Tag: podcasts

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 #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Feature Spotlight

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 13-Highlighting Black Podcasts!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

At one time they were called “audioblogs” now they are simply just podcasts. Think of the radio with a ton of channels. These digital episodic programs can take you into many spaces, whether you need a laugh, some motivation, to catch up on the news, learn about different cultures, or try to solve a true-crime mystery. Podcasts have definitely become a part of my regular routine. I find myself listening to podcasts in a variety of situations whether it is on a road trip, passing time on the treadmill, sitting out on the beach, or lounging in my apartment. They entertain, inform, and bring joy! When you factor in Blackness, podcasts have become a unique media space for Black folks to feel represented.

With popular media outlets struggling to diversify their content, Black creators are using podcasts to tell and share their own stories. Many of these creators are adding to the Black experience, while redefining what representation means for the listeners who tune in. As noted by Nancy Marshall in a January 2023 Forbes article, the key to success with podcasting is to “figure out your “superpower”—whatever it may be—and share your expertise with your listeners.” Black creators are definitely tapping into their superpower to manifest and distribute some amazing content.

Thus, today’s #BlackJoy Moment is about spotlighting a few Black podcasts that are hitting the mark in a major way!!

Photo by Jean Balzan on Pexels.com

Check them out below:

  • The Stoop: The Stoop podcast digs into stories that are not always shared out in the open. Hosts Leila Day and Hana Baba start conversations and provide professionally-reported stories about what it means to be Black and how we talk about blackness.
  • Truth’s Table: “Midwives of culture for grace and truth.” Welcome to Truth’s Table with Christina Edmondson, and Ekemini Uwan. We are Black Christian women who love truth and seek it out wherever it leads us. We will share our perspectives on race, politics, gender, current events, and pop culture that are filtered through our Christian faith. So pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us. 
  • The Read: Join bloggers Kid Fury and Crissle for their weekly podcast covering hip-hop and pop culture’s most trying stars. Throwing shade and spilling tea with a flippant and humorous attitude, no star is safe from Fury and Crissle unless their name is Beyoncé. (Or Blue Ivy.) As transplants to New York City (Kid Fury from Miami and Crissle from Oklahoma City), The Read also serves as an on-air therapy session for two friends trying to adjust to life (and rats) in the big city.
  • The Right Time with Bomani Jones: Bomani Jones weighs in on sports, pop culture, social topics and more, with your comments on Mondays, friends of the show on Wednesdays and Domonique Foxworth on Fridays.
  • Decoding 40: Decoding 40 is a hilarious podcast series by three unapologetic Black men who delve into and decipher the intricate thoughts and issues of today’s mature men. Join Vincent, Alaric, and Leon for an inside look into the unfiltered minds of men, with a drink in hand, of course! This podcast is not for the easily offended but is sure to have you laughing until it hurts. Consider this your TRIGGER warning. If you’re looking for a Black men’s podcast that fearlessly explores complex topics, Decoding 40 is the one for you.
  • Truth Be Told: We’re the friend you call after a long day. The one who gets it. Through soul-nourishing conversations, host Tonya Mosley explores Black liberation with some of the greatest thinkers of our time. 
  • Wine & Hip Hop: CRU LUV Wine’s founder Jermaine Stone talks to hip-hop personalities and wine professionals to find the perfect match between music and wine in an informative, entertaining, and organic way. On each episode guests choose a song or bottle of wine, Jermaine selects a pairing, and they discuss their choices on the show.
  • We Talk Back: Hosted by two unapologetically black women with an opinion who talk back, TamBam and AJ are helping women maneuver through the Sea of Men! “We Talk Back” podcast is here to guide femininity to its ultimate greatness. We Talk Back podcast is giving their listeners the raw and unfiltered comedic gift of repartee. With thought-provoking conversations about sex, relationships, and money with a dash of danger and glitter. TamBam & AJ will also help listeners seeking non-professional guidance, as these ladies deliver advice and their personal thoughts on topics.
  • Jemele Hill is Unbothered: Emmy Award-winning journalist and Webby Award winner Jemele Hill shares her unbothered, nuanced opinions on news, pop culture, politics, and sports. She also conducts intimate interviews with some of the biggest names and most thought-provoking contributors to culture, music, and entertainment.
  • Still Processing: Wesley Morris and J Wortham are working it out in this weekly show about culture in the broadest sense. That means television, film, books, music — but also the culture of work, dating, the internet and how those all fit together.
Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

You can find any of these podcasts on Spotify, YouTube, Soundcloud, Apple podcast, or wherever you tune in!

See you all tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, On The Radar, Resources

Happy International Women’s Day!! #EmbraceEquity

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. This year’s 2023 theme is about how we can #EmbraceEquity!!

How will you forge women’s equality and #EmbraceEquity? Check out some available resources and things you can do to celebrate!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Holiday Celebration!!

