Nina C. Ligon - DMV | Host | Benefit Fundraiser/Auctioneer

“Nina. What do *you* want? What do you want? And in what ways can we support you to make that happen…” “I…I…um…I…” I didn’t have an answer. I didn’t know what I needed, I didn’t know what I wanted. Of all the daydreaming and journaling and praying, one thing that quickly became clear to me is that, I’d not been honest with myself about my wants and needs…my beliefs… In that moment, with these sisters I’ve admired for so many years sitting alongside me, patiently lending space for reflection, I felt a new confidence beginning to arise… “I’m not really sure. I need some time to think about it.” They assured me that I was surrounded by women who care, who wanted to see me at my best and who were committed to helping ensure my success in whatever life I decided was mine to have… ✨✨✨✨ I came out of my marriage knowing that one day, the story would be told. Not as a divorce memoir, but evidence of a becoming before our eyes… I’m beginning to tell the story highlights on my Substack @ninabeam , sharing exclusive content with subscribers - the writing process, the video journals, photos… From January 1, 2026 the content will be available to current subscribers and paid subscribers. Get in for free now. Love offerings and paid subscriptions are always, always welcome. And amen. Also, #MorningLight is there and will always be a free subscription so…come on! 1. @ourkindofwomen 2. Sister Circle - @soarwithramunda , @samjopenn and @iamchristineplatt 3. Poet’s Poem, j.r. rogue 4. A Vision - 2021 5. On Fear - ‘The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less’ by @iamchristineplatt 6. Spotify Wrapped for 2021 - Most Played Song was ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Aretha Franklin. I actually listened to this song on a playlist ‘Collective Grief & Healing’ curated by @thenapministry 7. Reflections on Sisterhood, December 2021 8. Excerpt from my first memoir, ‘Dramas of a Bald Head Queen’, 2012 9. Shoot day with @bessieakuba for @ourkindofwomen 10. Poppin’ with @bessieakuba

Nina Ligon, 46, Writer who speaks, speaker who sings, and a creator and cultivator of culture and community. @ourkindofwomen what was a turning point for you after 40? @baldheadqueen I think the real turning point was me divorcing at 42. I believe I was 42…yes…that year in 2022. But even in the years leading up to that, I began to recognize and become clear on the fact that something needed to change. I was confident enough in myself to say, “Okay, Lord, look… whether individually or collectively, we both deserve something better, and I know there’s better for us. So whatever that is, let that be.” That was my prayer for the next two years along with, “Please don’t let it be tumultuous. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. It’s already going to be difficult because it is change.” On January 1st of 2022, the conversation was had, and by the end of a five-mile walk, I was separated. And I had so much peace about it. Even while feeling the reality of my emotions for my then-husband for the last 14, 15, 16 years, including dating, that we had been together, I could feel the weight of that history and still be at peace with the fact that it had run its course and come to an end. And in real life, it probably should have happened long before. But coming to a place where you gain clarity about the reality that this is not where you’re supposed to be and that there’s more and there’s better..not just for me, but for him too… my heart still wants that for him.So that was truly a turning point for me. And here we are. Onward, onward. 📸 @bessieakuba @ourkindofwomen Women raised in the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s-thriving in our 40s, 50s & beyond. A visual coming of age love letter to Black women redefining their prime. Exhibit + coffee table book + an ecosystem and more coming March 2026. #ourkindofwomen #womeninspiringwomen #womenshistorymonth #blackwomencreate

“The prayer wasn’t for divorce. I mean, who *prays* for divorce… I’d felt it…well, I began to *really* feel it in November 2021…That month, we’d finally began couples therapy. I mean, I’d been working the things out on my own for some time. A couple years even. I’d been praying for…something…noticing shifts, changes, growth…apart…too…late… Journaling, video journals, playlists - ‘Love…Deeply’…” ———— For nearly nine months now I’ve watched photographer @bessieakuba build upon her vision for @ourkindofwomen and imagined what question(s) she might ask of me if I ever had the opportunity to be a part…what I could come to know, and share, about myself and this life of mine… I came out of my marriage knowing that one day, the story would be told. Not as a divorce memoir, but evidence of a becoming before our eyes… I’m beginning to tell the story highlights on my Substack @ninabeam , sharing exclusive content with subscribers - the writing process, the video journals, photos… From January 1, 2026 the content will be available to current subscribers and paid subscribers. Get in for free now. Love offerings and paid subscriptions are always, always welcome. And amen. Also, #MorningLight is there and will always be a free subscription so…come on! On a bright Saturday in October, Bessie Akuba opened the door for me to take the next best step, asking, “What was a turning point for you after 40?” 1. 📸 Bessie Akuba 2. @yebbasmith 3. Mood. @stewartdantec 4. Wine service @bakers_wife_bistro | Hampton, VA 5. More Yebba for the ride home - November 2021 6. ‘Shoutin’ in the Fire’ - @stewartdantec 7. In a house on fire, 2021 8. Prayer for my covering. 9. Find Your Beach - Journaling 10. Golden Time of Day - National Harbor, November 2021 11. “It’s the questions…” - @ourkindofwomen 12. Shoot day with @bessieakuba #WeBeTheLight #EveryBecoming #LightBegetsLight

May is off to a beautiful start... ✨🌷✨ (My posts/stories ain’t gettin’ no reach, but whateva…😒🙄😒) Art, connection, collaboration…accountability… Still tending to the tender parts but leaning into the Light in full bloom. ✨🙏🏾✨ Swipe to catch a glimpse. #WeBeTheLight #LightBegetsLight #WhereTheLightFalls

I must admit, April left some of us “tender”, as a dear sister shared with me over the weekend… “Same, Lord knows…However, I’m also feeling like a flower/plant finally breaking through the top soil… Hardly at full bloom, but out of the seed, roots digging deep and reaching towards the sun!” So much beauty and love around me to keep me reaching towards the Light! In this next season, may we not only find ourselves surviving, but thriving! May we BLOOM… ✨🌷🌼🌺🌸🌹✨

Yes, you, Nin… ✨🌕✨ 🖼️ @cjpgallery 📍 @11eleven_gallery 📸 @alexalaurel 🎨 ↗️ @hollybass360 #WeBeTheLight #LightBegetsLight

Tap in to learn more about the inaugural DMV Creative Brunch hosted by @wordsbeatsandlife ! This year’s theme, ‘Power of the Pen: Ink and Ivory’ celebrates 10 years of the DMV #YouthPoetLaureate program, created by WBL! Join us for brunch on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 1p-3p @eatonhotel.dc ! Tickets available on WBL’s page here on IG or search Words Beats and Life on @eventbrite ! If you can’t join us on Sunday, make a donation today! Or visit WBLinc.org/donate to establish a recurring donation! Blessings to you all! Let’s SHINE!

Took a quick trip down to VA Beach to preview the opening of ‘PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS’ by THE @ninachanel ! 🌊 I lived in Hampton Roads for 21 years before moving to the DMV in 2022. The ocean air felt good to my lungs! The opening weekend for the new @virginiamoca kicked off Thursday with a BEAUTIFUL conversation with artist Nina Chanel Abney and Pusha T, moderated by @stephsdreaming ! Stephanie, you did a FANTASTIC job moderating this talk! Had me taking notes as a host and moderator! Looking forward to more! In addition to the amazing work and talk, I had a chance to tap into creativity as, in this season, I’m challenging myself to slow down and take moments for play and whimsy. Swipe to see what I made! ✨🥹✨ Excited to get back down to take more time with the work. Open now - August 18th. See more commentary in my stories before they expire! #WeBeTheLight #LightBegetsLight

#FBF Take me back 😮‍💨 Still thinking about Jazz & Blossoms at Franklin Park 🌸 One of those real DC moments— full of joy, connection, and community. Felt like a citywide family reunion to close out the cherry blossom season 🌸 And we’re right back at it this Sunday for Emancipation Day 🙌🏾 Big thanks to @wordsbeatsandlife for helping bring it all to life! 🙏🏽 @mazimutafa Your vision has taken this event to new heights! 🙌🏽 And many thanks to the amazing host @baldheadqueen and incredible performers @tweet_ ting @chuckbrownband @oddisee @goodcompnyband @nsitrumpetsports and the best DJs to do it @hotterthisyear @jahsonicdc @thenewfunset #JazzAndBlossoms #DowntownDC #DCEvents #EmancipationDay

