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Arika J. Linton

@authentically_arika

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Zion’s Mom 💙
1913 🔺🐘
1938 💙🩷
Lover of laughter, love, leadership & legacy ✨

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there’s something so peaceful about Arizona ❤️ perfect start to October.

📍Grand Canyon by @authentically_arika

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4 days ago

Started the day at Museum of Science & Industry. Ended the day at The Obama Center.

Had a good ole Chicago day, today. by @authentically_arika

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7 days ago

Tonight, @kikostyles gathered us to celebrate the launch of her first cookbook “From Their Table to Mine” - you are 1 of 1 my friend. Tonight’s curation was the perfect mix of great food, vibes and music. Everyone purchase her book, now. by @authentically_arika

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21 days ago

September has been full of reconnection and simplicity. Carnivals, Funnel cakes (my fave), tacos with my LS’, hugging my lil sis in person, first sorority meeting of the chapter year 🔺, first JJOA chapter meeting of the calendar year 🩷💙, breakfast dates with apple scrapple, self care day, JJOA Family Day, library visits, Pizza Night Out with the baseball family, PaPa & Zion, Ninja Kidz, Italian Fiesta, backyard dates, celebrating Linco’s new client, a crop with my she-ro’s Essence cover. by @authentically_arika

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19 days ago

Maybe your mid-thirties aren’t about finally becoming the woman who has it all figured out.
Maybe they’re about becoming the woman who no longer needs to.

At 35, I’m learning that becoming is quieter than I thought it would be. I’m apologizing way more than I care to but relationships matter and some things I’ve gotta make right.

It looks like changing my mind. Choosing differently. Letting some things go. Allowing good things to be good. Being present in the life I once prayed for instead of constantly reaching for the next version of it.

I can be ambitious and still rest. Love deeply without abandoning myself. Be proud of everything I’ve built and still admit I’m figuring some things out.

There’s something beautiful about meeting yourself again in your mid-thirties.

A little softer. A lot wiser. More discerning. More present. More willing to trust myself.

Summer has ended. I welcome the next season and its revelations…

Here’s to becoming 🥂 by @authentically_arika

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25 days ago

It is my greatest privilege to parent you.

Every ounce of good there is inside of me somehow found its way into you.

And watching you add your own sauce to it is my favorite thing to see. You really are everything you think you are. My cool kid.
Zion Andre.

The handsome-st face 😍🥰 and yes, this is my sister’s original song she made for Zion when he was born 🤏🏾 by @authentically_arika

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25 days ago

Jack and Jill Day was absolutely beautiful. 💙🩷

This year’s theme, “Legacy at the Country Club,”was felt in every detail. From tennis clinics and HBCU displays to our children enjoying free play outside (yes, even in the rain! 😂).

But one of the most meaningful moments for me was the display honoring Carole Robertson and the Four Little Girls. Zion and I stood together and read through every portion, creating space for a conversation about their lives, our history, and the legacy we carry forward.

It was such a beautiful reminder of the “why” behind the village, the experiences, and the intentionality we pour into our children.

A beautiful day of joy, history, community, and legacy. 💙🩷

Bravo @jackandjillsscc 👏🏽 by @authentically_arika

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a month ago

Some end of July and August ✨
This has been quite beautiful one - lots of memories made 😍 by @authentically_arika

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2 months ago

Bulls Fest 2026.

Core Memory Unlocked. Just trying to nurture what he loves.

We’ve been out here since 8am & it’s 🥵

He’s participated in so many clinics today (and it’s not over), his heart is happy.

Being a Boy Mom is so cool. by @authentically_arika

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2 months ago

This is 3rd grade.
He’s exactly who he thinks he is, don’t make him tell you 😩
I can’t wait to see what 3rd grade teaches you as a scholar, as an athlete, and as a child of God.
Have a great year, Apple Scrapple. by @authentically_arika

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2 months ago

Snuck back to NOLA 📍 (a week ago)

✅ 10/10 The Blackbird Hotel (this hideaway boutique space in the Garden District was AMAZING)
✅ 10/10 Waldorf Astoria Spa
✅ 10/10 Tijon
✅ 10/10 Bourbon Daiquiris

Now, we’re back into the hustle and bustle of 2026 but it was great to stop (even if just for a second). by @authentically_arika

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2 months ago

“For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.”

Psalms 132:13

Just a cool kid coming into his own, his way. When I want a reminder of how deeply and divinely loved I am - I just think about how God thought so highly of me to let me birth an amazing young man named Zion Andre Linton. by @authentically_arika

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2 months ago