Gabrielle Zuniga’s Post

How Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter” Reimagines Black Storytelling Beyoncé's "act II" with the "Renaissance" album " CowBoy Carter" and her "ivy park rodeo" drop that launched 4 years ago has the internet buzzing this week! It was right in front of us this whole time!! Beyond the fashion and music, there's a deeper story unfolding. It's a revival of Black cultural ownership and a powerful reclamation of narratives stolen from us. ✊🏾 For centuries, Black contributions to country music and Western wear have been downplayed or erased. Now, we're seeing a new generation, like Beyoncé, proudly embracing their inner cowboy and cowgirl. This isn't just a trend; it's a reclamation of our heritage and a celebration of Black joy in unexpected spaces. Here's what we can learn from Beyonce’s Act II": Storytelling with Soul: Beyoncé's visuals will be rich with symbolism, weaving together historical references with modern interpretations. This layered storytelling invites us to connect with the past, present, and future of Black culture. Beyond the Product: "Act II - Cowboy Carter" isn't just selling songs; it's selling a feeling, a connection to a BROADER narrative. This approach allows brands to build deeper relationships with their audience. Community Building: By celebrating Black ownership of the Western aesthetic, Beyoncé strengthens the Black community. Brands can use storytelling to foster similar connections within their own communities. Let's spread the story! We can amplify Black voices by: Supporting Black-owned businesses in fashion, music, and storytelling. Sharing historical accounts of Black contributions to country music and Western culture. Demanding diverse representation in media and advertising campaigns. Think about all the other cultures with untold stories. Dig deep, my friends. Together, we can rewrite the narrative. Let's use storytelling to celebrate Black excellence YEAR AROUND, honor our history, and build a more meaningful future. #BlackExcellence #CulturalReclamation #ActII #Beyonce #marketing #campaigns #Socialtrends #cowboycarter #socialmedia

Happy Juneteenth everyone! ✊ I'm currently watching a really inspiring Netflix documentary about the creation of the first Black Barbie. It's a great reminder of the power of representation. Seeing yourself reflected in the world around you is so important, and that's a big reason why my portrait art focuses on celebrating Black beauty in all its forms. What are your thoughts on representation? Share your stories in the comments! #Juneteenth #BlackArt #RepresentationMatters

“… it’s important for industry ‘gatekeepers’ (creative directors, recruiters, etc) to recognize how differences in culture might show up in the portfolios of Black designers and to confront potential biases in their reviewing standards.” Only 28 pages into “Extra Bold: A feminist, inclusive, anti-racist, nonbinary field guide for graphic designers” and already I’ve had so many realizations of the systemic bias in the design and creative sectors (interactive media, games, advertising, product design, film/television, etc) that would be impacting the industries’ ability to become more diverse and inclusive. Not to finger wave at others - it’s leading me to reflect on my role in upholding bias when I was an educator in interactive media. Image description: photo of the cover of the book “Extra Bold: A feminist, inclusive, anti-racist, nonbinary field guide for graphic designers” by Ellen Lupton, Farah Kafei, Jennifer Tobias, Josh A. Halstead, Kaleena Sales, Leslie Xia, Valentina Vergara.

This Black History Month, I choose to get off the sidelines and commit 30% of whatever I make to a black-owned small business, a black creator, and a foundation that directly impacts the black community. I’m calling this commitment “Circle 30.” Circle 30 is a personal pledge that I’m making public and building a creative concept around because I believe too often we dismiss our ideas as unworthy to stand by with the full weight of our convictions and stifle our opportunities to impact the world for the better. As activism, allyship, and diversity and inclusion efforts fall out of favor for brands, businesses, and industry leadership, the plight of Black Americans moves from a truth to contend with to an interpretation to dismiss in favor of one more preferred. In a report done by the US Department of Labor, researchers projected the complete erasure of Black Americans' net worth within the next thirty years if we continue on this trajectory. I refuse to contribute to that trend when it’s within my capacity to do otherwise. If you’d like to support head to the link below 👇🏾. #blackhistorymonth #blackcommunity #communitybuilding #marketing #advertising https://lnkd.in/ehKdDRnz

What do a black dress, the Culture Map, and I have in common? Recently, I stepped into a global role, confident in the wealth of experience I had accumulated over the years. I believed I was well-equipped to handle the complexities of cultural differences. However, there are so much more to learn… I complimented a friend on her black dress, suggesting that a beautiful, big necklace could enhance its elegance and volume. To my surprise, she interpreted my comment as a critique, thinking I implied the dress made her look larger. It made me realize how often we fail to truly see and hear the signals around us. This revelation led me to revisit "The Culture Map." This book, with its entertaining examples and structured approach, provides a comprehensive guide to understanding cultural differences. But its most profound lesson is the simple advice: **"We have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth. Use them proportionally."** This advice underscores the importance of observation and listening. By prioritizing these senses over speaking, we can better understand and appreciate the perspectives of others in a globalized world. #CulturalIntelligence #GlobalLeadership #TheCultureMap #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #ListeningSkills

