#BlackHistory365 in the Workplace Guide

Posted in Celebration, On the Desk..., Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 5-Culinary Blackness

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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)
  • Arley Arrington- Baker and owner of Arley Cakes (Instagram: @arley.cakes)
  • Nina Compton- Chef and owner of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro in New Orleans (Instagram: @ninacompton)
  • Tanya Holland- Chef, author, and owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen (Instagram: @mstanyaholland )
  • Lazarus Lynch- Chef, author, and founder of the culinary brand Son of a Southern Chef (Instagram: @lazaruslynch)
  •  Jermey Elliott- Mixologist/Bartender and co-owner of Double D’s Bar (Instagram: @jermeygelliott)

Black Culinary Documentaries/TV Series

Featured Black Cookbooks

  • Southern Cooking, Global Flavors ~Kenny Gilbert & Nan Kavanaugh
  • Ghetto Gastro Presents… Black Power Kitchen ~Jon Gray, Pierre Serrao, and Lester Walker with Osayi Endolyn
  • Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health ~Gregory Gourdet with JJ Goode
  • Caribbean Vegan: Plant-Based, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion ~Taymer Mason
  • Vibration Cooking Or, The Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl ~Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor

Additional Information

Stay hungry and thirsty my friends!!

See You Tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, On the Desk...

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 4-Black Joy on The Big Screen!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!!

  • Nothing But a Man (1964)
  • Car Wash (1976)
  • Black Joy (1977)
  • The Wiz (1978)
  • The Color Purple (1985)
  • Coming To America (1988)
  • House Party (1990)
  • Sankofa (1993)
  • The Watermelon Woman (1996)
  • Cinderella (1997)
  • Love & Basketball (2000)
  • Dope (2015)
  • Girl’s Trip (2017)
  • Fast Color (2018)
  • Black Panther (2018)
  • The Photograph (2020)
  • The Harder They Fall (2021)

See You Tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, Feature Spotlight, On The Radar

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 3-Upcoming Summer Events!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!!

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Pexels.com

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.
Photo by Rahul Pandit on Pexels.com

These are just a few of the MANY events that will be taking place all over the global diaspora!!

So mark your calendars…Get your flights in order!! Gather your friends and family!! And start storing up that energy!!

See You Tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, Feature Spotlight, On the Desk...

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 2-Black Music Appreciation Month

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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 :-)!!

See you tomorrow!!

Posted in New Trailer Alerts!!, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

It’s almost officially Summer Time!! Time to hit up the movies and see what’s coming to the streaming networks!! Check out the new trailers below:

Season 6-Black Mirror (Streaming on Netflix June 15th)

Season 3-The Righteous Gemstones (Streaming on Max June 18th)

World’s Best (Streaming on Disney+ June 23rd)

Season 4-Jack Ryan (Streaming on Prime Video June 30th)

Full Circle (Streaming on Max July 17th)

Justified: City Primeval– (Streaming on FX July 18th)

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Celebration

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 1-Sharing Your Sunshine!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!

See you tomorrow!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Celebration

Coming Soon…”30 Days of Black Joy!!”

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

What is Black Joy? Black joy is a celebratory term that has been used to acknowledge and highlight the experiences of happiness, pleasure, and contentment within the Black community. As a powerful and affirming concept, Black Joy incorporates resilience, creativity, and the strength of Black individuals and communities locally, nationally, and globally. In simple terms It’s Happiness…It’s Resistance…It’s Freedom!! Ultimately, Black joy is a counter-narrative to many existing dominant narratives of pain, oppression, and struggle that often define the representation of Black people in media and society.

Every year around this time I am led to share, promote, and celebrate the many ways in which Black Joy is personified and expressed. Over the next 30 days, there will be daily posts (via the BFF website, Instagram, and Facebook) celebrating the various forms and expressions of Black Joy. This is seen through art, music, dance, local/national/global community engagement, personal achievements, storytelling, and soooo much more!!

Now before we dive into our celebration, check out some of these articles to get your mind ready!!

