Happy Monday!! I am SUPER excited to finally share….I’m officially on @audible !! When this opportunity came across my email inbox, I literally had to re-read the message several times to make sure I was not tripping!! Seeing it all come together is a process I will never forget! Grateful and Thankful!!
A dream come true!! Bucket list item checked off!! Let me just say this: researching, writing, and the actual recording were no joke, but I am sooooo glad I did it!! This was such an amazing opportunity to create and write a six-episode series titled, “From the Wiz to Wakanda: Afrofuturism in Pop Culture”!!
The series, which can be found on Audible and The Great Courses, explores:
Afrofuturism is a cultural movement that seeks to explore and transform the experience of the African diaspora. Stretching across multiple art forms and genres, the movement taps into the limitless potential of creativity and the imagination to envision Black liberation through stories, music, architecture, fashion, music, and so much more.
In the six lessons of From The Wiz to Wakanda: Afrofuturism in Pop Culture, Grace D. Gipson of Virginia Commonwealth University will trace the history of the movement and introduce you to the writers, artists, and creators who are revisiting the past as they build a new vision for the future. From the work of pioneering Black writers like W. E. B. DuBois to the blockbuster Black Panther films and beyond, you’ll see how Afrofuturism is an ongoing cultural project that grows stronger and more multifaceted with each new generation of Afrofuturist creators.
A movement of both reclamation and innovation, Afrofuturism offers unique perspectives that will only continue to grow and evolve, challenging us to rethink the way we engage with history, pop culture, and our conception of the future. By fostering creative visions that push boundaries and shatter stereotypes, the Afrofuturist movement brings new, diverse narratives to life that are transforming our pop culture landscape in revolutionary ways.
When it is all said and done, Afrofuturism is a cultural and social movement that continues to evolve and transform the landscape of pop culture!!
As another Back Music Month comes to an end, I reflect back on the ongoing impact of Black Music not just in the United States but worldwide. As an avid concertgoer and overall music fan, I cannot emphasize enough the role that music, and even more so, Black Music has on society. Just look at the recent news of the joint Brandy & Monica concert, the ongoing “Cowboy Carter” tour with Beyoncé, and the many music festivals happening this summer across the globe.
Black Music Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the profound influence of African American musicians on American music and culture, not just in June, but also provides something to embrace all year long. As summer begins, it’s a great time to reflect on the diverse genres and artists that have shaped the music landscape, from blues and jazz to gospel, hip-hop, and R&B, among many others.
To close out this year’s Black Music Month: NPR Tiny Desk Features, let’s see who’s bringing the heat, and a brief reminder of how this month came to be…check them out below:
—
Alex Isley
Living Colour
Rico Nasty
Just in case you may have missed this year’s NPR’s Tiny Desk Black Music Month line-up, see the celebrated music albums’ anniversaries being featured:
Stanley Clarke – 50 Years of School Days
Living Colour – 35 Years of Time’s Up
CeCe Winans – 30 Years of Alone in His Presence
E-40 – 30 Years of In a Major Way
Beenie Man – 25 Years of Art and Life
Amerie with The Backyard Band – 20 Years of Touch
Wiz Khalifa – 15 Years of Kush & Orange Juice
Alex Isley – 10 Years of LUXURY
Rico Nasty – 5 Years of Nightmare Vacation
As noted by Bobby Carter, Tiny Desk Concerts host and producer. “These artists might not be the first you hear in the Pop culture conversation, but they are crown jewels in Black culture. These are our icons.“
Juneteenth is about freedom! On June 19th in 1865, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops announced to over 250,000 unaware Black folks in Texas…that they were free! Over half a century later, in 2021, this day was officially named a federal holiday.
Here we are in 2025, revisiting the turbulent times of our horrid past. History is being erased, just as swiftly as it is to take a step forward, and freedom is back in question. Every day, I wonder what craziness will take place in these United States. But as we approach another Juneteenth, I am reminded that even when the message is late, it will still be received!
And even with all that is happening day by day, I am still encouraged! Juneteenth is another day to celebrate, find the joy in life, and reflect on the future!