Black History Month in the Workplace!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

So earlier this week I gave a workshop presentation on celebrating Black History Month in the workplace, nothing like finding new ways to incorporate new experiences in your daily routine. And I just wanted to make sure I shared some resources from that talk just in case it may be useful for my followers!!

Why BHM is Important in The Workplace? “Dig deeper, look closer, think bigger.”

  • Race can be complicated, but we have to engage and talk about the comforts and discomforts
  • Reimagine the possibilities
  • Normalize what has been often made invisible
  • Opportunity for active learning
  • Another way to regularly incorporate inclusivity, equity, and work towards eliminating bias
  • Black History is American History even World History!!
  • A continued engagement with history and the Black experience and helps to give context for the present and future
  • February can be the starting point to year-round efforts
Photo by Marc Mueller on Pexels.com

#BlackHistory365 ideas that can be implemented in the workplace…

  • Bring in speakers (This is a chance to learn and gain new perspectives from others outside of your office.)
  • Organize a thematic book club (Monthly or Quarterly….You can also carry this out in February as well as other months such as Women’s History and Hispanic Heritage Month)
  • Virtual cooking session (Swap recipes, select a region and do a virtual potluck, create a “Culinary Journey Passport”)
  • Create a digital board for continuous learning and growth (Slack has become a popular tool that can be used here!)
  • Community Service/Volunteer (You can never have enough community service, and now there are multiple ways to carry out this endeavor!)
  • Promote Inclusion via Reflection-Collaboration-Recognition
  • Organize/create a Black History Internet Scavenger Hunt that uses questions that pertain to African American people and moments
Photo by JorgeArturo Andrade on Pexels.com

Next Steps to #BlackHistory365…

  • In addition to the collective effort, think about what YOU can do. … What is your contribution?
  • What role can you play? Invest in your efforts!!
  • Pay it forward.
  • Create safe spaces…The energy and creativity will flow when people feel as though it is welcomed and appreciated!
  • Think before you post and act..Make sure your efforts are genuine. Learn and grow because you want to, not just to check off a box. Do your research…Remember why you are celebrating
  • Don’t play the buzzword and pandering game (Avoid situations like Bath and Body )
  • Ask the hard questions…that’s how you get answers and learn at the same time.
  • Play the long game…How can Black History Month transform and evolve into #BlackHistory365 in your place of work??

And for the road…Some additional resources, recommendations, and guides…

The great thing about all of this is that it can many things in one FUN, INFORMATIVE, ENGAGING and UPLIFTING!

For additional information and resources, check out the full guide here!!

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

Black History Month 2022!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

2-2-22

It is that time of the year!! And while I personally see Black History Month as an everyday conversation, I understand that for some this is not the case. With that being said, Happy Black History Month to you all!!

The celebration of Black History Month is a great time for the nation and the world to expand on the many contributions of the Black/African American experience. Established in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History” week , Woodson wanted to make sure people understood not only the experiences but also provide an opportunity to focus on particular themes. The legacy of Negro History week, according to Woodson, was never meant “to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public’s attention important developments that merit emphasis.” Thus, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) an organization created by Woodson would begin to explore Black History through a yearly theme. The first theme came about in 1928 and it centered around the idea of “Civilization: A World Achievement.” This year’s theme is the importance of “Black Health and Wellness”!

This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways of knowing (e.g., birthworkers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. 

With this year’s theme centered on “Black Health and Wellness” (For more information about this click here!) I wanted to provide some tips and resources on making sure you are taking care of the best YOU!!

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
  • Be Kind To Yourself
  • Exercise…Get an accountability partner or even join a group
  • Keep your body hydrated
  • Incorporate smoothies into your diet
  • Take in nature…It is a great remedy for alleviating stress
  • Start a gratitude journal
  • Make sure to plenty of sleep…To go back to those naps that we took during kindergarten
  • Meditate…whether its 5 minutes or 30 minutes, make sure to give your brain a break
  • Spend time with family and friends!!
  • Check out these podcasts: Therapy for Black Girls, Peace of Mind with Taraji, Black Mental Health Podcast, Black Mental Matters, The Friend Zone, Minding My Black Business, Talking Off The Couch, AFFIRM, Getting Grown (just to name a few)
  • Host a potluck or tapas-style gathering where you focus on a specific cuisine
  • Don’t forget to smile and laugh routinely!!
  • Do something for others just because you can.
  • Tap into your spiritual side
  • Incorporate a daily affirmations routine
  • Try to be spontaneous or try something new each week.
  • Your Boundaries Matter!
  • Soak in some Sunlight and Vitamin D
  • Cultivate a positive mindset
  • Always Invest in Your Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health

Additional books and resources highlighting Black Health and Wellness, click here!

While there is an official celebration of Black History know that this is a 365-24/7 effort for me!!

