Tag: #BlackGirlMagic

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Dr. G's Weekly Hot Topics, Feature Spotlight, On The Radar

Dr. G’s Weekly Hot Topics

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Let’s jump right into it this week, 2024 Times 100 list honoree and Golden Globe winning actress Taraji P. Henson just dropped her debut children’s book. Her book, “You Can Be A Good Friend (No Matter What!) was released on June 18th and tells a story that “shows kids the great things that can happen when we approach others and ourselves with empathy, patience, and love.” It’s the perfect story for classroom story time, bedtime reading, easing those back-to-school jitters, promoting friendship over bullying, and embracing the importance of standing in one’s own uniqueness. You can find her latest book anywhere books are sold

Need a refresher on Season 1 of the Onyx Collective/Hulu legal drama Reasonable Doubt ? Check out this 1-minute breakdown featuring the show’s lead, Emayatzy Corinealdi:

Season 2 premieres on Hulu on August 22, with episodes dropping every Thursday. And while you wait you can stream the first season now.

Looking for a new wine to jumpstart your summer?? As we celebrated another Juneteenth on last week, Mother New York (of Mother Design) launched Auntie Whine, a limited-edition wine that honors all the aunties and their signature dance moves. “Named for how aunties whine their hips at family gatherings, this wine captures the essence of these joyful moments.” It’s the perfect blend of cocoa butter notes and a smooth, silk bonnet-like mouthfeel just right for your next BBQ! In addition to the wine it comes with a sweet, soulful Spotify playlist of songs!!

In some more good TV news, STARZ is dropping the “Down in the Valley” premiere a WEEK early!! Aww shucks, you know who is a happy camper…that would be ME!! It is set to drop on this Friday June 28th at midnight/ET on STARZ. Hosted and executive produced by Nicco Annan, who is best known as Uncle Clifford in STARZ’s critically acclaimed tv show “P-Valley,” the six-episode half-hour docuseries follows Annan as he explores the people, sensuality, music, culture and stories of the South. “The series confronts uncomfortable truths, challenges societal norms, and advocates for a more inclusive and enlightened future.” Check out the trailer below:

This Jeopardy! host for 37 years is being honored with a Forever Stamp…Who is Alex Trebek? The well-known hostess who passed away in 2020 from pancreatic cancer is getting his own stamp!! Each stamp will read “This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show ‘Jeopardy!’ for 37 seasons.” And underneath upside down, you can find the answer: “Who is Alex Trebek?” The new stamp will become available on July 22nd.

For all my foodies, check out these Black-owned restaurants in the Fort-Worth area of Texas:

Nana’s Kitchen

Dough Boy Donuts

Black Coffee

Smoke-A-Holics Barbecue

Reggae Jerk Hut

And to close us out we got Four Features blazing this week’s Tiny Desk Concert-Black Music Month, a nice mix of gospel, soul, r&b, country, hip hop and pop!! Yes to ALL of this, check them out below:

Flo Milli

Kierra Sheard

Meshell Ndegeocello

Brittney Spencer

Posted in Monthly Book Recommendations, On The Radar, Resources

Dr. G’s Monthly Book Recommendations-June2024

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!

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

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Another day, another dollar…well in this case another set of trailers!! Highlighting Black and Brown folks this week! Everything from sports to making herstory in the Mexican police ranks! Check out this week’s trailers below:

Sprint: The World’s Fastest Humans (Streaming July 2nd on Netflix)

Simone Biles Rising (Streaming July 17th on Netflix)

Women in Blue (Streaming July 31st on Apple TV+)

Season 3-Bel-Air (Streaming August 15th on Peacock)

https://youtu.be/FJKtganhyRs?si=V_MsphlFnaoFw7s1

Blink Twice (In theaters August 23rd)

Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Streaming September 5th on Peacock)

https://youtu.be/Yw_nbGQXKqI?si=-3MlWNDLayaRzLfM

The Front Room (In theaters September 6th)

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Black Joy, Celebration, Conversations with Beloved & Kindred, Holiday Celebration!!, Resources

Juneteenth 2024: A Time for Celebration and Reflection!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

What does it mean to be free?

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)

Podcasts

TV Specials

  • 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!!

Posted in Dr. G's Weekly Hot Topics, Feature Spotlight, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Weekly Hot Topics!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Let me start you off with something to ‘perk’ you up…Pun intended (lol)….For all my coffee drinkers, especially Café Bustelo fans, the brand is launching 3 new ‘Espresso-Styled’ Iced Coffee drinks. This is the first in their 96-year history!! The new Iced Coffee collection includes three different flavor options: Unsweetened, Sweetened, and Vanilla. Great thing about these new iced coffees is that they are designed to be consumed straight out of the fridge, just open and pour into a glass. Now the Sweetened and Unsweetened versions of the iced coffee will be available at several retailers starting with Kroger and Walmart, and the Vanilla, called “Vainilla,” is a Target exclusive. So stay tuned, all three should start popping up in the refrigerator aisle very soon.

