Happy Friday and Happy International Women’s Day!!
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is Inspire Inclusion.
When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world, and when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.”
In the spirit of today, check out a few facts about the day:
March 19, 1911 was the first celebrated International Women’s Day with more than 1 million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland taking part.
The symbol for International Women’s Day is a female gender symbol. It is usually accompanied by the following colors purple, green and white. Purple stands for dignity and justice, green for hope, and white for purity.
In some countries like Albania, Macedonia, Serbia and Uzbekistan, International Women’s Day has been combined with Mother’s Day, a merger to highlight the importance of women as mothers.
Integral to the fight for women’s rights and suffrage, International Women’s Day has been a platform for advocating voting rights and combating discrimination in various forms.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all my BFF Family and Friends!! As a way of sharing my appreciation, here is a music playlist to get you in the spirit!! Enjoy!!
Here is a playlist I created called “Black Love Through Song” on Spotify:
Just a little something to get you in the mood for today and even for the rest of the week and month!! Happy V-Day!! Enjoy and Spread the Love!!
Nothing like hearing or watching a great story! While I may have finished my formal educational training, I am always open to learning and becoming more informed about the history and experiences of Black Americans. So continuing in the vein of Black History Month celebrations just wanted to share a few television specials and documentaries to check out! This set of television specials and documentaries range from civil rights icons, to origins of gospel music, to exploring the racial wealth gap, to Black war heroes, to being Black in space!
Shuttlesworth (PBS): This feature-length documentary explores the life and legacy of perhaps the most fearless leader of the Civil Rights Movement—Birmingham’s Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth. When the KKK planted a bomb underneath his bed and he emerged unharmed, he was sure he was saved by God to lead a Movement. His work lead directly to the Civil and Voting Rights Acts—and inspired freedom movements around the world. You can check out the full documentary here!
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The Harlem Hellfighters (HISTORY Channel): The Harlem Hellfighters documents the hard fighting regiment of Black soldiers, who battled shocking racism at home and abroad while fighting the Germans in World War I. The Hellfighters, who saw more time on the frontlines than any other American regiment, were initially heralded upon their return only to quickly be discarded by the Army and country they served so valiantly. This one-hour documentary tells the important story of this courageous group, who included bandleader James Reese Europe and Purple Heart winner Henry Johnson. Their extreme bravery earned them the French regimental Croix de Guerre a century before the U.S. finally recognized their contributions to the war effort with a Congressional Gold Medal.
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Our America: In the Black (Hulu): This docu-series follows Microsoft Philanthropic specialist, Darrell Booker, who is on a mission to close the racial wealth gap through his digital inclusion movement in the hopes of economically transforming communities and small businesses that are impacted by economic inequalities. Watch the full episode here!
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The Space Race (NatGeo, Hulu, Disney+): THE SPACE RACE weaves together the stories of Black astronauts seeking to break the bonds of social injustice to reach for the stars, including Guion Bluford, Ed Dwight and Charles Bolden, among many others. In this documentary it profiles the pioneering Black pilots, scientists and engineers who joined NASA to serve their country in space, even as their country failed to achieve equality for them back on Earth. The bright dreams of Afrofuturism become reality in THE SPACE RACE, turning science fiction into science fact and forever redefining what “the right stuff” looks like, giving us new heroes to celebrate and a fresh history to explore. THE SPACE RACE debuts on February 12th.
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Gospel (PBS): From the blues to hip hop, African Americans have been the driving force of sonic innovation for over a century. Musical styles come and go, but there’s one sound that has been a constant source of strength, courage and wisdom from the pulpit to the choir lofts on any given Sunday. GOSPEL, the latest history series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., digs deep into the origin story of Black spirituality.
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Sacred Soil: The Piney Woods School Story (Hulu): Here is a documentary that explores the intersection of childhood and adulthood through the eyes of young, Black high school youth from around the world as they work beyond society’s imposed limitations to achieve a top-notch education at America’s oldest African-American boarding school. Sacred Soil is set to debut February 23 on Hulu.
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As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial (Paramount+): Directed by filmmaker J.M. Harper, As We Speak features Bronx rap artist Kemba who explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal justice system and abroad – revealing how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades. Journeying through meccas of hip-hop, building the case for rap lyrics & Black artist protection via intimate conversations with rappers, academics, politicians, legal experts, and industry execs.
As part of the celebration, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) establishes yearly themes that “reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community.” This year’s theme is “African Americans and the Arts.”
African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. African American artists have used art to preserve history and community memory as well as for empowerment. Artistic and cultural movements such as the New Negro, Black Arts, Black Renaissance, hip-hop, and Afrofuturism, have been led by people of African descent and set the standard for popular trends around the world. In 2024, we examine the varied history and life of African American arts and artisans.
This year’s theme really hits home for me as a scholar whose work encompasses the arts from a comic book and pop culture standpoint. I look forward to not only showcasing my work but others in the arts as well!
To jumpstart the day, see the following Black History facts:
In 1773, Phillis Wheatley became the first Black American poet to publish a book of verse.
In 1878, Marie Selika Williams was the first Black musician to sing at the White House.
