Cranes in the Sky: Why Black Women Fill Their Plates to Avoid Feeling the Pain of Loneliness

The General's Briefing · Apr 21, 2026 · 19m

I woke up this morning feeling blah. I looked at my phone. And it was dry. Again. And it hurt.

Then I thought about Monty—my first love, the man who introduced me to hip-hop. And I felt 12 years old again.

Then I started yearning for love. And the anxiety crept in.

So I took a nap. Because that's what I do when the pain gets too close.

So I started sending out emails. Taking care of business. Filling my plate.

Full time job. PhD. Campaign manager. Special Events Chair. VP of Programs. Podcast. Bookstore. Single mother. IEP battles. Medical advocacy. Blue Ballot event.

I am doing the work of…