whoa worthy.

"Dear White people" is a satire about being a black face in a white place. It follows black students at a PWI (predominantly white institution) where a riot breaks out in response to a black themed party. It tackles the idea of a "post-racial America" and black identity. So far they have raised 13,000 out of 25,000 for the film and they have 29 days left to fund raise for this film. The larger your donation, the bigger the perks (apparel, seats at the table read, credit love, etc). You can donate at donate to 'dear white people' here .

I am not supporting this film because it is about black people. I am supporting this film because it is controversial, thought-provoking, and insightful. We don't always need typical Tyler Perry films and T.D. Jakes love stories (no offense). We need something that everyone can relate to! Any who, the cinematography looks great and I think it's something worth checking out.

3 Documentaries You Need to See

"Bastards of the Party"
This Documentary was produced by Alex Demyanenko and former Blood gang member, Cle Sloan. Focused on the gangs of Los Angeles, California, it traces the history, stigmas, and myths regarding gang life. When i came to college, i realized that people outside of my hometown had so many misinterpretations of gangs. Even more so, People could not fathom how REAL it is to fear for your brothers, sons, cousins, and safety of loved ones. It's so informative and so interesting.


"Four Little Girls" 
This Documentary by Spike Lee is phenomenal. Brutal, raw, and touching, it serves to bring light to the racial and social injustice in Alabama during the 1960s. Based around the Birmingham church burnings in 1963, this film is SO necessary. Our generation has a tendency to remove ourselves from anything that did not happen ...last year. This movie humanizes the event and causes the audience to be accountable for their own sense of humanity. 


"An Inconvenient Truth"
Al Gore's 2006 documentary about societal strain on the environment is informative, groundbreaking and sound. Although there is more information about Gore than i would have cared to see, it is still so interesting to watch. I have never seen so much QUALITY information and so many valid arguments being placed on the screen at a time. It's kind of crazy, actually. This is a film that you have to watch a few times... to keep your conscience afloat. (BTW, most people have seen this documentary. If you have not, get on it!)

amiri baraka

listen. understand. internalize.

5 books you need to read:

In no particular order:

1. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
It's blowing up for a reason. Although i may be cheating by putting a trilogy as number one, the books are so good that you will breeze through them all. don't miss the bandwagon.

2. At the Dark End of the Street by Danielle L. McGuire
"Black Women, Rape and Resistance- a New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power". 'Nuff said. Actually, that's not enough. This book reinvents our preconceived and distorted perceptions of the civil rights movement. Who knew Rosa Parks was a secret investigator for the NAACP ? Read this book.

3. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Sometimes, you have to read books in order to think critically. Although it is a lengthy read, it is an important novel that contextualizes the concept of "The Old South". Before you read the book, keep in mind that many southerners teach this racist, problematic, FICTIONAL novel as history in high schools.

4. Awkward Family Photos by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack
Maybe you do not like reading? lol. Well, this book is hilarious. It is filled with the cheesiest, corniest, most uncomfortable family portraits. I stumbled upon this book at Urban Outfitters and it might provide a good laugh. Google search the cover, it's funny in itself.

5.  The Giver by Lois Lowry
Although the book is often called a children's novel, it is VERY intense. There are a lot of DEEP implications in the novel and it's definitely worth reading. It's a classic. 

i am NOT Trayvon Martin

wow.

white people & the "N" word.

Tim Wise spoke at Spelman a few weeks ago and one of my bestfriend's attended. She told me that this white guy was really thought-provoking and approached race in an entirely new way. I thought that was cool but didn't give him a real chance until his name was brought up again in another class. I checked him out. You should too. Tim Wise: