We got another week of #BlackMusicAppreciation on deck!! Today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is all about literal joy in a song!!
Right now is a great time to get some feel-good, healing vibes!! Whether you are taking a morning walk with your dog, a run on the treadmill, or driving your commute to work, a joyful song can set the tone and mood! With everything going on in the world, we could all use some joyful tunes!!
Special shout out to my friend and colleague Shermaine Jones for helping curate this week’s list!! See this week’s #BlackJoy playlist below:
And as a special treat, we got a double bonus with the recent NPR Music #TinyDeskConcert performances from Babyface and Tank!!
Babyface
Tank
And remember if there’s a track or two that you think should make the list, make sure to drop it in the comments section!!
We are flying through these days and weeks, can you believe we are almost halfway through June and quickly approaching the official start date of Summer?! Well to get you ready, I got a few new film and television trailers to get you hyped for the week and the upcoming summer!
Check them out below:
Stan Lee (Streaming on Disney+ June 16th)
Season 3-Warrior (Streaming on Max June 29th)
The Outlaws (Streaming on Netflix July 7th)
Season 2-The Afterparty (Streaming on Apple TV+ July 12th)
Bird Box Barcelona (Streaming on Netflix July 14th)
Good Day, Friends and Family!! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I know I did it was filled with lots of laughs, tasty treats, and good fellowship!! It’s nothing like finding joy in the small things of life! And for me sitting on my couch, curled up with a snack and a spirited beverage, while binging the latest television series is just the prescription I need!!
So today’s #BlackJoy moment is about sharing some upcoming “Must Watch Summer TV”!! I have compiled a list of TV shows that either just dropped or will be dropping soon that feature primarily Black cast and shows that have Black folks as the lead. These are shows that can be viewed across several streaming networks.
Check them out below:
Season 2-Run the World (Starz)
Season 2-The Wonder Years (ABC/Hulu)
I’m a Virgo (Prime Video)
Secret Invasion (Disney+)
Hijack (Apple TV+)
Survival of the Thickest (Netflix)
Twisted Metal (Peacock/USA)
Average Joe (BET+)
The Lazarus Project (TNT)
Grown-ish (Freeform/Hulu)
The Upshaws (Netflix)
What other shows are you watching or looking forward to watching this summer??
Murals have been part of our global and cultural landscape for many, many years. I am always a fan of seeing what beautiful images are displayed on the walls of the various places that I visit and where I live. One of the great things about murals and street art is how they bring up feelings of pride, legacy, empowerment, and freedom. Murals and street art bring people together to celebrate the heritage and history of one’s neighborhood and community.
Here are some reasons why murals and street art are important and necessary:
Both create vibrant neighborhoods that invite people to visit, live in, and take careof
Murals encourage you to take time and admire your surroundings
Convey social and political messages/Create important conversations and expanding thought
They can potentially generate revenue for local businesses
People can feel represented and see themselves in the art
In the past few years, there has been an increased interest in this global ephemeral form of art, which is seeming to develop a sub-culture all its own. Moreover, today’s #BlackJoy Moment is about showcasing Black murals across the globe!! Check out some of the amazing murals that can be seen all over the world…
“The Journey Forward“… Artists: Nadd Harvin and Humble (Mended Walls project)… Where to find: 319 Brook RD, Richmond, VA
“We Still Here!“ … Artist: Gaia, Jetsonorama, & Ursula Rucker… Where to find: 22 Maplewood Mall, Philadelphia, PA
“We Rise” … Artist: Rachel Wolfe Goldsmith … Where to find: Lane Community College – Mary Spilde Center, Eugene, OR
“Unknown Name” … Artist: Nardstar … Where to find it: Observatory neighborhood/Side street off Lower Main Road, Cape Town South Africa
“Strange Fruit”… Artist: Dammit Wesley … Where to find it: 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC
“Take My Hand” … Artist: Michael Rosato … Where to find it: On the side of the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center, 424 Race Street, Cambridge, MD
“The Torch” … Artists: Aniekan Udofia with Mia Duval …. Where to find it: On the side of Ben’s Chili Bowl 1228 U St. NW Washington, DC
“Helping Hands” … Artist: Muhammad Yungai…Where to find: 111 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA
“You cannot enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues.” … Artist: Shona Hardie … Where to find: Dance Base, 14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK
“Black Lives Matter”…Artists: Jujmo (B), John Gascot (L), Cam Parker (A), Catherine Weaver (C), Nuclear Sky (K) Wayward Walls (L), Laura Spencer (I), James E (V), Esh (E ), Jade Jackson (S) James Freeman Kitchens (M), MegaSupremo (A), Von Walters (T), Plum Howlett (T), Melanie Posner (E), Daniel R5 Barojas (R) … Where to find: In front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum, St. Petersburg, FL
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 anart 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!!
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!!
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.
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)
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)
Make Me Believe (Streaming on Netflix June 23rd)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (In theaters August 2nd)
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
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.