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Exploring the Legacy and Unique Writing Style of Kafka at The Franz Kafka Museum in Prague
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Franz Kafka Museum in Prague, and as a devoted admirer of his works, the experience was unforgettable. Kafka’s writing has been studied and lauded for decades, and for good reason. His themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and the human condition remain relevant today, and his writing style,…

Evoking the Feelings of Kafka at The World of Franz Kafka
As I was walking down the street one night in Prague, I passed by this interesting-looking open door that led to a winding staircase that simply said The World of Franz Kafka. I could hear weird sounds and see strobing lights. Curiosity got the best of me so I went down into the unknown corridor…
Welcome to DG Speaks! We bring together diverse perspectives and empower readers to live out loud! Find out more.
Live Out Loud By Enjoying Diversity Through Storytelling
Live Out Loud is a powerful phrase that encourages individuals to speak up and be heard. It’s a message that resonates deeply with the mission of DG Speaks. We bring together diverse perspectives and empower readers to live out loud! As a platform that strives to amplify marginalized voices, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live out loud.
Meet Mercedes
Living out loud and having my say!
Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes is the CEO and Founding Editor of DG Speaks. She is a global traveler working with women in developing countries and shares her unique perspective on life through writing. Her stories, a blend of personal anecdotes, lessons learned, and interesting experiences, inspire readers to break away from the norm and live life on their own terms.
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Finding Home: Navigating Life After a Nomadic Journey
If you’ve followed me for some time, then you know I used the abrupt pause in my career during the pandemic to complete my Masters degree in Public Health. I graduated from George Washington University in May 2022. My son soon after graduate from high school in June 2022. This prompted my decision to leave…

At DG Speaks, we understand the power of storytelling and the importance of representation. We invite all individuals to share their stories and experiences authentically, and we hope to continue amplifying diverse voices and inspiring others to make a difference in their own way.
Through our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in storytelling, we provide a safe space for women, the voiceless, and sidekicks to share their experiences and perspectives. Our talented writers cover a wide range of topics, from social justice to lifestyle, providing fresh perspectives and challenging preconceived notions.
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DG Speaks: Celebrating Diversity and Empowering Unique Voices to Live Out Loud
At DG Speaks, we believe that living out loud is more than just speaking up. It’s about living authentically and embracing all aspects of our identities. We celebrate the unique qualities that make us who we are and encourage others to do the same.
Through storytelling, we have the power to create change and inspire others to live out loud. With our platform, readers can expect to find stories that inspire, challenge, and empower them to be their true selves.

Cozy Aesthetics is a Black Woman-Owned Business Crafting Nostalgic Sweetness for Blissful Moments
Denazia Vessel has been in business for a year making candles in Greenville, NC. When I came across Cozy Aesthetics at the Juneteenth Vendors Market, held at Pitt Street Brewing,…

Celebrate World Party Day with Tina’s Vodka: Expert Mixologist Shares Her Favorite Cocktail Recipes
As World Party Day approaches on April 3rd, it’s time to plan for the festivities ahead. And what better way to celebrate than with delicious cocktails made with Tina’s Vodka?…
In a world where many voices are silenced, DG Speaks is a rallying cry for those seeking to live out loud. Join us as we celebrate diversity, elevate marginalized voices, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to be heard.
Welcome to DG Speaks! Join our community and start living your best life today. Live out loud with DG Speaks.

Exploring the Legacy and Unique Writing Style of Kafka at The Franz Kafka Museum in Prague
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Franz Kafka Museum in Prague, and as a devoted admirer of his works, the experience was unforgettable. Kafka’s writing has been studied and lauded for decades, and for good reason. His themes of alienation, bureaucracy, and the human condition remain relevant today, and his writing style,…

Sipping, Savoring, and Sightseeing: A Tour of WOW Porto
I’m always looking for exciting this to do that pair fun with education and I was very happy to hear about WOW Porto during my last visit to Portugal. WOW Porto is a cultural hub full of exciting experiences. With seven museum experiences, twelve restaurants, shops, a temporary exhibition space, an events space, and a…

Discovering Rome’s B-Side on the Free Ultimate Walking Tour
Traveling to a new city is a thrilling adventure, but it’s all too easy to stick to the mainstream attractions and miss out on the hidden gems that make a place unique. That’s why I always make it a priority to stray from the pack and explore lesser-known areas. During my recent jaunt to Rome,…

“Hold Your Horses”: Saratoga (New York), Horse Racing, and the Tricky Pastime of Gambling
“…and they’re off!” the announcer exclaims. Suddenly, a herd of horses storm out of their gates and hurtle past a jam-packed clubhouse of spectators. The jockeys squeeze their legs tight into the horses’ sides, vigorously spurring them on with rider-crops in hand. Their sprinting hooves kick up clouds of grass, dirt, and/or mud. The herd…
Things to make you go hmm… analysis and commentary:

As a Matter of Fact: The Postmodern Predicament and the Value of Objective Truth
Postmodernism. Yes. I know what you’re thinking. “Ugh. Isn’t that one of those pretentious ‘Ivory Tower’ words?” Yes and no. Yes, it is. But, no, it also isn’t just that….
Experience Life to the Fullest and Live Out Loud With Our Food, Travel, Tech, and Pop Culture Content
DG Speaks was founded by Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes in 2009 as a personal blog, showcasing the people she worked with and the places she visited. Today, it has grown into an online magazine with a team of writers covering a diverse range of topics.
Our focus is on equipping readers with the tools, knowledge, and resources to live life to the fullest. We provide inspiration and advice for those seeking to break away from the norm and live life on their own terms.

Milk + Cookies Festival: Where Music and Gastronomy Meet
Are you ready to indulge in a sensory extravaganza? Milk + Cookies Festival is partnering with RenderATL to create the ultimate summer party in Atlanta, GA. This dessert-themed music festival promises to tantalize your senses with curated music and delectable delights set against the captivating backdrop of the Historic Old Fourth Ward Park, nestled along…

Soul Food: A Deliciously Heartwarming Film
Food and culture have always gone hand in hand, and the 1997 film “Soul Food” is a prime example of this. This heartwarming movie celebrates the importance of food in African American culture, and how it brings families together. From mouth-watering dishes to Sunday dinners, “Soul Food” is a feast for the eyes and the…

Indulging in the Sensuality of ‘Chocolat’
Ah, Chocolat, the movie that proves that chocolate isn’t just a snack, it’s a lifestyle. The 2000 film, directed by Lasse Hallström, follows the story of a mysterious chocolatier, Vianne Rocher (played by the talented Juliette Binoche), as she arrives in a conservative French village and shakes things up with her mouth-watering creations. But, as…

“Variations on a Similar Theme: The Democratic Republic of Congo, Sub-Saharan African Culture, and the Beneficence of Cultural Integration!”
When my aunt was younger, she met the love of her life while volunteering abroad. She was on assignment with the Peace Corps in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire). The man whom she’d later marry sadly passed from cancer in 1987. This was exactly a month after his daughter was born and exactly…
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Don’t Forget The Podcast
Listen to DG Speaks on the Thoughts and Talks podcast, where we showcase women and people of color making a difference in society. A new way to get inspired to live out loud!