Malcolm & Marie

I was sitting in my employee break room of my job scrolling through Instagram when I stopped at the trailer of Malcolm & Marie. Since covid I’ve been watching all the streaming apps. But this one felt different. I got excited seeing both actors. I loved Zendaya (Euphoria, HBO Series 2019) and John David Washington (BlackkKlansman 2018). And it’s been awhile since I’ve seen a movie or series surrounding Black Love. Everyone is pushing to show interracial couples or color blind casting but sometimes it’s just nice (and rare) to see two Black people working it out. (And that’s coming from someone in an Interracial relationship).

@malcolmandmariefilm

Malcolm & Marie (2021) written and directed by Sam Levinson (Assassination Nation & Euphoria) is about a couple coming back from a movie premiere that Malcolm directed. You soon realize that Marie is upset with Malcolm who’s drunk with joy and pride and not ready to hear what Marie has to say. Honestly they both really don’t want to hear what each other has to say but Marie needs and deserves to be heard. They both deserve to be heard, and even though both parties or at least one seems pretty fucked up, they yell, talk and cry to each other expressing their needs/wants/reasoning in the relationship that I’m sure relates to a lot of couples. It’s natural. We all fight. We all have secrets.

@malcolmandmariefilm

The powerful moments for Malcolm & Marie aren’t the fact that they try to be cruel to each other or get over one another when arguing . It’s powerful because you see the hurt. You see the fear. Two people so used to being dissapointed, but not at just people but themselves. Finding love and working through their demons together. Obviously the movie feels as though everything is in chaos in the beginning but soon starts to go down the rabbit hole of confession after confession to where we wonder will they stay in the end? Will we stay in the end? What makes us stay? What makes them stay?

SZA: Good Days

Merry Christmas Bitches 🖤🌲❄️

LoveCraft Country

First off I have to say words cannot express how much this series is needed and how it literally read me and understood emotions I never knew how to express before in my life.
LoveCraft Country is a beautiful haunting continuation of Matt Ruff’s 2016 Novel, LoveCraft Country. Developed by the talented Misha Green we are placed back in the 1960s where we meet Atticus, Leti, and their family. Sooner than later we realize, not only do they have to deal with racism in America but now they know Magic is real. Monsters are real. And they thought just being Black was difficult, it’s about to get real as fuck.

Atticus (Jonathan Majors) just got back from serving the country where he’s met by an old love, Leti (Jurnee Smollett). They soon find themselves on a dangerous adventure to find Atticus’s father. Before they even know it this adventure opens a door to creatures and possibilities they never knew to imagine.

@lovecrafthbo

I don’t want to ruin too much for the people who haven’t seen it yet. But everyone needs to watch this show. Especially in a time where we have a racist ass president, we’re going through protest, shootings, election, pandemic etc. This is a legitimate showing of how we continue to let history repeat itself and maybe just maybe White and non- Black people can get a glimpse, just a glimpse of what the fuck we’re trying to say when we talk about white privilege, or having to code switch, when we talk about this history of police and what they were allowed to get away with and still do.

@lovecrafthbo

When you watch LoveCraft Country you see what it means to be a smart little girl who happened to be Black. What it means to be a little boy minding his business and gets murdered because he’s Black. To be in the skin of the oppressor and still thank god to be Black. There’s an episode when Ruby(Wunmi Mosaku) has the magic to be a white woman for the day, do you know what she did? She went to a coffee shop, and didn’t have to check if it serviced Blacks or not, She sat at the park and read the newspaper. She literally spent the day not having to worry about the color of her skin. Not having to suck up to anyone, not having to play some role just to make it to the next. She spent her day quiet and peaceful. Take that in. All I can say, this series was everything and the epitome of Black Excellence. I can’t wait for season 2.

An Update on this Awkward Blk Girl

Update on 2020 for this Black Mexican queer bb.

Things are fucked, right? I mean 2020 has truly shown their true colours. But I mean, should we even be surprised? Shit feels like a never ending toxic cycle.
Elections are right around the corner and Trump and his Klan are doing everything in their power to keep dismissing the reality that we have a fucking corrupt justice system and the fact that Black bodies are being murdered. Minneapolis feels surreal. The youth has been outstanding throughout the community. Setting up meal plans for the housing camps throughout the different parks. Dropping off supplies, first aid and making sure families are safe. Through these difficult times we are still coming together. Let’s see… we made it three months and then Jacob Blake was shot and paralyzed from the waist down by police in Kenosha WI. Then our president went to WI just to say there isn’t racism and just made it about himself and showed no fucking respect to Jacob Blake or his family. Again, should we even be surprised?