So over these next few weeks and days, I hope that you are able to celebrate the wins, challenge the stereotypes, find fulfillment, and embrace joy!!

Day 1 begins on June 1st, so stay tuned each day for your daily dose of JOY!!

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
Posted in Black Bookstore Adventures, Feature Spotlight, On The Radar, Resources

Dr. G’s Black Bookstore Adventures-Mahogany Books (DC/MD)

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Made a quick trip to the DMV and finally got a chance to go and visit Mahogany Books!! Even picked up a few goodies :-)!

So if you are in the DMV area make sure to check out Mahogany Books!! I know I will definitely make a few return trips!!

And I look forward to sharing more Black Bookstore Adventure visits!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Celebration

Dr. G’s Reflections…”Another School Year in the Books!!”

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

2022-2023 another school has come and made its mark in the universe. You know I have to say it every time I write these reflections, I LOVE WHAT I DO!! However, this year is the beginning of what is going to be a continuous cycle of the floodgate of tears! This year’s class of 2023 is really special as this is the first class of students that I have seen since they were freshmen entering VCU!! Many of these students have been in at least two of my classes…I have watched them grow and mature…I have seen their struggles and their wins…I’ve met their parents, relatives and children…And seeing them walk across the stage and become graduates…It is truly a blessing to see the impact one can make in a matter of a few short years. Just take a look and see below….

Memories from VCU AFAM Graduation-Spring 2023

Not only is this year been special because of the new graduates, but also because I made it through a major career milestone. I made it through the half-way point of my tenure-track process…the third-year review!! Gathering documents, writing professional statements, obtaining references from students, updating my CV, experiencing teaching evaluations, and so much more…talk about an intense process…But I made it!! I will admit not only was this an experience of strength and dedication, but one of reflection. Going back and looking at all the work that I have done in these three years just blows my mind. I know I’m a hard worker, but just looking back and seeing it all documented on paper (physically and digitally) takes it to another level. This review process also showed me how wide and vast my community of support is and the impact they make on me. Shout out to all those who looked over my essays, shared their past experiences with the process, gave insight, gave an encouraging word, served as cheerleaders, calmed my nerves, took me out for a drink, or were just a listening ear. I think some folks do not realize the role they have in either bringing someone down, or elevating them to the highest heights! All in all, and in all honesty I am thankful for both because I know who to continue to take with me on my journey and who to let go.

In addition to my own research endeavors, I was super excited to mentor and advise several of my Capstone students as they presented at the 2023 VCU Undergraduate Research Symposium!! I was thoroughly impressed with their research projects and super proud to see them share it with the VCU community!!

AFAM Capstone Students presenting at the 2023 VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity

2022-2023 as noted in the title has definitely been one for the books! I had three chapters come out in edited collections, a solo article on the role of Black girl storytelling in comic books, served as a keynote for VCU Dentistry school and Culpeper, VA’s first “CulpeperCon”, and to culminate everything I received my universities inaugural “Faculty Champion Award”.

In addition, to witnessing the success of my VCU students and my own, I also got a chance to celebrate one of my mentees and BFF intern Jaya Robinson as she graduated from high school and is headed to Spelman College (AUC Love!!)!

I will say this at the end of every semester and school year, I am always hyped and re-energized. Whatever feelings I had, depending on the type, were further magnified or lessened to make room for the good. So as I prepare for another productive summer, I can’t help but reflect on the highs, stress, joys, and wins!

Till the next season…

~Dr. G

Posted in Feature Spotlight, New Trailer Alerts!!, On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

I know it’s been a minute but I am getting back into the swing of things. Keeping it short and sweet and to the point, check out these hot new television and film trailers!!

Based on a True Story (Streaming June 8th on Peacock)

Surrounded (Streaming June 20th on MGM+)

Season 2-The Bear (Streaming June 22nd on FX/Hulu)

Hijack (Streaming June 28th on Apple TV+)

Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning, Part One (In theaters July 12th)

The Creator (In theaters September 29th)