Let me start out by saying…Wow!! One thing is for sure, television and film has definitely bounced back even in the midst of a pandemic. These days streaming television shows and films is a whole new experience! And these new trailers are proof that there is definitely not going to be a shortage of content anytime soon!
See for yourself the new films and television series set to premiere in the coming weeks!
*Warner Bros. Mortal Kombat (Set to hit theaters and HBO Max on April 23rd)
*Netflix Yasuke: The Black Samurai (Streaming begins April 29th)
*Marvel Studios’ Black Widow (Set to hit theaters and Disney+ [Premier Access] on July 9th)
*Warner Bros. Space Jam: A New Legacy (Set to hit theaters and HBO Max on July 16th)
*Season 4 of Star Trek: Discovery (Streaming on Paramount + in late 2021)
Looks like we gonna have a great Spring and Summer!!
So a sista has been on the grind, making moves and progress, and feeling real good about life! And with being on the grind, I have a few exciting events to prepare for in the coming days!!
Check out some of my upcoming events below:
Friday, April 9th: “Alumni Art Talk” …Centennial High School (Champaign, IL) [My old high school :-)]
Sunday, April 11th: “‘I Am’: Black Feminist Futures and Possibilities in the Academy” (Invited Panelist)...AERA Presidential Sessions-2021 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Virtual Annual Meeting
“Name it, where do you want to be, who do you want to be? Name it, name it!”~ Beyond C’est
Using Misha Green’s story of Hippolyta Freeman from the “I Am” episode of HBO’s Lovecraft Country as a jumping point, this panel explores educational responsibility through a deeper understanding of Black womyn navigating the academy using afro-futurist, Black feminist, and critical race feminist lenses. Panelists grapple with themes from across their work (i.e., educational law, inquiry and methodology, the professoriate, and pop culture) to discuss possibilities where Black womyn not only survive, but thrive and craft spaces of liberation and freedom in and beyond neoliberal educational spaces happy to benefit from their myriad contributions while simultaneously devaluing their humanity.
[Session Participants: Chair: Natasha N. Croom (Clemson University); Participants: Venus E. Evans-Winters (Independent Scholar); Grace Gipson (Virginia Commonwealth University); Treva Lindsey (The Ohio State University); Esther Oganda Ohito (University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill); Lawanda Ward (The Pennsylvania State University)]
Monday, April 12th: “Re-Writing the Script: Black Imaginings of Trauma, Politics, and Pop Culture” (Series Speaker)…The Center for Literary Studies (CLS)-University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK)
Let’s just say I am super siked about these upcoming events. Whether it is sharing the stage with scholars that you admire and respect, giving back to your community, or just simply geeking out, the above events will definitely be one’s to remember!! It’s always exciting to be in one’s element and engage in material that you are passionate about, especially in today’s society!
Before March ends I had to make sure you got your monthly feature from Black Future Feminist Intern Jaya!! Not only do we have a new feature, but it will be housed under a new name, Jaya’s Pop Culture Minute!!
This month Jaya is offering a commentary on the Amazon Studios film, One Night in Miami (2020). Check it out below:
Although One Night in Miami is based on various moments (with fictional dialogue) between singer Sam Cooke, civil rights activist Malcolm X, boxer Cassius Clay, and football star Jim Brown, during an actual event the film somehow balanced out these large historical figures so that audiences can visualize them as real people. Most times when discussing Malcom X we only see him as a huge pivotal figure, but rarely as confidant, friend, or father. In this movie, each figure is presented in a more digestible manner. Additionally, this movie has an inviting feel that draws you into this filmic story. Simply put, this movie gives new meaning to the bonds of friendship, and how one night together can open new wounds, while mending old ones. Through the many conversations, we see how each of these men bring us into their deep dialogue, while also exposing audiences to the struggles of that time. While each of the men saw themselves as brothers and friends, like family and friends they had their disagreements, mainly around civil rights, but managed to understand and ultimately respect their differences. Even though the film delivers a lighthearted feel, it also shows moments when you are snapped back into reality. In particular, we see this in Malcolm’s uneasiness and concern with being followed and the constant feeling that a wave of death is in the air.
Overall, this movie shined a fresh new light and a more human side to these important, complex historical figures. Even the performances from the actors were spot on from their dialect to small details, which only enhanced the movie. The conflicts between characters are perfectly done. Additionally, the cinematography adds another layer of greatness from the bird’s eye view of the boxing match, to seeing Sam pull you in with his melodic voice, and Jim Brown in the viewfinder.
