DRINK WATER AND MIND YOUR BUSINESS | A Busboys and Poets Books Presentation
Date and Time
May 27, 2025 6:00 pm
Location
Brookland
625 Monroe St NE, Washington, District of Columbia, 20017
May 27, 2025 6:00 pm
Brookland
Self-esteem ain't self-taught--and it does see color.
Let's be real: society was not built with the needs of Black women in mind. And as a result, we learn that the only way to feel good about ourselves is to prioritize everyone else's needs over our own. We find our value in being the perfect partner, mother, daughter, employee, and friend. But that is exhausting. Instead of feeling good about how dope we are--regardless of our service, bank account, or looks--we only feel good about what we do for others.
Supremacy culture teaches us to hate Black people, to hate women, and to especially hate Black women... except when they need us to either save them or serve them. So in a world where our service is required for acceptance, how could we ever feel good about ourselves while also giving the middle finger to systems of power? How can we possibly live our best lives? How are we supposed to feel confident, secure, and fabulous AF in our bodies?
The answer: Self-esteem. Self-esteem as we know it has been gatekept by the white and male supremacist delusions for far too long. It's time to put power where it actually belongs.
In Drink Water and Mind Your Business, Dr. Donna Oriowo helps readers understand the basic foundations of self-esteem--what it is, how society molds it, and how it affects us all--and offers real, meaningful solutions to feel like the most glorious and badass versions of themselves. Based on years of research and Dr. Donna's career as a licensed sex and relationship therapist, this book will help you set boundaries, prioritize your needs, understand your immense worth, and pursue a life that brings you pleasure and joy.
Dr. Donna Oriowo is joining us on the Busboys stage to celebrate and discuss this “funny and empowering read that’s layered with professional insights, raw experience and seasoned wisdom” (Uju Asika, author of Bringing Up Race, A World for Me and You, and Raising Boys Who Do Better). Copies of the book will be available for purchase during and after the event, and Dr. Oriowo will be signing following the program.
This event is free and open to all. Our program begins at 6:00 pm, and will be followed by an audience Q&A. Copies of DRINK WATER AND MIND YOUR BUSINESS will be available for purchase before and after the event. Please note that this event is in person and will not be livestreamed.
We ask that guests RSVP in order to receive direct updates about the event from Busboys and Poets Books
Dr. Donna Oriowo is a sex and relationship therapist with a focus on how colorism and texturism impact mental and sexual health. is a sex and relationship therapist with a focus on how colorism and texturism impact mental and sexual health. To learn more, visit her website donnaoriowo.com.
May 22, 2025 7:00 pm