The brilliant Issa Rae flipped the script with "Insecure" - not only for "awkward black girls" 😉 but in the show's groundbreaking portrayal of black men. My friend Sarah M'Panzu shared a really cool video analysis that breaks it down far better than I could: [https://lnkd.in/eeFVhbwS] But here are my 3 takeaways as to why Insecure was revolutionary for black male representation and why it's REALLY worth the watch: 1️⃣ It showcased a diverse array of black male characters - from wealthy professionals to starving artists - challenging typical black stereotypes and offering a refreshing, nuanced take on black masculinity. #EmbracingDiversity 2️⃣ Through characters like Jared, Daniel and Nathan, Issa redefined success - chasing passion over paycheques and finding beauty in fulfilment beyond society's standards. Her nuanced writing humanised these men, showing that success comes in many forms - not just six-figure corporate jobs.  3️⃣ Most powerfully, Issa centralised the stories of privileged black professionals navigating universal challenges like love, identity, and purpose. Their blackness was not the sole focus - it simply shaped relatable human narratives we could all connect with. #HighlightedUniversalNarratives Insecure reminds us that when media depicts our full, diverse selves, we feel truly seen and I'm here for this kind of representation! 🙌 But ultimately that's my long-winded way of saying I need a new show to watch! 🤣 Question: What other shows broke ground with positive BLACK portrayals? Let's make a watchlist. Also if you haven't seen Insecure? It's time to start streaming! You know what to do 😉 #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackRepresentation #Insecure #BlackExcellence #BlackMen #NetflixWatchlist

Celebrating Black: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Diversity. Life is like a canvas filled with different colors, each representing unique experiences and emotions. Black stands out as the king of all colors, holding a special place in my heart. I have a fondness for dark colors, appreciating their depth and richness. However, it's puzzling that society often views darkness negatively. People with darker skin tones may face bullying, an unjust reality considering the paradoxical love for dark colors in clothing and the allure of luxurious black cars. This inconsistency in perception raises questions about societal biases. Much like the crow, an often overlooked creature, diligently cleaning our surroundings by consuming waste, black is underappreciated. Despite its elegance in fashion and aesthetics, the beauty of black is overshadowed by unfounded prejudices. It's time to challenge these stereotypes and break the taboo surrounding black. Black deserves appreciation in every aspect of life. #weekendthoughts #casualwear

Why I don't support the color purples 1.      I don’t understand its purpose or intent. 2.      I am tired of movies that depict black men as brutish savages who hate black women and as childish stupid men who will do anything for lighter skin women. 3.      Thus, reinforcing the inferiority complex of black people and fortifying the false superiority attitude of lighter skin women 4.      In the almost 40 years of the last movie, have black folks not made any strides? Maybe there should be a study how the movie affected black men/women relationship over the last 40 years. 5.      Do American movie producers recognized that they hold some responsibility for the images of black people they perpetuate throughout the world? 6.      How can denigration be entertainment? 7.      Is it not time, that better movies are created about black folks? I thought black lives matters! Yes, we are traumatized people needing to do more self-reflection, emotional regulation and engagement in deep soul redemption to discover our authentic selves, genius, appreciate our beauty and our rich diversity of gifts, talents and tapestry of our complexion Each time we come to a threshold, here come another production to remind and keep the captain of our families in place. Didn’t Mayo Angelo said, “when people know better, they do better.”   It doesn’t seem to apply to the producers of this movie! Isn't it true that many black men have improve on becoming better fathers and husband over this period? I will categorically state that black men are not buffoons. They are our grandfathers, fathers, brothers, sons, grandsons, nephews, cousins, husbands, boyfriend, neighbours, sons-in-law.  2024, I hope that black folks will walk through this year of the open door with love, a knowledge of their beauty, genius and come to rest in the place of self-authencity. Thus, shutting out the screams of those who seek to define them.

PRs TAP IN 💥For some upcoming articles I’m looking to speak to: - A young, Black woman (20s) who is a successful UGC creator - A Black woman in marketing to talk about UGC - A young, Black woman (20-30s) who’s brand is surrounding journaling - A Black MHP to talk about the benefits of journaling. #journorequest

Look, let’s talk about Durags… Firstly, let’s understand what they are and then some brief history and finally let’s talk about how your biases towards them needs checking. So… what are they? “ A durag, also spelled do-rag, and sometimes called a silky, wave cap, or tie-down, is simply a piece of cloth, with tails.”. So… what’s the history? “In the 1930s, during the Harlem Renaissance and Great Depression, the durag was used to maintain hairstyles. During the Black Pride movement of the 1960s and '70s, durags became a fashion statement. In the 1990s, durags were further popularised by rappers like Jay-Z, Nelly, and 50 Cent.” Oh wait you thought it was just a synonym to being a gangster? Or street or cool? Well you’re wrong. So why am I writing this thread? Because? You see a student, a young person with a durag on what’s your immediate feeling? Reaction? Thoughts? This is a rhetorical batch of questions because I need you to reflect on your biases. Essentially it’s a cloth to protect, promote and now normalise natural hair. Change or difference doesn’t mean we are losing something it means we are being enriched by something else. I HATE nothing more when people say, “They had that gangster thing on their head” “why do they have to wear it?” “Why do they want to act like they’re from London.” Stop it. Stop it now.