A Native Tongue

Good folks, 'Lost In A Game: The Road To Self Discovery' is officially avaliable for purchase! This book takes you on my journey of a black collegiate athlete who transitioned from sports to education and activism. My story is complex, you laugh, cry, be angry with me, but also root for me in the end. I put my heart and soul into this work. I hope you hear me with your heart. Please like, share, and spread the word and these links. May my story teach, uplift, and empower you. Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1945304472/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1513894670&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=maria+young+lost+in+a+game&dpPl=1&dpID=510iyJqDYXL&ref=plSrch Barnes and Noble https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/lost-in-a-game-maria-young/1127668589?ean=9781945304477

Yall I gotta slide through with some big news. I know this is the Richonne tag but some of yall are my kinfolk and I have to pass on the good news. 💥🚨 MARK YOUR CALENDARS RIGHT NOW!!💥🚨 Im extremely blessed to announce that my memoir 'Lost In A Game: The Road To Self Discovery' will be released on DECEMBER 22ND!!! It will be avaliable on Amazon and Barnes and Noble (Online) in paperback and ebook formats! This story takes you on my life's journey and my trials and triumphs as a black collegiate athlete. This book will also inform you on my transition from sports into education and activism! It's been a long time coming. S/O to all my followers on here and I hope I can get some love and support from yall on this one! Peace, love and prosperity to yall. Hugs to the Richonne fam.

Bare with me for a second yall. I believe that Season 8 is a huge season for Michonne. As much as I love and adore Danai as Michonne I feel like she could start to outgrow her character’ role on The Walking Dead. Outside of Andrew Lincoln and possibly Jeffrey Dean Morgan, she is a star of the show but Michonne’ character isn’t completely simultaneous with that. I have never complained about how Michonne was written and I am a die hard Richonne shipper but Danai’ star is continuing to ascend and Michonne is entirely too important to the show to be underutilized this season. I’m not saying I need her in every single scene, every single episode, that’s unrealistic but I don’t want Michonne to fade to the back especially with ‘All Out War’ coming and all these different story lines and characters being introduced. Sis is special, like once in a lifetime type of talent SPECIAL. A Tony Award winning playwright, great films under her belt, plus she’s entering the Marvel universe. TWD better realize that they have a gem in their hands…Continue to develop and expand her role, let sis shine. I’m hoping that they will in season 8 because it’s not many that can hold a candle to her right now. She was magnificent before but now the entire world is on notice. Queen Danai, you’re royalty sis. Peace and blessings.

I've read Steven Yeun' comments ab his time as Glenn on The Walking Dead and I have had some time to sit with them. He makes some very valid points. Nothing ab his comments should be read as a knock on the show bc it isn't but he's aware of the industry he exists in and the underutilization of his character. I get a "give a person their roses while they can still smell them" vibe from his comments. Fans loved Glenn but he was rarely written with that same love in mind. Glenn was never as loved or appreciated as he is in death. Where #TWD missed the mark is not realizing that he didn't need situations to validate his significance. Glenn should not have been a background type character and because of his undevelopment through some of the writing he was. What I see from Steven' comments is as liked and loved Glenn was, he did not change the landscape of normalcy BUT he could have. I'm the first to say how much I love The Walking Dead but just like any show it has it flaws at times. Steven is brilliant and he shared his thoughts in a way that wasnt disrespectful but completely informative. 🙏✊

I've seen numerous people talk about how Rick and Michonne have made each other weaker and more vulnerable going into "All Out War". When I see people say I refer back to the conversation Rick and Michonne had in the van in 7X12. Yes, the way to break Rick is through Michonne but she assisted him in rediscovering his strength to never be subservient again and fight for their family no matter the circumstance or obstacle. Yes, the way to break Michonne is through Rick but he has helped her accept the possibility (lord forbid) of his demise because the stakes are so high. She has his strength and ability to pick up and lead FOR HIM and the family if he doesn't make it. I never like to hear them discuss losing each other but that conversation in 7X12 prepared them for this moment. It's not "weak" for people to have found something worth living for, worth fighting for, and ultimately worth dying for. The thing that sustains them through this tumultuous world.....their love.

This woman right here yall….This beautiful queen right here is a FORCE. Danai’ work is breathtaking and her star will continue to rise. This woman is essentially a Co-Lead on the biggest show on television, think about what that signifies, especially for young black girls who don’t often see themselves represented in this light, the light of inclusion, the light of equality, the light of vulnerability, and the light of love. Danai/Michonne are deeply woven into the fabric of TWD, in my opinion she is the spirit of resistance that you saw represented so heavily in season 7. When Danai made her first appearance in season 3 as Michonne she had already won but now her and this character have been transformed into iconic figures shattering glass ceilings and closed doors, who’s representation touch the hearts and souls of the people of color who only wish to see a reflection of them in the shows/films they love to watch. Representation. Matters. 🙏✊👑❤

Andrew Lincoln is one of the greatest actors we've ever seen. He has always been fantastic but season 7 solidified his unique greatness. This man has no limits on what he can do as an actor, his depth and his commitment to this role is extraordinary. The way Andrew can convey a message and tell a story through his range of emotions, body language, and demeanor puts him in the conversation with the top tier actors. Rick is such a powerful character and it’s beauty and strength in his complexities, it takes a very layered and seasoned actor with unique ability like Andrew possesses for a character like Rick to look and feel very genuine and authentic. Andrew Lincoln is once in a lifetime type of actor. He may not have all the award recognition but his validation comes from the people. That’s where his power comes from. 🙏❤

Before I post anything else, first and foremost I have to show all the love in the world to Sonequa Martin Green. This woman is so underrated as an actress and her portrayal of Sasha was a great source of inspiration. Another representation of a strong, brilliant and resilient black woman, her significance to TWD cannot be devalued or underestimated. In the face of unspeakable odds she managed to push through and that's a struggle that so many of us face every single day. Michonne and Sasha represent the magic within black women and the validation that comes from that is indescribable. I think TWD did a great job with sending Sasha and Sonequa out with pride and dignity. This is only the beginning for Mrs. Martin Green. Shine on queen. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. 🙏❤👑