Tag: PBS

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 Black Joy, Celebration, Holiday Celebration!!, On The Radar

Black History TV Specials and Documentaries, to Be On the Lookout for this Month!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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. 

Posted in Black Joy, Celebration, Feature Spotlight, Holiday Celebration!!, On the Desk...

Watching, Listening, and Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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:

Dr. G’s Fave Speeches from Dr. King:

Films, Documentaries, and Television Series [*Premium Subscription]

  • Genius: MLK/X (2024) [Set to be released on February 1st on National Geographic, Hulu, and Disney+]
  • King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery to Memphis (1970) [Can be found on Apple TV and Amazon Prime*]
  • Eyes on the Prize series (1993) [Can be found on HBO Max and Amazon Prime*]
  • Boycott (2001) [Can be found here and on HBO Max]
  • Betty & Coretta [Can be found on Lifetime and Amazon Prime]
  • Selma (2014) [Can be found on Amazon Prime]
  • Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise (2016) [Can be found on Amazon Prime and PBS Documentaries]
  • I Am Not Your Negro (2017) [Can be watched on Amazon Prime]
  • King in the Wilderness (2018) [Can be watched here and on HBO Max]
  • I Am MLK Jr (2018) [Can be found on Amazon Prime and the CW]
  • MLK/FBI (2020) [Can be found on Hulu and Apple TV+]
  • Four Died Trying (2023) [Can be found on Apple TV+]
  • Rustin (2023) [Can be found on Netflix]

As an extra bonus, you can also check out this 360 Look at the National Civil Rights Museum which features Dr. King’s legacy.

“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.”

~Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 21-Joyful Black Spaces: “The Black Church”

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Welcome back to another Wednesday edition of #JoyfulBlackSpaces with BFF guest blogger, Lauren N. Jackson. 

What are Black spaces? As a reminder, Black spaces are intentional spaces and environments designed to uplift and empower the Black community. These spaces bring JOY because they allow Blacks to rid themselves of the daily microaggressions, racism, and prejudices often experienced in society, and allow them to fully embrace their Blackness; their uniqueness, dialect, identity, and culture. Black spaces include spaces like higher education institutions, restaurants, churches, museums, and the like.

Today’s #BlackJoy moment we will focus on “The Black Church.”

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me.” The sweet sounds of the spiritual song, Amazing Grace, and other hymns are the staple of most Black churches in America. These hymns hold deep meaning and significance within the context of the Black church. They are not merely songs, but powerful expressions of faith, resilience, and hope. These hymns have been passed down through generations, carrying the collective experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans. 

Hymns are just one aspect that shapes what the Black church is today. A closer look at history reveals that Black churches were birthed during times of oppression and adversity, and provided a sanctuary for African Americans to gather, worship, and find solace. And for at least two hours on Sunday mornings, Blacks can be free and liberated from societal ills. And today, the same rings true. “The Black Church” has been a place where individuals can express their spirituality freely, connect with a higher power, and find comfort in a community that understands their struggles; all while wearing their “Sunday Best” attire. Predominantly Black churches continue to progressively lead the charge for several causes: spirituality, activism, and leadership. 

Weekly powerful sermons by the pastor, moving songs of praise and worship by the choir, and soul-moving prayers by church leaders help to shape and deepen the spiritual growth and development of parishioners. Outside of the four walls of the church, many Black churches have been instrumental in advocating for social justice and working together to address societal issues that impact Black communities: healthcare, poverty, and education; to name a few. The Black church embodies JOY because it’s a space that offers strength, hope, belonging, resilience, and an opportunity to engage in vibrant worship, celebration, and praise!

I would like to shout out two churches that have played an integral role in my spiritual growth and development: Faith Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Wilmington, NC (my home church) and Cedar Street Baptist Church of God in Richmond, VA (my local church). Thank you to Pastor Lorenzo Edge and Dr. Anthony Michael Chandler, Sr. for your spirit-filled sermons, service to the church and community, and for creating opportunities for me to develop as a leader within and outside the church!

Want to learn more about the Black church? Check out these phenomenal documentaries and articles that highlight the historical foundations of the Black church and their relevance today:

You can also check out some of these top Gospel hits in the playlists below!

“Nothing is more powerful than the Black church experience. A good choir and a good sermon in the black church, it’s pretty hard not to be moved and be transported.” ~Barack Obama

See you all tomorrow!!

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 On the Desk...

2021 Black History Month Features

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Are you looking for an engaging documentary to watch with the family? Do you need a special report to share with you students? Or a digital platform that taps into your musical and/or intellectual interests? Well I have a few things that are airing this month in honor of Black History Month:

Television

  • Tuskegee Airmen: Legacy of Courage (History Channel)- Wednesday, February 10th at 8pm/ET…”In this one hour special, Robin Roberts explores the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, the legendary group of African American pilots including her father that served in WWII, revealing how these warriors for change helped end segregation in the military and pave the way for the civil rights movement.”
  • The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song (PBS)- February 16 & 17th at 9pm ET/8pm CT…An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr., The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song will explore the 400-year-old story of the black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews.
  • American Masters: How It Feels To Be Free (PBS)…“The inspiring story of how six iconic African American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.“

YouTube, Website & Streaming Services

  • Your Attention Please (Hulu)-February 18th 8pm/ET…Your Attention Please is a TV series “that introduces audiences to Black innovators and creators who are working to leave the world better than they found it.”
  • Ailey Experience Atlanta-February 19th-21st…Ailey Experience Atlanta celebrates over forty years of a rich partnership with the city’s most prominent arts and civic organizations. This year, AEA teams up with AREA Atlanta to bring Ailey Experience online to the greater Atlanta area and across the country.
  • iHeartRadio’s Living Black! (iHeartRadio)-February 20th 6pm/ET…A first ever special event that features conversations that educate, inspire and celebrate the Black experience through a mix of custom tributes from artists and listeners across the nation. 
  • Black Renaissance (YouTube)- Friday, February 26th…A YouTube Originals special that will showcase the Black creators, artists, writers, storytellers, and history makers who have shaped our nation’s history; and the next generation of Black voices who are reimagining our future. The special will also feature dance, music, fashion, photography, literature, Afrofuturism, and art from Black Women and LGBTQ+ artists.
https://youtu.be/UcVcqURHZRA
  • All Hands: Race Toward Inclusion (Cheddar.com)…”All Hands is a show about the minority stories that go untold. Each week, we peel back the layers of business stories that expose racial inequalities and are exacerbated by global phenomena like climate change and health crises. We also discuss the successes of minority businesses and communities, and examine how to talk about, and take action on, race-related topics. It’s an inclusive living room in which to have meaningful, difficult, and provocative discussions… *for* everyone.“
  • A Most Beautiful Thing (Peacock)…Narrated by the Academy Award/Grammy-winning artist, Common; executive produced by NBA Stars Grant Hill and Dwyane Wade along with Grammy Award-winning producer 9th Wonder; and directed by award-winning filmmaker (and Olympic rower) Mary Mazzio, the film chronicles the first African American high school rowing team in this country (made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago), all coming together to row in the same boat. Based on the memoir by Arshay Cooper.
  • Freedia Got a Gun (Peacock)…“Devastated after learning that her brother was murdered, New Orleans bounce legend Big Freedia raises awareness about gun violence, an epidemic that continues to disproportionally harm Black communities.”
  • The Sit-in: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show (Peacock)…“In 1968, entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte took over “The Tonight Show” for one historic week, introducing a fractured, changing country to itself alongside legendary guests like Aretha Franklin and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

Get your popcorn ready!!

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