Category: Uncategorized

  • Ode to Camp, or: I Died in Couture and Came Back in Sequins(A Poem in Heels)

    Mary Mba (Ph.D)

    Darling,
    I was born in a wig and reborn in rhinestones.
    When the doctor slapped me, I said,
    “Not the face.”

    I am Camp.
    Not a style,
    But a resurrection.

    I paint my lips with irony,
    Contour my cheekbones with pastiche,
    My eyeliner so sharp it cuts through heteronormativity.
    I don’t cry—
    I glitter.

    I’m the chandelier at a funeral.
    The swan dive in a cocktail dress.
    I’m Bette Davis lighting a cigarette with your expectations
    and exhaling a monologue that ends in thunderous applause
    from ghosts who wish they were this extra.

    Camp is a wink in a war zone.
    A ball gown in a bunker.
    It’s knowing the script, tearing it up,
    and then delivering every line in a British accent
    with a martini in one hand and a drama in the other.

    I am Cher in a headdress.
    Gaga in four looks.
    RuPaul crowning queens like the Vatican crowns Popes
    (but with better shoes).
    I am Divine divine.

    My aesthetic?
    Apocalypse but make it fashion.
    My gender?
    Sequined disbelief.
    My spirit animal?
    Susan Sontag’s typewriter tapping out “Notes on ‘Camp’”
    in six-inch stilettos with a smirk.

    I am not real.
    I am more than real.
    Too much?
    That’s just enough.

    So let the naturalists mumble in beige.
    Let the tasteful bow in their taupe blazers.
    I’ll be over here—

    In tulle.
    On fire.
    And perfectly,
    ridiculously,
    fabulously—undone.

  • Welcome to Mayok Media: A Hub for Ideas, Activism & Entrepreneurship

    Welcome to Mayok Media! This is a space where ideas, activism, and entrepreneurship intersect. Here, we explore thought-provoking topics, amplify voices, and build a thriving digital platform for storytelling, podcasting, and business.

    Who I Am

    Welcome to Mayok Media! My name is Mary Mba, Ph.D., and I’m excited to introduce this platform where ideas, activism, leadership, and personal growth come together.

    As an academic leader, writer, mother, and advocate, I have spent years exploring education, leadership, multiculturalism, and storytelling. This blog is more than a personal space—it is a community for thinkers, leaders, and creatives who are passionate about making an impact.

    At its heart, Mayok Media is a family-oriented platform—one where we celebrate the beauty of family life, careers, culture, spirituality, and personal growth while also engaging with intellectual discussions, creative expression, and leadership development.

    What Mayok Media Will Cover

    This space will explore a variety of rich and meaningful topics, including:

    Family & Motherhood – Balancing career, family, and personal aspirations.
    Multiculturalism – African, French, and Francophone cultures in global conversations.
    Academic & Women’s Leadership – Navigating education, leadership, and professional growth.
    Immigration & Identity – The immigrant experience, adaptation, and advocacy.
    Poetry & Essays – Creative expression through literature, storytelling, and reflection.
    Lifestyle & Spirituality – Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and gardening as therapy.
    Careers & Entrepreneurship – Side hustles, digital content creation, and leadership strategies.

    Whether you’re here to learn, share, or connect, Mayok Media is a space for reflection, creativity, and growth.

    What Readers Can Expect

    📌 Regular Blog Posts – Thought-provoking essays, deep dives, and actionable guides.
    📌 Podcast Episodes – Conversations on leadership, culture, and entrepreneurship.
    📌 Family & Lifestyle Insights – Real-life experiences on motherhood, balance, and self-care.
    📌 Community Engagement – Meaningful discussions that uplift and empower.

    This blog is about embracing knowledge, celebrating cultural richness, and growing together.

    📢 Call to Action (Join the Conversation!)

    I’d love for you to be part of this journey! 🎉

    📌 Drop a comment below – Introduce yourself and share what topics interest you.
    📌 Follow Mayok Media – Stay updated with new content, podcasts, and exclusive insights.
    📌 Subscribe for Updates – Get the latest posts delivered to your inbox!

    🌍 Let’s connect, create, and challenge ideas together! Welcome to Mayok Media! 🎙✍🏾🔥