In the first of her two-part interview with AYO contributor Maya Pascal, sex educator and writer Haylin Belay talks about why open conversations about sex should be the norm and how myths keep women from happy sexual relationships. In our second segment, Haylin shares how adopting witchcraft has helped to fuel her own confidence and self-acceptance. Read More

Welcome to AYO, an international meeting place for black women.

Here at AYO, we share honest, relevant stories for smart, creative, engaged, black women. From Brooklyn to Bordeaux, Lagos to Laos, we aim to meet black women wherever they are in the world. Literally.

AYO was launched in 2016 by founder and editor-in-chief Adenike Olanrewaju.

AYO is a labor of love that we hope will be a wellspring of cultural examinations and celebration; a place where various kinds of the black woman can exist. In this space, there is joy.

So here’s to finding your joy. Wherever you are.