As we prepare for another Juneteenth holiday, if you are looking for something to do to celebrate, check out what is happening in a city near you…
*Houston & Galveston, Texas: The Houston Museum of African American Culture will host its free Juneteenth celebration on June 19, with exhibitions, panels, face painting, immersive theater, and more. The Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy, an organization founded by formerly enslaved African Americans, is also. hosting a Juneteenth festival at their visitor center with events that include a fireside chat with the author and scholar Marc Lamont Hill. In Galveston, the Galveston Historical Foundation’s Juneteenth exhibit “And Still We Rise…” will be open daily from June 16 to 22 ($11.70 for adults). For more outdoor exploration, take a visit to the city’s landmarks on Galveston’s self-guided Freedom Walk map.
*Atlanta, Georgia: A few days after Juneteenth, on June 21, Camille Rose’s Beauté Noir Fest will feature a music performance by Atlanta native Mariah the Scientist, as well as panels, workshops, and food vendors.
*New York City, New York: In Manhattan on June 19, the Guggenheim, along with the DreamYard Projects’ Rad(ical) Poetry Consortium, is hosting a Late Shift event with poetry, dialogue, and performances. Tickets are free for members and $30 for adults. You can also check out the African Burial Ground National Monument, one of the most extensive known burial grounds in North America. On Juneteenth, the outdoor monument and the exhibits at the visitor center are free and open.
*Montgomery, Alabama: Check out some of these historical sites to reflect on Juneteenth. Visit the Legacy Museum, followed by a 15-minute river boat ride to the Freedom Monument Sculpture Park. On June 19, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, one of the nation’s first memorials dedicated to Black Americans who were victims of lynchings, will be open and free to the public.
*Tulsa, Oklahoma: Once known as Black Wall Street, the Greenwood District is creating opportunities to observe Juneteenth while learning about Black History. Museums like Greenwood Rising are educating visitors on the district’s history as a “Black business mecca” and the site of racial violence during the Tulsa Massacre. (Tickets start at $15 for adults and $8 for children 17 and under.)
*Oakland, California: Check out the Hella Juneteenth Festival on June 19, put on by the Bay Area arts collective, Hella Creative. Events will feature music, vendors, and an outdoor market at the Oakland Museum of California. You can also take part in viewing the West Oakland Mural Project, a public art installation and nonprofit that highlights the history of Black women in the Black Panther Party.
*Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Explore the Germantown neighborhood and visit the Johnson House, once a way station on the Underground Railroad. The city will also host a parade (through West Philly) and festival on June 22, with celebrations continuing at an outdoor festival at Malcolm X Park.
As an extra bonus, check out this past episode where I talk with my friend and academic colleague about why Juneteenth Matters!!
We are deep into the summer as we close out another HOT month! You know I could not leave you without another list of literary goodies!! Plus it’s Leo Season! As we continue to dive into Summer let me make sure I share some more finds to get you through the next month! This list is packed with lots of romance, thriller, coming of age, some poetry, a literary manifesto, and trust me every one is a page turner!! So let’s not delay the wait any longer!!
Check out July’s Monthly Book Recommendations below:
Midnight Rooms ~Donyae Coles
Bluff: Poems ~Danez Smith
Beyond Policing ~Philip V. McHarris
Blessings ~Chukwuebuka Ibeh
Red at the Bone ~Jacqueline Woodson
Did Everyone Have An Imaginary Friend? (Or Just Me): Adventures in Boyhood ~Jay Ellis
Sounds Like a Plan ~Pamela Samuel Young & Dwayne Alexander Smith
Bridges Instead of Walls: The Story of Mavis Staples ~Carole Boston Weatherford and Mavis Staples
And as always, Don’t forget to support your local bookstores!!
If you need a few recommendations check these out:
Another Fourth of July has made its way to us. Now folks that know me know, I’m not all for the traditional 4th of July celebrations. I am for the hanging out with family at a BBQ, watching homemade fireworks in the neighborhood, and enjoying a sunny day. This year I get to be in Senegal during the 4th, and in all all honesty I think it’s just perfect!! Regardless how you feel, just make sure you know/have as much info about the holiday as possible, because trust me there is plenty to learn!!
As a bonus, make sure to be on the look out for the daily post of my #WestAfricanTravelJourneys that will dive into what I did for the day!
