Let’s hit the ground running and showcase some new tv and film trailers!! Gonna be a jam-packed month, I can feel it in my bones!! So without further ado let’s see what is on deck! Check out this week’s trailers below:
Final Season-Never Have I Ever (Streaming on Netflix June 8th)
We go camping…We go biking…We like to hike and walk trails… We go scuba diving…And we go fishing!! Nature has always been a place of healing and joy for Black communities. This healing has been disrupted with incidents like the killing of jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and the racial targeting of Christian Cooper in Central Park, both of which occured in 2020. However, Black people have made distinctive contributions in the outdoors, while also finding joy. Nature is supposed to be a “great equalizer” whose services are free, universal, and accessible to all humans without discrimination.
Today’s #BlackJoy moment is all about finding Black joy in the great outdoors!! If you are looking for some inspiration or want to find some fellow nature lovers, check out these books and Black nature influencers:
Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors~Rue Mapp
Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors ~Carolyn Finney
Rooted in the Earth: Reclaiming the African American Environmental Heritage~Dianne D. Glave
Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry~Camille T. Dungy
Undercurrents of Power : Aquatic Culture in the African diaspora ~Kevin Dawson
Before I begin, let me first apologize for what is to follow (#sorrynotsorry lol)…last night I went out with some friends and had this AMAZING shrimp basket with sweet potato fries and LORD HAVE MERCY it was sooooo good!! And the lightbulb went off…Grace your post for Monday should be all about food and drinks!! The Black culinary experience is definitely a space where we exude a great deal of Black Joy!!
There is such a rich history as it relates to the culinary world that you cannot talk about food and drink without bringing in the Black/African diaspora! So here we are!! As a budding foodie, wine lover, and restaurant experimenter, I knew one of these 30 days had to focus on the greatness of the Black culinary world. I have so many memories about my grandma’s cooking, trying fresh seafood in Australia, going to the vineyards in South Africa, my cousin Terry getting me my first drink on the Queen Mary, and being in second heaven while dining on some delicious steamed mussels and frites in Brussels.
Today’s Black Joy Moment is all about highlighting Black chefs, restaurants, mixologists, cookbooks, and anything to make your culinary senses go haywire!!
Notable Black Chefs/Bakers/Mixologists
Tiffany-Anne Parkes- Pastry Chef/Creative and owner of Pienanny and A Seat Above The Table (Instagram: @pi.naan.ee)
The great thing about #BlackJoy is that it can be expressed in a wide variety of ways!! Depending on who you are, what you do, and how you feel, Black Joy has a way of changing the game!
This is particularly the case when it comes to movies. With the new releases of Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid and the animated Blockbuster Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse starring Miles Morales, it’s a great time to be Black in the Movies!!
Today’s Black Joy Moment is a snapshot compilation of movies that over time have embodied Black joy!!
Summer is one of my favorite times of the year!! This is so for many reasons, one my Birthday (shout out to the Leos), the weather is AMAZING, and there is ALWAYS a plethora of things to do!! And folks that know me, know I am all about a good time!! Whether its traveling to a new place, going to the beach, checking out a music festival, or hanging out with family and friends, when my peeps say LET’S I’m replying GO!!
So today’s #BlackJoy moment is sharing some upcoming events that are sure to bring you some joy and happiness!! See what’s happening in a city, state, or country near you:
Odunde Festival (June 11) [Philadelphia, PA]: The ODUNDE festival, whose concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world. ODUNDE is also known for its authentic African marketplace featuring vendors from around the world selling merchandise from African nations, the Caribbean and Brazil.
The Black Food & Wine Experience (June 11-18) [Oakland, CA]: Founded by Chef Mimi, its mission is to provide a space where hospitality and Black excellence are cultivated, celebrated, and explored by all. Throughout the week-long event, attendees will have the opportunity to sample a range of food and beverages that span the African Diaspora, meet industry veterans as well as up-and-coming Black chefs, winemakers and spirit makers, learn about the latest trends, and network among their fellow foodies and Black professionals.
American Black Film Festival (June 14-18) [Miami Beach, FL]: The American Black Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to empowering Black talent and showcasing film and television content by and about people of African descent. It is widely considered the preeminent pipeline for Black artists in front of and behind the camera, and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in the entertainment Industry.
AfroNation (June 28-30) [Portimao, The Algarve, Portugal]: The 2023 edition of Afro Nation Portugal will bring together the best artists in Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip Hop, RnB, Dancehall and more. Expect world-class production and iconic live performances and DJ sets over three unforgettable days.
