Back to Basics: Book Clubs & Birthday Parties

This week, Kelli King-Jackson and Kendra Ross return to the group chat to talk about the everyday things keeping us grounded as the world keeps shifting. From celebrity parties and “eat the rich” threads to flu and COVID shots, we name how uncertain this season still feels for many of us. Kendra shares why she’s recommitting to reading after hearing Percival Everett call books—and book clubs—radical practices. We talk about how reading habits changed during the pandemic and how book clubs, even the informal ones, offer community and joy. Hair care brings a “back to basics” moment with flexi rods, rollers, silk presses, and the simple routines that help us feel like ourselves. We also sit with aging, partnership, solitude, and the ache some women feel when life doesn’t follow old expectations. Across it all, friendship shows up as its own kind of wealth. Money surfaces throughout the episode—rising costs, budgeting stress, the so-called “Black tax,” and caring for loved ones while managing our own responsibilities. We name the tenderness needed this holiday season as many families make hard choices. We close with political education: rural suffering, misinformation, and why accessible, community-centered learning still matters. From Books & Breakfast to loving accountability, we explore what “back to basics” might mean for the world we’re trying to build. Related Links Percival Everett interview on reading as subversion — referenced by Kendra The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai — referenced by Kendra Bell Hooks quote on solitude & love — referenced by Kendra Black Panther Party’s Breakfast Program — referenced by Kendra Working Families Party — referenced by Kelli Jamaica disaster recovery resource — referenced by Kelli Domestic violence after a weather event — referenced by Kelli Dominican blowout/roller-set traditions — referenced by Kendra Pittsburgh Black Feminist Reading Group — referenced by Kendra COVID & flu vaccine info — referenced by both hosts Dr. Greg Carr’s “different ways of knowing and being” - referenced by Kendra Hit our group chat to ask us a question or send us feedback on what you're enjoying about the show! Kelli King-Jackson is a certified professional coach to Black women leading in white spaces. In addition to coaching, she works with organizations truly committed to justice for Black women by providing philanthropic advising, facilitation, and speaking services. Learn more about Kelli's work here: https://www.iamkelli.com/ Support the show