And just to drop a little history and my own personal feelings/thoughts, check out a post I did discussing Frederick Douglass’ well-known speech, “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”
You can also find the speech in its entirety here!
Olá!! That’s Portuguese for Hi! Alright, Alright, Alright!! I’m back ya’ll did you miss me! So before hit the continent we had an extended layover in Lisbon, Portugal and let’s just say wow!!! Now I have visited quite a few European cities but this one definitely stands out even with the short visit! As the capital city it provides a nice balance of old and new, filled with endless charm. It offers everything from delicious food, yummy coffee, stunning architecture and rich history. So let’s jump in it…
Now I love a good background story/lesson about the places I visit and this one was no exception! Lisbon in particular features beautiful buildings, especially churches and cathedrals:
Igreja de São Domingos–Church of St. Dominic
Now the above church holds a great deal of history. At one time the largest church in Lisbon and considered a national monument has gone through tremendous stress and destruction. It would be damaged by two earthquakes one in 1531 and the worst of the two in 1755, which almost completely demolished it! While rebuilding began quickly it was not complete until 1807. It also served as a site for many Portuguese royal weddings and executions.
Also, in the 16th century, a group of Black men known as the Black Free Brotherhood would gather here and fellowship, this is essentially the center of the Black religious brotherhood in Lisbon. Not surprisingly this is information that was once hidden from view, however, the church has a deep connection to the city’s African population.
So unfortunate yet not surprising, how people forget to acknowledge the presence of Black folks and that many were actually free men who integrated into society, held jobs, and were respected by many. If you travel to the Cais do Sodré neighborhood you can find a tangible record of enslaved and free Black people who were doctors, shipbuilders, journalists, salesmen, and so much more! While many were stolen from their homeland of Africa, it is not as though they were empty vessels. Their skills, talents, and knowledge are ingrained within the history.
Just a last photo moment to sink in…for many of our enslaved ancestors a staircase like this was the beginning of a new place that they had no idea would change the trajectory of the world. An arrival like no other…
This will become even more clear in Senegal and Ghana…
Lisbon CathedralSt. Anthony of Lisbon (also St. Anthony of Padua)
Now the Lisbon Cathedral (pictured above) also provides a deep history as it is the most important cathedral in Lisbon and is also where the Bishop of Lisbon is housed.
Let’s just say religion and Catholicism are pretty major here!!
Here are a few more city sights:
This elevator was built in 1902 by students of Gustave Eiffel who was the engineer who designed and built the Eiffel Tower.
A couple more history facts:
I would realize that while most folks are very familiar with U.S. slavery, much of what we have seen, read, and maybe even endured has deep roots specifically in Portuguese enslaved culture. I never can get over what happened to so many of my ancestors, as a matter of fact I will never forget!!
One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city of Lisbon is Alfama, and it was founded by the Moors. This would be a place that would introduce Africa’s history, roots, and connections with so many people.
Port of Lisbon/City Center: The third largest port in Portugal that opens onto the Atlantic Ocean with unique positioning to other parts of Europe and North Africa. As the center of slavery for Portugal, Lisbon was a bustling space for trading goods and bodies. Beginning in 1444, the Atlantic slave trade would see Portuguese traders in large numbers bringing some of the first enslaved people.
In 1526, Portuguese mariners would bring the first load of African slaves to Brazil and the Americas. This enslavement and forced conversion ultimately expanded into Africa as well (we all know about colonization). Most folks do not realize the substantial role of the Portuguese, sometimes outdoing the French, Dutch, and British.
And to make things more problematic enslaved folks would be baptized before they were shipped connecting back to the justification of enslavement was less cruel due to the incorporation of Christianity.
While Portugal definitely played a major role in the slave trade, its beginnings would be due to religion. The majority of folks in Portugal in the early 1400s and even today practiced Catholicism, and if you did not partake, you would be put in bondage. Many of us know that religion was used to justify slavery, but how about it being used against you.