For a directorial debut, from Regina King, this is an amazing movie! Moreover, the idea of seeing these figures act normal and interact with each other during their last days is something that will leave your heart hurting. In the end, each actor’s performance will leave you breathless and wanting more!!
You will be able to find Jaya’s monthly features as well as other engaging and fun content in the “Resources” section of the site!!
One Night in Miami (2021) Cast members (l-r) Sam Cooke [Leslie Odom, Jr.]; Jim Brown [Aldis Hodge]; Malcolm X [Kingsley Ben-Adir]; and Muhammad Ali [Eli Goree]
Just in case you missed yesterday’s episode, you can catch Dr. Robinson and I in our newest episode of Conversations with Beloved and Kindred !! Here is a film that takes horror and social thrillers to a whole new level!!
Check it out below:
On next time, we will discuss episode 7 (“I Am.”) and 8 (“Jig-a-Bobo”) of Lovecraft Country!! These next two episodes will embody a great deal including such topics as Black women’s empowerment, Black girl experiences, self-discovery, historical legacies, and confronting the past to protect the future.
I wanted to share this “Playtesting Opportunity” from Amebous Labs! Do you have an interest in learning about playtesting or becoming a playtester? If so, Amebous Labs might have a great opportunity for you!! Take their survey and see if you qualify to be a playtester for their new VR game LOAM (headsets are not required to participate).
Amebous Labs is fueled by a team of creators and innovators. Much like an amoeba, we transform and evolve to produce the latest that immersive technology has to offer. By combining sight, sound, and movement in virtual reality, we create games that thrill the senses. We transport our players to a world of adventure and wonder, unlike anything they’ve experienced before.
For more information on being a Loam Playtester, click on the SURVEY link!!
Alright now folks!! We switching it up on you with this next episode!! Taking you across the pond with the 2020 Horror/Social Thriller film from Netflix, His House.
In this conversation, Dr. Robinson and I will explore how a refugee couple (Rial and Bol) make a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, but also how they struggle to adjust to their new life in an English town that has an evil lurking beneath the surface.
2021 Black Perspectives Summer Editorial Internship Program
Calling all Graduate Students and Rising Seniors!!
So I am all about sharing opportunities that not only provide meaningful experiences (personally and professionally), but can also build one’s network!!
Black Perspectives, the award-winning blog of the African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS), is currently accepting applications for our summer editorial internship program. The internship, which begins onJune 1st and ends on August 31st, is open to graduate students and advanced undergraduate students (rising seniors only).“
I can personally co-sign on this great opportunity, as I served as Summer Editorial Intern while in my doctoral program. After participating in this program, I would quickly move up in the ranks becoming an Editorial Assistant, then to Assistant Editor for Black Perspectives and currently serving as secretary for the African American Intellectual History Society (AAIHS).
So for those that may be interested, here is some more information about the internship program.
About the Internship
Interns will work closely with the blog editors on a part-time basis during the summer months and receive practical experience in academic blogging. Each intern will contribute to the publication of the blog in a variety of aspects including research, copy-editing, fact checking, formatting and publicity (via social media). Interns will receive a stipend and a complimentary one-year membership in AAIHS. The internship is virtual, which means that interns only need access to a computer and internet.
The 3-month internship also offers young scholars an opportunity to sharpen their writing skills and receive personalized feedback on their writing. It provides interns with access to a diverse network of early career bloggers (and professors), and the opportunity to publish their pieces on a popular academic blog.
Qualifications
Currently enrolled in an accredited academic institution; graduate students (PhD and MA students) and advanced undergraduate students (rising seniors only).
Preference will be given to candidates who major/specialize in History and/or African American Studies. However, we welcome applications from candidates in a variety of fields including English, Journalism, Political Science, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies, International Relations and America Studies.
Must be motivated, detailed-oriented, and possess strong writing skills.
Must have a strong knowledge base and keen interest in Black thought, history and culture.
Must have an interest in public writing and social media.
Must be interested in working with a diverse group of scholars who are passionate about Black thought, history, and culture.
Must be willing to devote approximately 5 hours per week to assisting with the blog; and be willing to attend mandatory training sessions online (scheduled to take place in mid-to-late May).
Application Materials Needed
A cover letter (please introduce yourself; explain why you’re interested in this opportunity; and highlight relevant skills and experience that make you an ideal candidate for the internship).
A CV/Resume
5-10 page writing sample
One recommendation letter from a professor/mentor. Applicants must arrange to have one recommendation letter submitted via email (editors@aaihs.org) no later than April 1, 2021.