DC Black Food & Wine (July 1) [Washington, DC]: The DC Black Food & Wine Festival will be overflowing with delicious food, wine, and vibes. From the minute you walk in, the mouth-watering aromas made your taste buds tingle with anticipation.
Essence Festival (June 29-July 3) [New Orleans, LA]: Essence Music Festival is the event that “Parties With a Purpose“. The EMF brings “star-studded” actors and actresses, major artists, empowerment workshops, shopping, food, and more to the famous City of New Orleans. Over the years, Essence Festival has been the highlight of New Orleans’ summer music scene.
CURLFEST® (July 15) [Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY]: CURLFEST®, the world’s largest natural beauty festival. This year’s theme, The Bounce Back, is a testament to resilience and commitment to creating safe spaces for our community to connect and build by way of art, music, and more. This summer, we’re bringing the best in hair and lifestyle while celebrating every expression of beauty from around the globe.
Reggae SumFest (July 16-22) [Montego Bay, Jamaica]: Reggae Sumfest is the island’s summer reggae festival held over a week with its main nights from Thursday to Saturday. Activities include an All White Blitz party, A Sound System Explosion, Beach Party and the main concerts. Among the artistes confirmed for Reggae Sumfest this year are Chronic Law and Kabaka Pyramid.
Caribana (August 3-7) [Toronto, Canada]: Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival is a three-week celebration of Caribbean music, cuisine, costumes, tradition and culture. This Caribbean tradition of parading through the street was founded in celebration of freedom and emancipation from slavery and is appropriately celebrated on what has been recognized by the Canadian government as Emancipation Day weekend.
Bill Picket Rodeo Series (August 5) [Atlanta, GA]: The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrates and honor Black Cowboys and Cowgirls and their contributions to building the west. We highlight the irrefutable global appeal of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls in the West and the stories behind a sub-culture that is still strong today. BPIR also serves as a cultural event and opportunity for families to enjoy and embrace the cowboy culture, while being educated and entertained with reenactments, history highlights, and western adventure.
The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival (August 18-19) [Norfolk, VA]: The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is the area’s longest-running outdoor jazz festival with some of the biggest names on the international smooth jazz scene. The two-day festival will be held in a beautiful summertime setting at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront.
Not only am I celebrating 30 Days of Black Joy this June, but it is also Black Music Appreciation Month!!
Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the Black/African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage. In a 2019 official proclamation from the White House they note,
“Throughout American history, African American music has reflected our Nation’s challenges and triumphs and has always enriched our Nation’s culture. During African American Music Appreciation Month, we pay tribute to the talented and inspiring African American artists who have given sound and voice to the full range of human emotions through the blues, jazz, gospel, rock and roll, rap, hip hop, and other genres. This month, we celebrate the countless contributions of African American singers, composers, and musicians, who have influenced and shaped every genre and style of music. They have turned universally shared emotions and experiences of suffering, joy, passion, pain, faith, injustice, and love into art that speaks to the heart and spirit of any American. African American music has the power to encourage, inspire, and affect social change. It transcends time, compelling generation after generation to sing, dance, think, and feel, and it endures in our culture, our history, our spirit, and our collective national soul.”
For me, music has multiple uses. It’s relaxing…it’s therapeutic…I’m always tuned into something to get me through my day!! In the words of President Biden, “We celebrate Black artists who have used their songs to stand up to injustice, fight for equality, and reflect a mirror on society — reminding us all of our enduring obligation to deliver the promise of America for all Americans.” In many ways this is definitely also a reflection of my thoughts!!
Myself enjoying some soul-soothing sounds at the Roots Picnic in Philly…Reppin’ A Tribe Called Quest!!
Today’s #BlackJoy moment, and for each Friday in June, I will share a curated playlist celebrating some of my favorite Black songs and artists! Check out this week’s playlist below:
What are some of your favorite songs and artists?! Feel free to share some of your favorite Black songs and artists, in the comments, and maybe one of your faves might make the list :-)!!
Why Black Joy? Why not? Who doesn’t want to share the joys of life…The things that make you smile or laugh…Or the feel-good moments!! I am super excited about these next few weeks! Over the course of the next 30 days, I will be sharing my moments of Black Joy! These moments may be personal to me, a creative expression, or some sort of acknowledgment or spotlight. Regardless of how big or small, I hope it brings some sort joy, provide some encouragement, or simply put a smile on your face!
Today’s Black Joy moment is an affirmation that I wanted to share…
As I ALWAYS say, “Sharing is Caring!” Why keep that sunshine to yourself, when you can spread it around!
Black Future Feminist 