Vinegar Shine, Soda Strength: Cleanin’ with Spirit.

Help Me Keep Teachin' One Story at a Time.

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Photo by Bulbul Ahmed on Unsplash

Books to Read after this…

“An Afro‑Indigenous History of the United States” by Kyle T. Mays
This book shows how Black and Native folks have been cleaning more than houses—we have been cleansing land, spirit, and memory. It’s about shared struggle and survival.

“Roots That Speak” (Essence collection)
Stories that highlight how Black and Native traditions overlap—keeping homes, families, and communities strong. It reminds us that cleaning ain’t just dusting, it’s a legacy.

“The Smudging and Blessings Book” by Jane Alexander
Talks about smudging, ritual smoke, and blessing spaces. White academics call it “alternative,” but Native wisdom shows it’s everyday protection and cleansing.

In my dream, I was tired of scrubbing and wiping, like Keisha in the story.

The cold up North caused dust and dirt to pile up faster, and no matter how much

I cleaned, it felt like the house remained heavy.

Then Ms. Esther came by with a smile and said, “Girl, let me show you something simple.”