There is a very complex relationship between the Moors and Portugal whether it was regarding trade ties or the Portuguese Christians were forcing the Islamic Moors to convert. Many of the Moors that would come to Portugal suffered the consequences of being enslaved and forced to convert. And in some cases, enslaved folks (in this case Slavic slaves) received better treatment! (see above fact)
Fun Fact: Lisbon is the largest producer of cork (that’s why they drink so much wine) 🙂
The Portuguese Flag: On the flag, if you zoom in there are five blue shields that represent the five wounds of Christ, seven castles in red and green outlined in yellow that represent the 7 villages that were conquered by the King…the green portion of the flag was added to distinguish the flag from the old royal standard which was a solid red background
Now I will say it is a walkable city but you just have to keep in mind the cobblestones and the MANY MANY MANY hills. At some points we would take a lift/elevator just to shave off 10 mins from walking up a hill. If one thing is for certain, your calves will be on point!! In many ways, the city reminded me of San Francisco, the narrow streets and trolley/train cars:
Lisboa city views very reminiscent of the San Francisco-Bay Area
Now you cannot go anywhere and not try the food…What is Portugal known for? In general it’s seafood, which is music to my ears!! I was in second heaven!! One thing in particular that is a favorite is bacalhau or salted cod. There is no shortage of this staple at all!! Other Portuguese staples include:
Pasteis de Bacalhau: cod fritters
Polvo à Lagareiro: octopus with olive oil and potatoes
Bifana: a traditional Portuguese sandwich that comprises a bread roll filled with marinated pork cutlets
For dessert, the famous pastéis de nata these delectable little custard cakes are sure to give you the right amount of sweetness! Originally sold by a monastery with a recipe that has never been shared. To this day, only a few people know it and those that do must sign a non-disclosure agreement.
In addition to the above I would be able to try a popular dish that reminded me of a seafood stew and few other foods to make your mouth water, these dishes came from Restaurante A Gina:
Lobster-Seafood Stew
Salami, Muenster cheese, and ProsciuttoLamb chopsFresh mixed salad
It was also pretty cool to see ALDI and Lidl in Lisbon as well, as these are definitely popular in the US, especially in Richmond where I am based. To be honest, they are even more fancy than ours and spread out throughout the city. According to one of our local drivers they are pretty much the main go-to grocery stores outside of the markets!!
So my closing thoughts for Portugal, I would love to come back and truly explore Lisboa and the country as a whole. From the brief time we were here, I can see why this place has become a safe expat haven for U.S. citizens. There is so much history, food, and wine 🙂 that I need to dive into!! Just wait for me, I’ll be back!! Until next time Até logo (see you later!)
DAY 2
We have landed in Mama Africa…Senegal to be exact!!
Now while this is Day 2, it is officially the first day in the homeland! Considering the long flights and layover, and the busy city tour our first day in Senegal is a day of rest and relaxation.
Here are a few highlights:
An array of fresh fruit juices as I went to get breakfast!!
I will say Senegal is already starting off on a good note, so it can only get better!!
Books on top of Books, this is definitely something that you will not see a shortage of whether in my home or office (especially recently!!). Nothing like adding a new literary treat to your rotation! As I prepare for my upcoming trip, I have a few books that will be getting me through my vacay!! As summer is officially here make sure you don’t forget to grab a book for you, one for your friend, and an extra for good measure!!
Check out June’s Monthly Book Recommendations below:
The Bookshop Sisterhood ~Michelle Lindo-Rice
The Rich People Have Gone Away ~Regina Porter
Daughter of the Merciful Deep ~Leslye Penelope
The Lion’s Den ~Iris Mwanza
Between Friends & Lovers ~Shirlene Obuobi
Blackheart Man ~Nalo Hopkinson
Do What Godmother Says ~L.S. Stratton
Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant and Completely Over It ~Lester Fabian Brathwaite
The Volcano Daughters ~Gina Maria Balibrera
The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read ~Rita Lorraine Hubbard & Oga Mora
And as always, Don’t forget to support your local bookstores!!
Happy Black Music Month!! Happy Pride Month!! Happy Juneteenth!! and Happy Summer Solstice!!
Don’t forget you can always go back and check out previous lists in the “Resource” section of the website!
Another year to celebrate and reflect on a moment in history! Juneteenth is about freedom! On this day in 1865 two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Union troops announced to over 250,000 unaware Black folks in Texas..that they were free! And over a half-century later in 2021, this day was officially named a federal holiday.
