007. Looking Inward, Resources, Art
and A Note of Love
If you follow me on Instagram or YouTube, you may have noticed my lack of presence. First and foremost, that is to allow space, platform, and time for those who need to be heard.
But it was also so I could put in the time to educate myself through research, literature, listening to a myriad of voices, and, most importantly, looking within myself. I’m responsible for my actions, and I want to be clear in knowing what I stand for and why, while looking for reputable policies for the long-term before taking action. And when I did, the efforts felt right instead of rushed. (I am for Black Lives Matter, the movement, and police reform. For human life and rights; no more violence and brutality.)
After many discussions with family and friends, they've taught me not to feel scared to share or feel I'm imposing my ideas on others (another reason I was absent on social media), especially if it comes from a place of love and respect.
There are plenty of lists out there, but here are just a few resources that helped me get started, and a few Black artists and their works that I deeply respect and admire as fellow man and creative.
#8cantwait: This is a group of 8 actionable steps that allow for immediate change. You can select your city and see which of these eight are not enacted yet. Then just below, they offer ways to contact your mayor to put these policies into action. They also provide a script or drafted email for you!
Campaign ZERO: (started the #8cantwait initiative) Comprehensive policy solutions to end police violence. This is a very detailed website. They speak to the problem and provide research on each proposed policy, analytical reports from 2015 and on (they've been around for a bit), and ways to get involved or donate.
Fifteen Percent Pledge: A petition that calls on major retailers to pledge 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Where our dollars go matters. This gives an incredible opportunity not only to provide exposure for Black-owned companies but also to provide a tangible solution past this week for long-term growth. You can find them here on Instagram (@15percentpledge) and, if inclined, reach out to smaller businesses to pledge the same.
I think by now, you know I have a deep appreciation for art. It manifests itself in words, imagery, and music, and most often to me in film. Here are a few I've been thinking about recently by Black directors, cast and crew. Each has changed my perspective, taught me something more profound, and above all, make me fall in love with art all over again. Including some composers as well that I’ve been particularly enjoying (both old and new to me).
Spike Lee / When The Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts: I had a Black professor at Parsons who taught me so much about film (though the course she taught wasn't film-related). When she played this, I truly saw the power of documentary film for the first time. This 2 episode docu-series is the reason I watch documentary film and television today. It also won a Peabody Award and three Emmys for Outstanding Cinematography, Sound Mixing, and Sound Editing in Nonfiction Programming.
Steve McQueen / Widows: Steve McQueen is one of my top five favorite directors. His films are seared into my brain. He's a fearless director and storyteller, and his work speaks to incredibly difficult, uncomfortable, but significant subjects. I chose to feature his most recent film not because it's his best one, but because few films have a scene where it unveils a genuinely fresh, jaw-dropping take in filmmaking.
Ava DuVernay / When They See Us: DuVernay needs no introduction. She unfailingly delivers emotional, relevant, and meaningful work. Everyone knows the Central Park Five/Jogger case, and though it happened in 1989, the case itself is as relevant today as it was then. The direction was great, but the acting was superb. And from such a young group of talent as well.
Jeffrey Mumford: First and foremost, I hope he scores an original soundtrack for a film someday! All his music is so visceral, and I think it would lend greatly to cinema. Mumford has composed classical music consistently since the '80s. I'm listing all three albums available on Spotify because they're all worth the listen.
Kamasi Washington: For Jazz fans, Washington is a contemporary composer and producer. Highly recommend his 2015 album The Epic, and 2017 Harmony of Difference EP.
Jessie Montgomery: She is the trifecta: composer, violinist, and music educator. She's long worked with The Sphinx Organization, a Detroit-based national organization working to transform lives through the arts supporting young Black and Latinx string musicians. Her 2014 piece 'Banner' was commissioned by The Sphinx Organization to honor the 200th anniversary of the 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'
It's been amazing to talk to people on a personal level and sit in a bit of uncomfortable to communicate and learn from one another. I'm very thankful for every one in my life (family, old and new friends) and strive to show others the love and grace they've taught me. Even within our loved ones there is divide, but we’re all fighting the same fight and in this together. We can be loud, and still, be kind.
Ending with a few more messages of love as we move towards a better self and a better country together.
Click on the image above or here to watch the Crwnmag (Editor-In-Chief Lindsey Farrar hosts) and Noni Limar IGTV live yesterday morning! Noni hosts the All Heart Podcast, and here’s a link to the “We Were Born For This” podcast episode she referenced.
Click on image above or here to go to post. The description is worth a read!
Links to photographers (clockwise starting from top left):
As always, you can reply directly to this email if you want to chat privately or comment! Please remain kind and respectful to one another in the comments, and know this is a safe space, and I welcome all perspectives. Thank you for reading. I’ll be returning to social media on June 9th and sharing more soon. I hope you are well. Sending love.
thank you for highlighting this list of Black creatives, maggie! I'm super excited to watch the films that you mentioned, and check out all the resources that you provided!