Rayonna
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rayonna-speaks.bsky.social
Rayonna
@rayonna-speaks.bsky.social
In a world of roses, be a sunflower 🌻

#216 born and raised
Writer ✍️
Journalist 📓📝 @CapitalBGary
LUM ‘19 | UMD ‘21
My latest article for @capitalbgary.bsky.social features a Gary born designer who has done everyone from Glorilla to Phylicia Rashad to Blue Ivy on the Cowboy Carter tour. For over 10 years, Sankara XT has been building her brand from Gary to Howard to LA.

gary.capitalbnews.org/sankara-mcca...
Sankara McCain Turned Her Gary Roots Into a Global Fashion Brand - Capital B Gary
The Emerson graduate has gone from a high school dance major to styling celebrities.
gary.capitalbnews.org
May 16, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Let’s see what today brings 👌🏾
April 29, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Food scarcity is such a big topic especially in cities like Gary that have several parts considered to be a food desert. My new article called : This Is About More Than Just Food’: Inside a Grassroots Effort Feeding Hundreds in Gary highlights community efforts gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-food-co...
‘This Is About More Than Just Food’: Inside a Grassroots Effort Feeding Hundreds in Gary
The giveaway program offers meat, produce, and essentials to residents, and is moving toward a larger goal of citywide expansion.
gary.capitalbnews.org
April 22, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Catch me at @sabew.bsky.social national convention this week!
April 3, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Reposted by Rayonna
🧵🚨
Sharon Jenkins is fighting for answers after her 20-year-old son, Erskin Jenkins, was fatally shot by a Lubbock County sheriff’s deputy. Despite limited insight and ongoing investigations, Sharon has taken matters into her own hands, funding an independent inquiry many families can’t afford.
March 26, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Reposted by Rayonna
Quick 🧵
Kenneth Hogan is home!
🎬✨ After 25 years behind bars, Hogan is stepping into a new chapter. With plans to pursue his dreams in theater and film, Hogan’s journey to redemption is just beginning.
www.gofundme.com/f/help-kenne...
Donate to Help Kenneth Hogan Transition to a Bright Future in the Arts, organized by Tahia Hogan
Hi, my name is Tahia Hogan, and I’m reaching out to ask for y… Tahia Hogan needs your support for Help Kenneth Hogan Transition to a Bright Future in the Arts
www.gofundme.com
March 13, 2025 at 3:56 PM
If anyone is looking for an update on the Lake County Convention Bid, check out my new article with @capitalbgary.bsky.social

‘This Is the Right Time’: Melton Pushes for Convention Center in Gary gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-lake-co...
Gary Convention Center Proposal Draws Hundreds to Community Meeting - Capital B Gary
Hundreds pack a church to hear the status of the city's bid to land the Lake County Convention Center.
gary.capitalbnews.org
March 10, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Stepping into my economic development bag, I got to sit down with a few members of the Gary community, including Mayor Eddie Melton, and speak on Gary’s $12M Revamp: Tearing Down the Past, Building the Future gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-demolit...
$12M Plan to Revitalize Gary Begins With Demolishing Blight - Capital B Gary
The first phase of the plan will focus on demolishing blighted structures and restoring key sites in downtown.
gary.capitalbnews.org
February 21, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Let’s see how I can make numbers fun but informative 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
February 18, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Calling it now: Philly and Baltimore in the Superbowl
January 16, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Reposted by Rayonna
A controversial bill in the Indiana legislature could force the dissolution of public school districts across the state, including Gary and Indianapolis, raising alarms among educators, legislators, and Hoosiers.
New Bill Threatens to Dissolve Public School Districts Across Indiana, Including Gary - Capital B Gary
Under HB 1136, local control would shift to charter schools if they educate more than 50% of enrolled students in a district.
buff.ly
January 10, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Reposted by Rayonna
Black content creators have used TikTok to earn a living, collaborate with major brands & build a global community.

With a TikTok ban on the horizon, the shutdown would be disastrous for some, given that their entire livelihood is tied to the platform.

capitalbnews.org/tiktok-ban-b...
For Black Creators, TikTok Is More Than Just a Platform
With the app set to shut down on Jan. 19, content creators risk losing a major source of income and community.
capitalbnews.org
January 16, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Reposted by Rayonna
Formerly incarcerated firefighters told Capital B that the growth of climate change-fueled fires in California should force the world to "finally accept that we'll need everyone, even abnormal and complex folks, to address [climate threats.]" capitalbnews.org/california-p...
‘We Need Everyone’: How Two Formerly Incarcerated Firefighters Are Building a Movement
Their program has helped dozens of people find a career after prison. Now they want to expand the effort across California.
capitalbnews.org
January 13, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Reposted by Rayonna
I’m going to keep saying it until it happens:

My writing will be the reason my house gets paid off.

My writing will be the reason why I won’t have to work a 9-5 the rest of my life.

My writing will be the reason why I can finally know how it feels to live comfortable in this lifetime.
January 13, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Happy New Years!!
January 7, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Another one for Gary!

Shoe Repairman in Gary Restores Community, One Sole at a Time gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-shoe-re...
Gary Indiana Craftsman Upholds Family Legacy Through Shoe Repair - Capital B Gary
Anthony Rayford’s focus on his craft and customers at The Village has helped him survive the economy's ups and downs. Now he hopes to pay it forward.
gary.capitalbnews.org
December 19, 2024 at 9:27 PM
Is it holiday break yet?
December 12, 2024 at 1:29 PM
I love Moana 2 as much as the next person but I’ve been waiting on my Princess and the frog sequel for the last 15 years
December 1, 2024 at 3:21 AM
Happy Thanksgiving everyone
November 28, 2024 at 9:59 PM
So how do I build my audience on here? Because I be having thoughts that i think no one would like to read
November 23, 2024 at 8:35 PM
Tried my hand at sports reporting for a local sports league here in Gary 😀

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-indiana...
Gary Youth Basketball League Builds Community Through the Game - Capital B Gary
Founded by a former West Side basketball player, At All Cost Youth Basketball League is for kids ages 5 to 13.
gary.capitalbnews.org
November 21, 2024 at 3:08 PM
Finally got one of these!
November 16, 2024 at 3:15 PM