Photo by Bekka Mongeau on Pexels.com
Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., On The Radar

Dr. G’s Pop Culture Faves-A Year in Review

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

2021 is just about over, but not before I share a few of my pop culture faves!! I wanted to compile a list of few of favorite shows, movies, comic books, documentaries, short films, podcasts, and soundtracks that made an impact on me in a major way this year!!

These are a few of my favorite things from 2021…Check them out below*:

  • Comic Books/Graphic Novels
  • Eve (Victor LaValle, Boom! Studios)
  • Far Sector (N.K. Jemisin/Jamal Campbell, DC Comics)
  • Nubia and the Amazons (Stephanie Williams/Ayala Vita, DC Comics)
  • Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts (Rebecca Hall/Penguin Books)
  • Run: Book One (John Lewis/Andrew Aydin/Nate Powell/L. Fury, Abrams Books)
  • Bitter Root (David Walker/Chuck Brown/Image Comics)
  • Podcasts: True-crime reigned supreme in this category!! Gotta love a good mystery.
  • Jemele Hill is Unbothered
  • Suspect
  • Over My Dead Body
  • Dr. Death
  • Movies
  • The Harder They Fall (Netflix): An ode to Westerns done in style!!
  • No Time To Die: Ahhh where will the Bond legacy go next
  • Candyman: Thank you Nia Dacosta for this beautiful piece of horror!!
  • Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings: 10/10
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home
  • Zola: A movie that offers A LOT of different perspectives regarding one weekend!
  • The Unforgivable (Netflix)
  • Army of the Dead/Army of Thieves (Netflix)
  • Gunpowder Milkshake (Netflix): More action films with women leads especially those of color is definitely needed!!
  • Raya and the Last Dragon
  • Judas and the Black Messiah
  • King Richard
  • Concrete Cowboy (Netflix): I’m a sucker for a good western and some Black history!
  • Cruella: Who says you can’t like villains!
  • Dune
  • The Tomorrow War (Prime Video)
  • Red Notice (Netflix): Ryan Reynolds…That’s all I gotta say!
  • Outside the Wire (Netflix)
  • Short Films
  • Us Again (Disney+)
  • Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma
  • Twenty Something (Disney+)
  • Bao (Disney+)
  • For the Birds (Disney+)
  • Loop (Disney+)
  • How to Raise a Black Boy
  • Documentary
  • My Name is Pauli Murray
  • Summer of Soul (Hulu)
  • Pride (Hulu)
  • This is Pop (Netflix)
  • Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali (Netflix)
  • Mary J. Blige’s My Life (Prime Video)
  • Television Shows
  • Insecure (HBO Max): That last episode… (chef’s kiss)….The end of an era…Sunday nights will never be the same… (le sigh) #DayOne
  • The Wonder Years (ABC): Nostalgia, Comedy and the Black Experience
  • The Underground (Prime Video): Powerful, Visual American History Lesson
  • Invincible (Prime Video)
  • Wheel of Time (Prime Video): Definitely up there with Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings
  • The White Lotus (HBO Max): I have never been so drawn into a show that made me laugh, cringe, drop my jaw, and so much more…Everything is not always what it seems…
  • Nine Perfect Strangers (Hulu): I do believe what happened actually took place in real life, which is pretty scary if it did…
  • Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
  • Love Life (Season 2) (HBO Max): I LOVE #BLACKLOVE and ALL its many layers!
  • Queen Sugar (OWN Network): Another show that when it comes to a close, I will truly miss this show!! #DayOne
  • Arcane (Netflix): Definitely looking forward to the next season! Fun to watch!
  • The Falcon and Winter Soldier (Disney+): My fave of the Marvel series on Disney+ so far…They pulled out all kinds of surprises!!
  • What If…? (Disney+): Still missing Chadwick Boseman
  • Run the World (Starz): Love seeing Black female friendships and when cities become actors (I see you Harlem!)
  • Succession (HBO Max): All I can say is just watch it!!
  • Reservation Dogs (Hulu): Please more of this!!
  • Evil (Paramount+): Catholicism is a whole different beast (pun intended)
  • Blood and Water (Netflix): Had to represent SA!!
  • Cruel Summer (Hulu): Shout out to my sista-friend Lesley Bonner for this one!! Talk about being drawn in!! It’s all about the little details!
  • Soundtracks (Television and Film) (I did this instead to avoid having to narrow it down to one artist/group or album)
  • The Harder They Fall
  • Insecure (I owe a great deal to this soundtrack, I became aware and a fan of so many new artists because of each seasons soundtrack!!)
  • Judas and the Black Messiah
  • Coming 2 America
  • Cruella
  • BMF
  • Queen Sugar
  • Tom & Jerry (Now this one surprised me!! But trust me on this one!)
  • True Story (A Whole lot of Philly Soul)

*The listings are in no particular order.