Journey Within

http://www.amazon.com/author/tauheedahmichelle

When I started on the journey to find myself about 4 years ago; I was looking for me. I was on a journey to find out what makes Michelle who she is and what she's becoming. As I have grown on this journey I have learned about my lineage and why I might have gone through some of the things that I experienced.

I learned that on my father's side of the family we share a bloodline to people who are indigenous to this land. A friend of mine has always said that he is indigenous to this country, and his family didn't derive from Africa. My dad has great grandparents who were Cherokee Indians. I agree with my friend that maybe we're not all descendents of Africans or slaves. Some of us are direct descendents of American Indians.

I created a personal alter to manifest the peace and other things I need in my home. I use crystal for healing and different manifestations. There are candles(Chakra), Native Soul Sage and Lavender incense, and a sage bundle. The thing that really topped it off was the photo of my dad's great grandparents that I was able to print from our family page on Facebook. This way I am able to honor my ancestors and their legacy.

I most definitely do not deny my African heritage. I'm sure on either side that somewhere down the line I have ancestors who came from Africa. I proudly wear the titles: queen, goddess, empress. I have learned to channel my inner Egyptian Empress. Khamit (modern day Kemet) is the way of Egypt that means, "Land of black people". I wear the label, "black"; because I am black, I come from the land of black, and black is the beautifulist thing I have ever seen! It's an honor to be black. It's an honor to be indigenous to this land as a black native.

When I began the journey within I was on a spiritual journey to find self. I got a lot more than I bargained for. I learned about my ancestors and why I look the way I do. I am cognizant of the fact that some generational curses could have derived from either side of my family. I am more mindful of how these things play a part in my life and my kid's lives. I understand me better and the choices I make. I overstand that this journey isn't just about me, but being the Black Sheep means I am here to break those generational curses and help create generational wealth.

Year Of The Black Author

www.tauheedahmichelle.michelebarard.com

At the end of last year, and during the full moon/lunar eclipse I wrote down and verbally expressed my intentions for my publishing business. Back in November I began compiling a list of Metro Atlanta bookstores for an All Atlanta Bookstore Tour for this year. I am happy to announce the Great things that are happening for Purple Poet Publishing LLC.

At the end of this month I will be debuting another poetry book. The book is a collection of soul moving, spirit inspired poems, and conscious and enlightened experiences. Some members of my Facebook group, "Black Poetry and Soul Consciousness" have contributed to this project. The cover designer emailed me a copy of the proof for the cover, and I am just in awe of his work. The cover is so beautiful, I wish I could share it with you all but not until the Big Reveal. There will be book signings for this book, and it will be included in the summer bookstore tour.

Purple Poet Publishing LLC's books are now available at Black Dot Bookstore and Cultural Center in Lithonia, GA and Book Boutique in The Mall at Stonecrest, also in Lithonia, GA. Books are still available at Nubian Bookstore in Morrow, GA. "Poetry For Yo Soul" will soon be sold at Medu Bookstore at Greenbriar Mall in Atlanta, GA. As always, you can purchase my books or any PPP LLC's author's books on either of my websites.⏫

www.amazon.com/author/cmichelleatkins

www.thepurplepoet1.com

In late summer 2019 Purple Poet Publishing will debut two more books, "Writing the Wrongs"©2019 and "Beautiful Me"©2019 just in time for my 50th birthday. This is our year, The Year Of The Black Author and Black Business. At PPP LLC we support black owned businesses, and we are a black owned business. We operate under akoma and Ujamaa. We believe in circulating the black dollar and starting businesses in our communities. Purple Poet Publishing LLC is here to help with all of your publishing needs: publishing, distribution, editing, proof-reading, cover design, and marketing. Support PPP LLC and let's make this a Great year for all black owned small businesses!

What is Kwanzaa?

www.tauheedahmichelle.michelebarard.com

What is Kwanzaa? A lot of people, mostly African Americans ask this question. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture.... African American culture. There are seven Kwanzaa Principles, or Nguzo Saba. The first principle is Umoja, which means Unity. Under this principle we come together and celebrate the importance of family, community, our black nation and race. The second principle is Kujichagulia, or Self Determination. We as a people define who and what we are for ourselves. The third principle is Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility. The goal is to build and maintain our community together and be our brothers and sisters keeper, and solve our problems together. The fourth Kwanzaa principle is Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics. We build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and  profit from them together. The fifth principle is Nia, or Purpose. Under this principle we learn and exercise the importance of applying ourselves to a higher purpose, and to build and develop our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness. The sixth principle is Kuumba, Creativity. We focus on bringing beauty and ideas into fruition. The goal is to manifest and leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Last but not least, is Imani. Imani means Faith. We have faith in ourselves, our parents and elders, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. I started celebrating Kwanzaa a couple of years ago. The more I learn, the more I grow and the better the celebration. As an author I always give my children and grandchildren books. Even when I celebrated Christmas books were a gift that I gave to them. Kwanzaa encourages giving books and handmade purposeful gifts. Kwanzaa celebrations are growing amongst black people. More people are waking up and realizing the commercialism and paganism of Christmas. Kwanzaa teaches us to honor who we are and think for ourselves. We don't need other groups to define us and tell us who to be. We are to determine these things for ourselves. Kwanzaa is a cultural experience. During the seven days of Kwanzaa we are charged to remember, reflect, and recommit to our highest values as individuals and as a people. Let's turn inward and prepare ourselves and families for the coming year.