What really bothers me is the fact that this man and his followers are trying to act like Black bodies haven’t been dying by white hands since they BROUGHT US HERE. Why is this so hard to believe? Is white privilege blinding them to the point of pure ignorance?

It takes actions and change. Real action and change. Not a sign, not a repost, a like or a share. Fuck, this article is not enough either. We all need to take accountability for our actions and intentions. I really want to believe in change but honestly, that shit is so fucking hard. I wake up to so many triggers and traumas and people continuously tell me and other Black/Brown people that we are the problem. Why are they so afraid of us succeeding?

The NBA decided to postpone the Play offs with conditions that empty stadiums become polling places for this year’s Presidential Election. For the first time ever, courts have Black Lives Matters. Players have jerseys that say, “Say Their Names” “Justice Now” “Equality” etc. it’s interesting seeing this especially since I have a feeling that most owners don’t actually give a shit but they want to look like their on the right side of history. Which is even more fucked up since the demographics for them is mostly Black men. But with that being said it’s a beautiful thing that the players are standing up for themselves, and the Black Community. But when they first decided to postpone (obviously now, playoffs are back) people were fucking pissed and calling out players to “shut up and play.” Motherfuckers are more interested in Black bodies scoring points and making them money then fighting for real justice. It’s fucking disgusting.
That’s the best way I can describe 2020 in the US, fucking disgusting.

Honestly, who knows what the election will bring or how this year will end. It feels like all we as Black people can do is to continue to fight the struggle, continue calling out people, companies, cities and states that just want things to go back to the status quo. THATS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

I’ll leave you with this, you are the company you keep. Call out your friends, family and work. Use your privilege to help Black and Brown people.

KEEP FUCKING FIGHTING ✊🏾
BLACK LIVES MATTER ✊🏾

Summer Walker : Life on Earth EP

Summer Walker has blessed us with an EP during these trying times. Personally, not as good as Over It when it comes to production but with that being said it doesn’t feel over produced. This EP feels raw and truthful. It’s screams, this is my vibe, if you can’t fuck with it then move the fuck on.

She gave us a short but sweet 16 minute EP to remind us of love, vibing and the reality that even through a pandemic and revolution, we still have our silly shit to go through. My favorite tracks are Let Go, White Tee and My Affection.
Lyrics that stood out:

“Once I give you this dick, Ima ruin your life.” -SWV ft. No1- NOAH

“You still got it in your head that I’m super caught up, I’m not.” -My Affection ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR

“Throw is all on me.” - White Tee ft. No1-NOAH

”I bet you wanna cum on me.” -White Tee ft. No1-NOAH

Photography by @ro.lexx

What I do appreciate from this EP, is Walkers sense of vulnerability, which she does show in many of her tracks but this one comes off more low key. More innocent, more passionate. She’s Sultry yet sounds soft, shy almost.

NO JUSTICE NO PEACE

I’ve waited awhile to say anything about the current events that have my home, Minneapolis make national news. You see, everything that white and non-Black people are starting to realize and “see” We, Black people ALREADY FUCKING KNEW. So instead of sad, shocked and disbelief, we have been saying the same shit for decades. I guess I’m just wondering, HOW MANY MORE BLACK PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE? Because the bodies are still stacking up.

I mean let’s keep it real, if motherfuckers didn’t start burning shit, George Floyd would just be another name added to the list. Apparently white people are tired of police brutality and now motherfuckers wanna “change” shit. Let’s see if this becomes real change or just a trend. I really hope people see the blatant broken justice system that we have. A system that’s been manipulated to keep us in our lanes.

Honestly, shit has been crazy yet normalized already. My neighborhood, North Minneapolis was under attack. The community came together real hard. We collected and distributed goods to residents. We came together and had our own neighborhood watch.
BLACK PEOPLE ARE RESILIENT. Our survival trait to a world that is constantly wants to knock us down. Covid + Revolution. 2020 is wild. Fourth of July is right around the corner, yet it’s like who’s America? Or Amerikkka.
CELEBRATE FOR WHAT?

