In the name of Black History and Love Month, the things on my mind range from our school’s new historic Figure Skating team to beauty on campus to the latest in fashion.

HOWARD

HU Figure Skating Team

Howard University’s Figure Skating Team has made headlines all month as they mark the nation’s first HBCU skating team. Outside of competing in various competitions, the organization is committed to diversifying ice skating. It’s beautiful to see Black girls living out their Ice Princess (if you know, you know) dreams. When I think of figure skaters, I think of the elaborate, sparkly leotards– I imagine the uniforms to be *chef’s kiss* on the many shades of melanin. 

A Different World Tour

Like many of us, I went to a predominantly-white high school and was obsessed with everything HBCU-related. The hit TV show, “A Different World” has evolved from a looking glass into what my college experience is to one of my go-to comfort shows. I’ve seen all six seasons at least six times. So, naturally, I was elated to hear the cast will reunite on an HBCU tour in honor of their 35th anniversary. The website says they will be at Howard sometime in April. Can’t wait!

FASHION

Wales Bonner “Dream Study”

We can’t talk about Black history and fashion without mentioning the Wales Bonner Show at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris. Grace Wales Bonner, the genius behind the viral menswear brand (you probably have her Adidas Sambas on your wishlist), used a visit to the Moorland Spingarn Research Center in Founder’s Library to inform the collection. 

New Balance Loafer 

New Balance teased its new 1906 Loafer and personally, nothing gets more DC than this. New Balances have been the go-to shoe for Washingtonians since the 1980s. On the flip side, what better city to introduce a comfy loafer than the nation’s capital where people eat, breathe, and sleep business casual? Would you wear these? 

SEX TOYS

Silencer Whisper Classic Vibrator

If you can’t tell, Cover 2 Cover is a sex-positive publication. For whatever reason, you may be relying on solo action this month. Sex toys are a great way to learn about your body, release tension, and avoid making bad choices. Looking for your first toy purchase? The Lovehoney vibrator is proven to be college-student friendly. Priced at $25, it provides whisper-quiet vibrations, seven speeds, and Latex-free, Phthalate-Free material. Happy vibrating!

BEAUTY

Small Knotless braids

If you’re a Howard student with knotless braids and you felt someone staring at you, it was probably me. Howard University is always at the nexus of Blackness and beauty, so it’s only right that half the population has some sort of braided style right now. I’ve never been one to sit for over six hours so consequently, my braided tresses are always medium to large- you all might’ve just changed my mind. 

Topicals Faded Undereye Patches

I’m sure we’re all familiar with this viral, Black woman-owned skincare brand. Known for their effective products and top-tier social media marketing, Topicals’ latest viral product is the Faded Under eye brightening and clearing eye masks. I’ve seen Black girls sporting them everywhere from the airport to the club. I love #US in luxury so I’m here for it. They’re also on Amazon for $22!

RANDOM

The Gym

This may be a controversial pick but forging a healthy lifestyle is IN. The habits that we build now will be carried into the next phases of our adulthood. Not only has getting back in the gym improved my mental health, but I also find myself feeling like a much more motivated, focused version of myself. Even getting in 30 minutes a couple of times a week is game-changing. TikTok is my go-to place for Black women-friendly workout splits. 

POPULAR CULTURE

Canceling Drake 

Do I need to say more? While Drake has displayed his corniness in more ways than one, his recent “Free Tory Lanez” (the famed rapper who was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot) Instagram story further proves his lack of respect for Black women. Why are we still supporting him?