Category: On the Desk…

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, On the Desk..., On The Radar

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 9-Black Music Appreciation-Hip Hop Edition

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

We are back for another week!! And as we continue to celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month, today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is an ode to Hip Hop!!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, a musical genre that has become a global and cultural phenomenon. Hip Hop as an art form has touched every corner of our world and evolved into one of the most significant cultural forces today. In addition to being a form of entertainment, hip hop has played (and continues to do so) a role in being a voice for marginalized youth to speak about their frustrations, need for change, and times of joy!! As noted by communications/hip-hop scholar professor Aisha Durham, “some of the most innovative hip hop formations that you see today still come from those communities that may feel alienated, disaffected, or in some ways vulnerable — economically, socially, or politically.” Through it all hip hop has changed the game of life!!

In the great words of the late Notorious B.I.G., “you never thought that hip-hop would take it this far.”

See this week’s #BlackJoy playlist below:

As an extra bonus, check out the recent NPR Music #TinyDesk with Charlie Wilson!!

One last nugget check out this upcoming event “Hip Hop 50 Live” set to take place in the Bronx, NY!!

Don’t forget if there’s a track or two that you think should make the list, make sure to drop it in the comments section!!

See you tomorrow!!

Posted in On the Desk..., On The Radar, Resources

For All My Richmond, VA Folks!! Banned Book Swap-Virginia Teach Truth Day of Action

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Teach Truth Day of Action is co-coordinated by representatives of Black Lives Matter at School, the Virginia Education Association, and the National Education Association. It is one of many Teach Truth Day of Action events being held across the United States at historic sites. 

As states like Virginia are seeing an increase in book bans it is essential to counter those outside voices!! This is an outdoor event where teachers, young scholars, community members, and educational leaders can come together to learn, teach the truth, and support the freedom to read!

All are invited to come with a book and leave with a (different) book!!

See more information below:

Saturday, June 10, 2023
2:30pm – 4:00pm 

Sacred African Burial Ground in Shockoe Bottom 1554 E Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Banned Book Links

Top 11 Most Banned Books of the 2022-2023 School Year, Pen America
Top 10 Most Banned Books of the 2021-2022 School Year, Pen America
​Banned Books, ACLU
Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019, American Library Association
Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2000-2009, American Library Association
Banned Books Week: Defend the Right to Study People’s History, Zinn Education Project

Additional Information

  • How to Book Swap: Bring a book in good condition to trade. It can be used or new (there have been banned books at just about every used book store or thrift store we have visited). You will come with one book and leave with another. 
  • Altar/Ancestor Table Offering: There will be an opportunity to make an offering to the sacred ground. You can bring an item to leave such as flowers, fruit, bread, etc. or bring a personal item that you want to put on the altar during the gathering, but take with you after such as jewelry, photos, trinkets, etc.
Posted in Feature Spotlight, New Trailer Alerts!!, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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)

https://youtu.be/IemUKB4kCWM

The Crowded Room (Streaming on Apple TV+ June 9th)

Season 2-The Wonder Years (Streaming on Hulu June 14th)

Jagged Mind (Streaming on Hulu June 15th)

Season 2-And Just Like That… (Streaming on Max June 22nd)

https://youtu.be/iHh1SkiptEk

Make Me Believe (Streaming on Netflix June 23rd)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (In theaters August 2nd)

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 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)

https://youtu.be/N6KEgWSFfaE
Posted in Monthly Book Recommendations, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Monthly Book Recommendations-April 2023

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Closing out the month with a literary bang!! They say “April Showers bring May Flowers,” well I would like to think that these books are a version of those April Showers. As we prepare to jump into the Spring season why not add a few books to your personal shelves!!

Check out April’s List Below:

  • Homebodies ~Tembe Denton-Hurst
  • Summer on Sag Harbor ~Sunny Hostin
  • The Wreck: A Daughter’s Memoir of Becoming a Mother ~Cassandra Jackson
  • Blood Scion ~Deborah Falaye
  • Black Birds in the Sky ~Brandy Colbert
  • Love Radio ~Ebony LaDelle
  • The Haunting of Alejandra ~V. Castro
  • When We Were Sisters ~Fatimah Asghar

And remember you can always go back and check out the previous month’s list and past recommendations in the “Resource” section of the website!!

“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them!!” ~Madam C.J. Walker

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

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Check out this week’s new set of trailers!! Getting you ready for the Spring and Summer !!

Polite Society (In theaters April 28th)

Queen Cleopatra (Streaming on Netflix May 10th)

Class of ’09 (Streaming on FX May 10th)

https://youtu.be/Xh3JIflUYjk

High Desert (Streaming on Apple TV+ May 17th)

Muted (Streaming on Netflix May 19th)

Fast X (In theaters May 19th)

Talk To Me (In theaters July 28th)

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

Weekly Trailer Alerts!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

It’s the top of the month and we got new alerts for you! Check them out below:

Dead Ringers (Streaming on Prime Video April 21st)

https://youtu.be/FA_XOruRFfU

Clock (Streaming on Hulu April 28th)

https://youtu.be/5h3WqGDpeYs

White House Plumbers (Streaming on HBO Max May 1st)

https://youtu.be/QuKM2sTTmHg

Elemental (In theaters June 16th)

Extraction 2 (Streaming on Netflix June 16th)

Marvel Studios’ Secret Invasion (Streaming on Disney+ June 21st)

Blue Beetle (In theaters August 18th)