The moment I broke—and they filmed it.

Inside This Issue:

• 📖 My breakdown (and the moment they filmed it)

• 💸 8 grants for creatives (you can apply this week)

• 🍵 Ryan Coogler’s wild sequel quote

• 💬 Tell me what you want next

I gave all that up—for a dream.
For a promise that Black women like me could finally get in the room.

W.E.E.N. wasn’t some cute little internship.
It was supposed to be the thing.
The launchpad. The “you go girl” montage moment before my career took off.

And for once, the room was full of us.
Black women. Braids. Degrees. Culture. Excellence. 

I thought—finally.
This is where I get to breathe. Where I get to blossom. Where I don’t have to explain myself or shrink to fit.

I was wrong.

This is the story that made me cry while I was writing it.

Click here to read it in full → Damn GIRL, tell me more!!!!

The 2025 Project Grants for Women & Nonbinary Photographers

These $5,000 grants will support either new or in-progress photography projects from visual journalists working in a documentary capacity. Five grants are available, at least one of which will be earmarked for a nonbinary or transgender photographer. Funding may be used to cover the hard costs of reporting, photographers’ creative fees, and any other expenses that support the production of new work.

Deadline: June 15, 2025

Apply to this opportunity.

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The Pathway to Opportunity Competition - For Small Businesses

This competition connects small-owned businesses to corporations seeking to expand and diversify their supply chains with new products and services. Three companies will be selected to receive cash prizes of up to $5,000.

Deadline: June 9, 2025

Apply to this opportunity.

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The Narrative Prize - For New or Emerging Writers

This $5,000 Prize is awarded annually for the best short story, novel excerpt, poem, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction by a new or emerging writer. During each year, previously unpublished works may be submitted for consideration for the Narrative Prize.

Deadline: June 15, 2025

Apply to this opportunity.

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The Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro-Grant - For Small Businesses

Running a small business comes with numerous challenges, from managing daily operations to finding the capital needed for growth. Small business owners without relationships with banks, credit unions, or equity investors struggle to access capital when times get hard. These $2,500 quarterly microgrants provide non-dilutive funding, meaning you don't have to give away a portion of your business to get the financial support you need. These grants can be a lifeline, helping you cover essential expenses, invest in growth opportunities, and ultimately achieve stability and success. Companies must be active U.S.-based businesses.

Deadline: Rolling

Apply to this opportunity.

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The Associates of the Boston Public Library Writer-in-Residence - For Emerging Children's Writers

This opportunity profoundly impacts the lives of emerging writers. The program is intended to provide an emerging children’s writer with the financial support, editorial assistance, and office space needed to complete one literary work for children or young adults. The recipient gets a $70,000 stipend, up to $2,500 of additional funding for coaching/editorial assistance, private office space at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, a completed manuscript will be added to the BPL’s Archives, and an opportunity to present your manuscript at a fall reading publicly.

Deadline: June 6, 2025

Apply to this opportunity.

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The BIPOC Filmmaker Grant Fund

This grant supports emerging BIPOC filmmakers in sharing their bicycle stories. These stories celebrate culture, resilience, joy, and the freedom of riding. Funding should not stand in the way of these stories being told. Filmed by Bike continues to elevate more BIPOC voices and ensure these stories are seen and heard across the globe. $1,500 will be awarded.

Deadline: June 13, 2025

Apply to this opportunity.

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The 2025 Global Program for Women Entrepreneurs

This is an incredible opportunity if you are a woman entrepreneur with a passion for innovation and a drive to make a difference! It allows women founders to showcase their innovative business ideas on a global stage. Whether you are in the early stages of launching your startup or have an established business looking to scale, this competition offers a platform to gain visibility, network with industry leaders and investors, and access mentorship. $50,000 in funding will be awarded.

Deadline: June 15, 2025

Apply to this opportunity.

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting

This is an international program that identifies and nurtures talented new screenwriters. Nicholl Fellows receive direct support from the Academy and mentorship from an Academy member throughout their fellowship year. They also attend seminars and networking events with Academy members and other screenwriters. Fellows additionally receive ongoing support as alumni of the program, including continued access to Academy members, programs, and events. Those fellowship recipients must complete at least one original feature film screenplay during the fellowship year. Each fellow will receive a $35,000 grant.

*Note: A maximum of 2,500 eligible public submissions will be accepted through The Black List.

Deadline: June 15, 2025

Apply to this opportunity.

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Of course I consider myself newsworthy! Check me out in Business Insider. I also just locked in ANOTHA huge grant win. More big news coming soon.