Fun Age – this novel tackles covert racism, prejudices, and harmful assumptions in a way that makes you rethink how you approach people different from yourself.
• Pet – a fascinating take on a supposedly utopian society that has gotten rid of evil, but what happens when people forget about the monsters hidden in plain sight? This YA book tackles tough issues, AND features a trans girl of color as the protagonist!
• Will my Cat Eat my Eyeballs? – a hilarious take on death written by a funeral director who has honestly seen it all! She answers children’s questions in the most upbeat and informative way!
• The 4 Agreements – a great read for recentering yourself and evaluating your own actions and reactions to those around you. A very meditative book that gave me cause to rethink how I approach my relationships.

I hope your February is off to a great start so far!

XOXO

Parisa