In 1948, Gordon Parks was hired as the first Black staff photographer at Life magazine.
As you join in on this year’s celebration, check out these resources and tools that will provide additional insight into this cultural celebration:
In celebration of Dr. King’s Birthday, I’m sharing some of my favorite speeches from him as well as a few films, documentaries, and television series that feature his life and legacy. Some of these are hidden gems, along with a few speeches and films that I have learned about through my time as a student and now professor. Check them out below:
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because his conscience tells him it is right.”
I wanted to share a few of my thoughts from a couple years back that I still reflect on even today when thinking about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A little over 25 years ago, I remember giving an acceptance speech for receiving one of the Annual MLK Jr. “Living the Dream” Scholarships in my hometown of Champaign, IL. This was an award given to senior high school students within Champaign County who were nominated by local teachers, pastors, and/or community leaders. I remember getting the news that I was selected and was filled with joy and pride! Receiving this award was significant and carried a tremendous honor. In addition to receiving the honor, each recipient received a copy of the 1991 book “A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.” and was given the task of preparing a mini-acceptance speech that spoke to the theme of Dr. King’s “Living the Dream”. Preparing for this speech was not necessarily the easiest thing to do, as I wanted to make sure I did justice to Dr. King’s memory. But, when I sat down to write it out I just told myself to be honest with my words and speak from the mind and heart. And as I would recite my words, there would be a plethora of thoughts and emotions running through my mind. A few thoughts included, “wow this is such an exciting honor,” … “even though I am young, I know I can bring about change,” … “I too have a dream,” … “this is just the beginning,” … At 17-years old and college-bound my journey was already shifting into gear!!
Reflecting on another year and another MLK Birthday Celebration, I think back to all the many moments in which I have given my time and service to make sure this day was not simply just a day off from school or work. For pretty much all my life, I participated in some sort of service activity, panel discussion, workshop, or attended a special event. It just came naturally that on the third Monday in January, I would be doing my part to keep the dream and legacy of Dr. King alive and well! Nowadays, I make sure to keep that tradition going not just on the one day in January, but throughout the year. Now as a professor, regardless of the course I teach Dr. King’s memory is discussed. Whether it’s his “I Have a Dream” speech, or “The Drum Major Instinct” sermon, his interesting comparison and relationship with Malcolm X, his contributions to the civil rights movement, or the fact that there is a street (gotta factor in the specific neighborhood) named after him in just about every state in the United States. I will be honest ever since I first learned about him in my pre-K class, I make it my business to gain a new piece of knowledge about Dr. King. He was more than just the “I Have a Dream” speech guy…He was flawed, courageous, charismatic, bold, and simply a human being! At such a young age he was already engulfed in the movement! Knowing that he was a few years younger (39) than I am today (42) when his life was taken, reminds me of all the work he did and would have continued to do!! This means while there is still breath and life in my body, I still have time and will continue to do my part to make an impact!
When it is all said and done, it will be forever be ingrained that this holiday is not just simply a day off, but a day on to reflect, take action, and do something great!!
111 years ago today on January 13th, 1913 on the campus of Howard University 22 college-educated, distinctive, devoted, delightful, dedicated women lit the the torch into the eternal Delta light!! They envisioned a new day of more than just a social life, they desired a larger vision, purpose, and vision that laid a foundation to build upon. A strong and solid legacy that remains even today!
As I embark upon 21 YEARS in this AMAZING, ILLUSTRIOUS sisterhood, I just have to give thanks to #The22 founders!! Thank you for paving the way for a young woman like me to be a part of this wonderful sisterhood now and forever more.
May we continue the legacy of our founders of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action!!
Oh to be a Delta Girl!! #SigmaMade #SoonToBe21YearsIn
Today is the final day of Kwanzaa and my FAVORITE principle, Imani (Faith)!! Through Imani, we “believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.“
As a spiritual person, this principle hits really close to home for me as I am always trying to maintain my faith!! While it may not be easy, faith – especially during difficult and trying times – brings us closer to making our dreams a reality.
When I look back at this week of celebration, I realize none of the other 6 principles would be able to come to fruition without that mustard seed of faith!! Just think about it in order to have cooperative economics, we must have faith in the businesses that we support. To have purpose, we must have faith that we are here for a reason. It is essential that we have faith in ourselves, our leaders, teachers, parents, and in the victory of our struggle. As a free, proud, and productive people, we can do ALL things with just a little bit of faith.
“Faith is put forth as the last principle as unity is put forth as the first principle for a definite reason. It is to indicate that without unity, we cannot begin our most important work, but without faith we cannot sustain it. Unity brings us together and harnesses our strength, but faith in each other and the Good, the Right, the Beautiful inspires and sustains the coming together and the commitment to take the work to its end.“
Allow yourself to let go of any worry and trust in your Black excellence!! Never lose faith in yourself and our community. Be proud of who you are and the community you live in!!
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~Gail Devers
Until next year, while Kwanzaa is celebrated from December 26th-January 1st know that you can practice any and all of these principles year around! Remember Kwanzaa is a celebration of culture, community, and family!
Black Future Feminist 