The application deadline is April 1, 2021 (11:59PM EST)
For additional information and where to apply, go here !! And please feel free to share with your networks!!
Now that we have wrapped up WandaVision, Disney + does not make us wait too long as right around the corner is the premiere of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier .
So I figured I would just drop these two trailers, just in case you need a little refresher of what is to come on this Friday!!
So I gotta make sure I shout out some hometown friends Kam Claiborne and Timothy Revels (also known as maK & Rev) and their thought-provoking, BLACK MINDS MATTERPODCAST !!
The BLACK MINDS MATTERPODCAST is a space where listeners can get a “Black perspective on a variety of topics ranging from education, music, religion, chivalry, finances and more”. And recently I got the opportunity to serve as a guest and talk about “generational curses”!!
Check it out below:
To tune into more episodes of BLACK MINDS MATTERPODCAST check them out here as well as on Spotify and and Google Podcasts!!
As I continue to dive into my new city, I am super excited to share this CFC (Call For Contributions) on “Imagining Black Futures in Richmond” in which I am serving as the lead editor!! It is open to all and you do not have to reside in Richmond to contribute! See below for more information!
VCU Publishing seeking contributions to ‘Imagining Black Futures in Richmond’* The online anthology aims to reveal legacies of harm and envision new futures.
VCU Publishing — which amplifies VCU scholarly and research findings and provides publishing opportunities for students and faculty — is seeking contributions for “Imagining Black Futures in Richmond,” a curated open access anthology that will imagine and explore futures for Richmond through an Afrofuturist lens.
VCU Publishing, part of VCU Libraries, is hoping to receive Afrofuturist works from diverse authors — both academic and community members — as well as diverse disciplines and perspectives. These contributions could include any discipline and in many forms, whether they be scholarly essays, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, visual media (for example, photo essays or comic or graphic art), or interviews.
Authors do not have to reside in the Richmond area, but the work in some way must address the city, which continues to grapple with past and present racism and inequality. And since VCU is woven into the fabric of Richmond, VCU Publishing is also interested in works that embrace or challenge the university’s position in the community. By taking a multidisciplinary approach, the project aims to reveal legacies of harm and envision new futures.
“I am excited to take part in this multidisciplinary anthology project with VCU Publishing,” said Gipson, whose research interests include Black popular culture, digital humanities, representations of race and gender within comic books, Afrofuturism, and race and new media. “As a new resident to Richmond and to VCU, I look forward to learning more about the city of Richmond and the many ways that it explores the Black imaginary space.”
Afrofuturism has been defined by journalist and filmmaker Ytasha Womack as “an intersection of imagination, technology, the future, and liberation” that “redefines culture and notions of blackness for today and the future” while combining “elements of science fiction, historical fiction, speculative fiction, fantasy, Afrocentricity and magic realism with non-Western beliefs.”
Building on the aspirations and explorations of W.E.B. Du Bois’ scholarly work as well as his speculative fiction, and moving forward to encompass popular culture in its broadest sense, Afrofuturism offers a conceptual springboard for an imagined future for the greater Richmond area that can be expressed through essays, scholarly studies and creative works. A future where, in the words of Du Bois, all are judged “by their souls and not by their skins.”
The idea for “Imagining Black Futures in Richmond” arose out of discussions on future directions for VCU Publishing following the publication of “The Politics of Annexation” alongside renewed calls for racial justice in summer 2020.
Jimmy Ghaphery, associate dean for scholarly communications and publishing at VCU Libraries, said he is excited to see how “Imagining Black Futures in Richmond” “can reflect a rich history of community activism in the city, and establish Richmond as a nexus for imagining and creating a new and more just future for the South and the United States.”
The project, he added, is expected to include a hands-on paid publishing experience for a VCU student.
Sam Byrd, scholarly publishing librarian at VCU Libraries, said the team is hoping to receive an array of materials that “amaze us, that we hadn’t dreamed of.”
“Richmond is a changing city,” he said. “The monuments starting to come down may be the most visible sign of that, but there has been so much more work going on before, during and after, from so many different voices. I hope this project can amplify that diversity and energy and give us some creative paths to move forward on.”
The deadline to contribute to “Imagining Black Futures in Richmond” is July 1. Authors will retain copyright for their work and must be willing to have the work shared and preserved by VCU Publishing.
Authors can contribute their work online (Gmail account required). Alternatively, they can attach their file in email to publishing@vcu.edu, including their name and the title of their contribution. The book is projected to publish in late spring 2022. For more details or further inquiries, VCU Publishing can be contacted at publishing@vcu.edu.
Black Future Feminist 