*sips tea* Honeeeeey, yesterday’s #JazzAndBlossoms was ONE FOR THE BOOKS! ✨🙌🏾✨ 🌸 Honored to have been invited back to host @wordsbeatsandlife ’s 4th annual Jazz & Blossoms, in partnership with @downtowndcbid , as the OFFICIAL closing event for this year’s @cherryblossfest !! There’s no way I could possibly show everything, even in multiple posts, you’ll have to follow @wordsbeatsandlife for the official recap to come. 🌸 At the main stage, Nabaté Isles’ En Motion Electric Miles Tribute band kicked things off as we approach the 100th birthday of Miles Davis (5/26). 🌸 A DC party ain’t a party without a set representing the official music of DC, Gogo, with the legendary @chuckbrownband lead by none other than @wileybrown_ , son of The Godfather of Gogo, Chuck Brown! 🌸 I cannot begin to express to you how much I ADORE @oddisee and @goodcmpnyband ! To be able to introduce them in front of a record breaking crowd right here in DC is a feeling I can’t describe. Amir is one of my top five MC’s and I’ve been watching these brothers complete world tours for the past 10 years as INDEPENDENT artists. *smh* For real, I just… ✨🥹✨ To have them back home with us while providing space for their children and families with them …✨🙏🏾✨ May God continue to bless you brothers RICHLY! 🌸 The hottest party in DC (@Jahsonic and @hotterthisyear ) kept the vibes going ALL DAY in between sets! 2026 season of @thenewfunset is LIVE, baby! We’ll see you Sunday at The Dew Drop Inn! 🌸 And then our headliner…✨😮‍💨✨ What can be said about the Southern Hummingbird, @tweet_ !? After ALL these years, I finally got to see her live. WHO. KNEW. she had so much GUTTA in that warm, buttery tone of hers!? To hear all the jams and one of my all-time favorite songs live… “…I bet you always will…” 🌸 To my friends, community members, and the other 26k+ people who RSVPd and THOUSANDS who showed up to celebrate spring with us in these trying times (official number pending), may you be well and always be covered in peace, love and LIGHT! 🌸 Next up, @wordsbeatsandlife DMV Creator’s Brunch @eatonhotel.dc on Sunday, April 26th! Tickets are live now on @eventbrite ! See prev post for details!

Get your fit ready and join us fo a special brunch in 4/26. Type BRUNCH in the chat and we’ll DM the link for tickets and more info. Food, networking, awards and fundraising to benefit the @wordsbeatsandlife Academy’s Youth Poetry Program. Help us welcome our 2 new board members @bkdiva525 @baldheadqueen who have stepped up as part of the brunch hosting committee. 🎉 DMV Creative Brunch The Power Of The Pen: Ink & Ivory Sunday, April 26 1-3pm @eatonhotel.dc Crystal Ballroom Honorees: @etanthomas36 @seemalpractice Kenny Carroll II Ellie Walton @tres_raices_arts Suggested attire: Black, ivory, cream, champagne with gold #dmvfundraiser #hiphopnonprofit #brunchwashingtondc #youthpoetry #wordsbeatsandlife

The first time I recognized that I looked “JUST LIKE…” my mother was at 13, on the Metro here in DC for the first time. Sitting next to her, I saw what I thought was my reflection in the plexiglass window, tilting my head back and forth as one might do while awaiting the approach to the next stop… Imagine my teenage horror when the reflection didn’t move and it occurred to me that from the angle I was sitting, I was looking at *her* reflection and not my own. While I couldn’t deny it any longer, I was well into my 30s the second time something stopped me in my tracks and made me acknowledge this fact. When I saw this photo of me by @shannonmccollum (2017…18…?🤔) it IMMEDIATELY made me think of one specific picture of my mother (swipe)… Nina aka “Lil’ Eva” ✨😌✨ I’m so honored to wear her smile (and eyebrows 🥸). ✨✨✨✨Today would’ve been Eva’s 72nd birthday. I often wonder what she would be like at this big age… Would she have healed? Would she have forgiven? Would she be interested in learning more about her origins in Germany, the way I am? She was every bit of fire that you might imagine of an Aries, yet also one of the kindest, most loving and dependable people you’d ever meet. One thing I do know, if she were alive today, she would have EVERY NEW DEVICE she could afford. She had become a kind of tech junky - camcorders, Police Scanners, pagers, Palm pilots (y’all remember those?)… Cell phones were just becoming common place when she passed just four months shy of 50 in 2003. I wonder if she’d be an Apple or Samsung girlie…(me thinks Apple). ✨🙏🏾✨