Author: Ayanna Nicole

Hi! I’m Ayanna, a writer and artist. Although I graduated from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with two degrees in art and psychology, I’ve had a passion for writing for as long as I can remember. By following my dreams and utilizing my creativity, I designed Jaro Magazine with the ultimate intention of bringing more positive stories in the black community to the forefront, while also highlighting our versatile and vibrant culture through Jaro’s four modes: film, books, art, and music. I also manage a book hub, which you can find on Instagram @bloomingliterature.

Netflix Renews Its First African Original Series, ‘Queen Sono’

Queen Sono, Netflix’s first African original series, has been renewed for a second season. Created and directed by Kagiso Lediga, the South African drama series follows a secret agent (Pearl Thusi) who fights crime while handling issues in her personal life. Pearl Thusi, Vuyo Dabula, Sechaba Morojele, Chi Mhende, Loyiso

D.C. Women Launch ‘Grounded,’ A Therapeutic Plant Subscription Service

Two D.C. based women have just launched their virtual plant subscription service in correlation with Earth Day (April 22). Founded by Mignon Hemsley and Danuelle Doswell, Grounded will ship houseplants to plant lovers around the country. Plants are incredibly therapeutic, and a primary goal of the service is to cultivate

Michelle Obama To Read Classic Children’s Books In Live-Streaming PBS Kids Series

“Mondays With Michelle Obama” is a new live-streaming series where the former First Lady will read a handful of her favorite children’s picture books for the kids at home. Beginning today at noon ET and ending on the Monday of May 11th, Obama’s readings will be live-streamed on multiple platforms:

ARRAY Launches $250,000 Arts Fund, Providing Grants For Women And Minorities

Ava DuVernay’s foundation ARRAY Alliance has launched a $250,000 fund, providing grants for organizations such as independent film festivals who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. “Establishing ARRAY Grants furthers ARRAY’s mission to support arts advocates around the country that are cultural necessities in their communities. With more content

COVID-19, Its Toll On Certain African American Communities, And The Health-Conscious Prevention Approach

There are reports circulating that indicate how COVID-19 is specifically targeting African American communities, and there are many contributing factors for this. Of course, with any sort of illness or disease, minority and/or underprivileged populations are always more high-risk due to factors such as the inability to afford or receive

CBS’ ‘All Rise’ Will Virtually Produce Next Episode By Using FaceTime, Zoom, And More

In an innovative solution that speaks to the times, CBS’ drama series All Rise will virtually produce its next episode due to the coronavirus pandemic. This marks the first scripted series to develop an episode during this uncommon year. The episode’s storyline focuses on Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick) running

Remembering The Acclaimed Multimedia Artist, Curator, And Scholar David Driskell

The renowned African American artist, curator, and scholar David Driskell died at the age of 88 due to complications of the coronavirus. Driskell was born on June 7th, 1931 in Eatonton, Georgia. His undergraduate studies took place at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture in Maine, where he was

Ava DuVernay Launches Stay-At-Home #ArrayMatinee African Independent Film Series

Ava DuVernay’s company Array is helping to provide weekly digital entertainment for audiences during these exceptional times. Beginning today, Array will launch their independent film series titled #ArrayMatinee, showcasing five films from the company’s extensive roster through May. Although the films being offered are already on Netflix and Vimeo, DuVernay’s

Montreux Jazz Festival Releases Over 50 Full Performances By Nina Simone, James Brown, And More To Watch For Free

With all of the concerts and festivals being postponed due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, creativity and innovation is needed because music is a vital source for joy, healing, and connection. The fabulous jazz festival located in Switzerland has yet to determine a new date, but organizers have shared a

Kiana Calder Is Helping Black Artists Get The Exposure They Deserve

Through her annual New York-based event The Unapologetic Art Expo, Kiana Calder provides Black artists with an essential platform to expose and sell their work, free of charge. According to the website, The Unapologetic Art Expo “was created to capture the essence of the complicated beauty, joy, and pain that

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