In television news, leading up to the Season 4 premiere of the Emmy-nominated series The Boys, creator Eric Kripke announced that the Amazon Prime Video show will close out in Season 5. Kripke explained his decision to end the run on its fifth season in a conversation with the Hollywood Reporter, “From the very beginning, I wanted to wrap it out around Season 5…And then I would say plans really solidified that we were going to actually do it years ago. I think we were probably in the middle of making season three, so it could have been three or four years ago that we always knew.”


Prime Video will drop the first three episodes of The Boys Season 4 on Thursday, June 13. 

There’s a NEW MAYOR in town, on June 3rd, Lilian Seenoi-Barr made history becoming the first Black Mayor of Northern Ireland (Derry City and Strabane.) Truly a historic moment for the country of Ireland, as Ms. Seenoi-Barr came to the country 14 years ago as a Kenyan refugee. Growing up in a Maasai village she would grow up in “a home filled with love, unity, hard work and commitment to justice and freedom” – values she plans to carry forward into her service. This is also not her first time making history. Ms. Seenoi-Bar also broke barriers when she became the first Black woman to become an elected member of the “public office in Northern Ireland” as a councilor. Seeing news like this gives me hope that there is still for progressive change!! During her tenure as Mayor Ms. Seenoi-Barr seeks to to eradicate “poverty, attract investment and support young people to achieve their full potential, create jobs and advocate for quality affordable housing.”

Looking for something to do Labor Day weekend, why not check out Nas With the Las Vegas Philharmonic! In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of his debut album “Illmatic,” hip hop legend Nas is doing three performances (August 29-September 1) at the Encore Theater (Las Vegas). In a statement from Nas he notes, “I am excited to partner with the Las Vegas Philharmonic to bring this first-of-its-kind performance to Encore Theater and to showcase my music to my fans in Las Vegas in a whole new way.” Tickets have gone on sale and can be purchased here.

Talk about reclaiming space, this next feature spotlights two Black Hotel owners reclaiming a “gentrified space” in the Venice Beach area. Co-Founders Kamau Coleman and Michael Clinton have established a new boutique hotel, The Redline Venice (perfect name), as a way to provide a beautiful space and to tell the stories of Black and Brown folks who played a role in the Venice Beach area as a haven for artists, musicians, and creatives. The naming of the hotel is a direct and deliberate nod to the practice of redlining. As a boutique hotel it consists of four suites (studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom) and an amazing rooftop that can be used to rest, relax, and build networks! What a great way to ensure that the history of Black folks who made a innovative mark to the area get their just due and for an opportunity to build long-term economic wealth and power.

“The Redline isn’t just a place to stay ─ it’s an opportunity to satisfy your craving for cultural discovery. Whether you’re traveling alone or with friends and family, we’re your home to enjoy the best of what Venice Beach has to offer.”

Lastly, as an HBCU grad, I am super siked about this news right here and the fact that Cali is where it’s happening is an extra bonus!! Beginning in the Fall 2024 school year, California will get its first HBCU!! Through a landmark initiative and collaboration between Huston-Tillotson University (HTU), the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), the San Diego County Office of Education, and the University of La Verne there will be two satellite campus housed in San Diego and Los Angeles County. This is HUGE as we can see the expansion of HBCUs moving towards the West Coast!!

And to close us out we got a triple header for this week’s Tiny Desk Concert-Black Music Month Feature, a nice mix of soul, hip hop, and jazz!! I’m so loving this, check them out below:

Chaka Khan

Tierra Whack

Lakecia Benjamin

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Feature Spotlight, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Weekly Hot Topics

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

New Month and New Hot Topics!!

We are jumping right out the gate with this one!! A new documentary from Shonda Rhimes/Shondaland and Netflix tells the story of how the first Black Barbie doll came to be in 1980. Directed by Lagueria Davis and produced by Shondaland’s Shonda Rhimes, Black Barbie “shows the impact of three Black staffers at Mattel on the doll’s debut, and how they influenced generations of young Black girls and the Barbie brand as a whole.” 

Want to get some fashion inspiration? Or find out just how top stylist Law Roach has created a fashion legacy… Well stylist to the stars Law Roach is dropping his first book, How To Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence. It’s available for pre-order on Banks Square Books and Amazon and will hit shelves, on September 24, 2024.

A Black Feminist icon has been immortalized with a statue in the very spot where she gave an empowering speech. On May 29th the city of Akron and the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund unveiled a plaza and statue dedicated to abolitionist Sojourner Truth. In 1851 Sojourner Truth gave the seminal speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” to a crowd gathered at the Universalist Old Stone Church in Akron for the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention. This statue and plaza represent a space to tell one of America’s inspiring story of faith, truth, justice, and freedom!