I’m still amazed and proud that I am here to see the holiday come to fruition. To think that freedom was delayed (especially for two years, any amount for that matter) is truly an injustice. I cannot even begin to imagine…BUT the dream was delayed not diminished. While the holiday is not perfect (there is room for growth), the history of Juneteenth will always be around, which is important! Freedom did come!
As an African American Studies professor, I am always talking about the experiences of Black folks in and out of the diaspora, particularly in popular culture. And when thinking about those experiences I cannot help but consider the past. As a people, we have encountered daily trauma, joy, pain, motivation, and so much more. These expressions are projected in many ways, many speaking to the ultimate goal…simply being free!! This freedom is shown through our music, food, tv shows, films, language, and so much more. In our own unique way, we have been able to unapologetically give ourselves permission to be empowered and live free in spite of what might be happening in the world.
In the spirit of celebrating being free and living in one’s purpose, I have gathered a few options of some good books to read, a few movies to watch, and some podcasts to add to your morning commute that speak to being FREE! Check them out below:
Books
On Juneteenth ~Annette Gordon-Reed
We Are Each Other’s Harvest Celebrating African American Farmers, Land, and Legacy ~Natalie Baszile
Four Hundred Souls ~Edited by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha Blain
Magic Enuff ~Tara M. Stringfellow
Shoutin’ in the Fire ~Danté Stewart
Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People ~Tiya Miles
I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness ~Austin Channing Brown
Movies/Film & TV Series
Miss Juneteenth (2020)
Beyond the Canvas-Art: Black Women Lead (2023)
Pose (2018-2021)
Mending Walls: The Documentary (2022)
The Learning Tree (1969)
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (Netflix)
Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Legacy(CNN) [Airing June 19 at 10pm ET/PT]: The third annual special will feature musical performances and conversations with John Legend, Patti LaBelle, and Smokey Robinson discussing freedom, progress and recognizing the people that paved the way.
Additional documentaries, films, and television shows (provided by VCU News)
Now we cannot leave without offering some reflections on popular food and drinks that many folks consume during this celebration. During Juneteenth celebrations it is customary to partake in a feast, but particularly red foods take center stage. Red symbolizes the resilience from bondage. As noted by Chef Chris Scott who spearheaded the first James Beard Foundation’s Juneteenth celebration, “the red symbolizes the blood that was shed by Black Africans and Black Americans during slave capture, slave travel, and slave trade here in the state and in the Caribbean.” Some of the common foods found on a Juneteenth menu include:
Strawberries (especially strawberry soda pop)
Sorrel
Watermelon
BBQ
Red beans and rice
Red Velvet Cake
Deviled eggs
Remember these are just the basics, it is up to you what you want to include, you can even make your own creations or remix a recipe. Just make sure it’s with family and friends as you celebrate and reflect on the notion of freedom!!
As an extra bonus check out this past episode where I talk with my friend and academic colleague about why Juneteenth Matters!!
It’s Women’s History Month and what better way to celebrate than by highlighting a few books by some AMAZING women writers!! Even put in a few extra ones for you!! And as always, Don’t forget to support your local bookstores!!
Check out March’s Monthly Book Recommendations below:
How to Live Free in a Dangerous World ~Shayla Lawson
Colliding With Fate ~A.E. Valdez
Under the Udala Trees ~Chinelo Okparanta
So Let Them Burn ~Kamilah Cole
The Black Girl Survives in This One ~Edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell
With Love, Miss Americanah ~Jane Igharo
Believe ~Leigh-Anne Pinnock
Tiffany Sly Lives Here Now ~Dana L. Davis
Pride: A Pride & Prejudice Remix ~Ibi Zoboi
Night Wherever We Go ~Tracey Rose Peyton
Photo collage of March Book Recommendations
As an Extra Bonus…Got a ton of books, but need to organize them? How about “Quotes by Iconic Women Bookends” created by Kristen and Lindsey Archer! Some of the icons available to purchase include, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Michelle Obama, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Katherine Johnson, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Angela Davis, Sojourner Truth, Kamala Harris, Sonia Sotomayor, and Gloria Steinem. You can find these at Uncommon Goods.
And as always, remember you can always go back and check out 2023’s lists and past recommendations in the “Resource” section of the website!
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.
Black Future Feminist 