My mental health has also been tested lately. (Obviously) I feel like I keep telling everyone I’m alright. Everything is okay. Default answers to mediocre questions. It’s amazing how frustrating it can be for a society trying so hard to make me believe they give a shit. Mainly cooperations and brands, whom I hope they really do but I still have this feeling in the bottom of my stomach.
BLACK PEOPLE ARE NOT URE TOKEN. FALL ALL THE WAY BAAAAAAAAAAAAACK.

This doesn’t end on some note where I believe everything is fixed and racism is over. Fuck that. Shit is just beginning. Voices are just getting heard. People are just now getting seen. Like uncomfortably seen.
SO, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
LETS FIGHT THIS SHIT TOGETHER, YEAH?

CHIKA: Industry Games

Jane Oranika, aka Chika is one of the most original artist I’ve listen to in a long time. She brings me soo much joy whenever I hear her rap. Originally from Alabama, this 23 year old has made her path and can only keep going further from here.

Chika is known for her 2017 #EgoChallenge when she promoted body positivity through Beyoncé’s song Ego. She also released a Pride theme remix of Ed Sherman’s Shape of You. In 2018, Chika went viral for her freestyle over Kanye West’s Jesus Walks. You might also remember her on Jimmy Kimmel Live when she performed Richey vs. Alabama the song that addresses Alabama’s 2019 abortion bill. She also kills the game when she’s featured in a Calvin Klein Campaign promoting body positivity and for people to #stopshamingfatbodies.

Chika is a true inspiration because she’s being her self, telling it like it is, but also taking action when she sees fit! Do yourself a favor and listen to the whole album. It’s track to fucking track!

An Awkward Black Girl’s Guide to Surviving COVID-19

Shit is getting real and it’s not like being a POC isn’t hard enough now we have to navigate through a pandemic! Okay Universe, we see you! But on some real levels, I hope everyone is staying safe and staying home if possible and genuinely taking care of yourself!

There’s a lot of uncertainty going on and I know that can add a lot of stress to your life. Especially to my WOC out there! Please know that you’re not alone.
A lot of people are either still working because they can or they have to. Some of us are laid off right now and wondering what to do next. Don’t forget to look up the rules in your state, I know a lot are applying for unemployment, and if you’re eligible, fucking do it. Don’t have too much pride. The world is in a crisis and you need to do what’s best for you and yours.

Throughout all the unknowns I thought I would make a list of things I have been doing to keep sane and hopefully it works for you too!

1. SMOKING HELLA WEED, seriously. I’m just tryna keep the nerves down and the anxiety at a minimum.

2. Only allowing myself an hour or two of news a day. Luckily in my state (MN) our Governor has a conference every week day at 2pm to keep everyone updated on what’s going on in our state so I usually just listen to that and move the fuck on.

3. FaceTime, Snapchat, Zoom. Whatever you got use it to stay updated with your friends. My closest friends and I have a group on Snapchat to keep up with communication and leave videos on what’s going on our daily lives. This is especially nice now since a lot of us at just going to work and home.

4. Allocate time for outdoor activities if you are able to. We can still go out do I make time for 1-2 hrs outside walking my dog. Or you can go ride your bike, do some yoga, feel the sun. Whatever makes you feel good.

5. Find your creative side! Start painting, drawing, write a screenplay, anything that will spark your imagination and make you forget the fuckery even if it’s for a minute. I’ve also been picking up new hobbies, bought a puzzle and a LEGO set! Shit is actually fun.

6. Spring Cleaning! I mean shit, you’re already at home, might as well clean and organize your space. Open some windows, light a candle and create the space you always wanted.

7. TV! Make a list of shows that always look interesting but you weren’t sure about! Watch something you might not would have. There are so many documentaries out there! My personal favorites are Korean Dramas! More recommendations include: Shrill, High Fidelity (Hulu) Uncorked, Vampires, On my Block (Netflix)

8. Remember that you’re only human. Emotions are real. To feel scared of to feel indifferent is normal. And someone with a deep depression, sometimes all I do after work is lay in bed. AND THATS OKAY! Do what you need to do to get through this. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, if you’re able to be there for someone or help other people, go for it.
We don’t know how long all this shit is gonna last so we have to show compassion, patience and love. Please know if there is anything I can help with don’t hesitate to reach out!

Here is a link for resources around Mental Health and Covid-19: https://namimn.org/support/mental-health-support-and-information-on-covid-19/

BLESSED BE MY LOVES 🖤