In more inspiring news, the Kenyan government has partnered with several HBCUs to help boost STEM Education across the waters. Representatives from Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, Howard University, and executives from higher education and business circles signed a framework agreement pact to establish an exchange between Kenyan universities and HBCUs. With many STEM programs on the rise here in the U.S., Kenya has established itself as the “Silicon Savannah of East Africa”and according to Kenyan president  Dr. William Samoei Ruto, it has also “been a global player in shaping the growth of the technology industry.”

This next feature is all about food and nourishment! Whether you are going for the first time or revisiting an oldie but goodie food spot….Check out these Black-owned restaurants that can be found all across the U.S.:

As an extra bonus, with June being Black Music Month each week I will bring you the latest Tiny Desk concerts featuring some of the hottest Black musical artists!! This year’s Black Music Month-Tiny Desk Concert series features Black women artists all across the spectrum from “veterans who’ve paved the way for what we hear today in Black music, to those who are carving out their own paths.”

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On the Desk...

Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey…Rest and Recalibrate!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

So I completed a 2-week Writing Sprint retreat last week, and boy was that an awakening experience. Nothing like working in a community with others who have similar goals and pursuits. I also enjoyed the accountability of making sure I stayed on task. I will admit my body was in shock considering I had just finished the semester and jumped right into this retreat, but needless to say, the benefits outweighed the very minimal cons.

So for a couple of days this week, I took a few days of reprieve and chill time. I honestly needed to just take some days to do nothing, I had been on 100 for an entire semester, that I just needed a break. Lord knows I felt some guilt for not doing work for those few days, but it also felt good to just wake up with no agenda.

So often academics do not give themselves time to recalibrate and reset, but trust when I say it so necessary! It’s no point running on fumes and expect to be productive. And especially as a Black woman in the academy, I gotta make sure to take care so that I can make sure to tell my story and ensure that others can do the same.

This week I’ve been getting back into the groove, and it feels good to get back into the zone! Back to the Sister Night chapter, and grinding out these episode breakdowns. As I noted in an earlier post, this summer I am primarily dedicated to writing for the book and a couple other projects that are in the works. Everyday that I put pen to paper (or fingers to the keyboard), I am getting one step closer to the goal.

I’m feeling good, I’m feeling excited, I’m amped for this journey! Well let me get back to it!

See you on the next round! ~Dr. G

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Posted in Monthly Book Recommendations, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Monthly Book Recommendations-May 2024

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

TGIF!! I know you thought, did Dr. G forget about us? Not at all, closing out the month with a few literary gems to get you prepared for the summer. And I can literally vouch for each of the books…you say how? Well, they are all a part of my personal library!! Matter of fact a few of them are even on my summer reading list. So grab your wallets and add some books to your carts!! And as always, Don’t forget to support your local bookstores!!

Check out May’s Monthly Book Recommendations below:

  • A Thousand Words on Race and Hope: Light For the World To See ~Kwame Alexander
  • Nigeria Jones ~ Ibi Zoboi
  • Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way ~Jeffrey Blount
  • Blackness is Burning: Civil Rights, Popular Culture, and the Problem of Recognition ~TreaAndrea M. Russworm
  • Feenin: R&B Music and the Materiality of BlackFem Voices and Technology ~Alexander G. Weheliye
  • Souls of Black Folk: A Graphic Interpretation ~W.E.B. DuBois & Paul Peart-Smith
  • Life, I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust ~Chloe Dulce Louvouezo
  • Textures: The History and Art of Black Hair ~The KSU Museum & HIRMER

As an Extra Bonus…If need something to do for the summer and want to support your favorite author, check out these upcoming Book Festivals:

And as always, remember you can always go back and check out previous lists in the “Resource” section of the website!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On The Radar

Reclaiming Her Time: The Book Journey-Distractions

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

What a day!! While today was a productive one, I had to fight for this productivity. Word of the day… Distraction!! Each day I try to give myself some goals to work with and it just seemed like everything wanted to get in the way. Mix of stress, a little bit of lingering imposter syndrome, and I will admit some fatigue.

I think this is such a huge project, that I am not giving myself some “grace” throughout the process. Now I realize out of the gate during this process, there will be some ups and some downs. I just need to learn how to better navigate the downs. But as I said earlier, I was productive even if I had to fight for it. A win is a win!!

Taking part in the #WellAcademic Writing Sprint has also been super helpful. Having a community of like minds sharing and giving their support really helps to get through each day. They have been some great cheerleaders!

One word at a time…One sentence at a time…One paragraph…One Page…One Day at a Time!!

Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels.com
Posted in New Trailer Alerts!!, On the Desk..., On The Radar

Weekly Trailer Alerts!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Need a few suggestions to get you through this week? Ready for the summer? Check out this week’s trailers below:

Season 4- Evil (Streaming on Paramount+ – May 23rd)

Bionic (Streaming on Netflix-May 29th)

The Acolyte (Streaming on Disney + – June 4th)

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (In theaters June 7th)

Longing (In theaters June 7th)

Horizon: An American Saga (In theaters June 28th)

Cross (Coming Soon to Prime Video)