Raven K.’s Post

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.

If we and to get to a place where all lives matter, then we have to make sure that black lives matter, too. - Alicia Garza 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁? 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲! #BlackHistoryMonth #ICanHelpU2 #homeownership #realestatetips

"This is My Brain on Anxiety: The Detailed Experience of an Anxious, Black Woman", is a one-woman, 5-part, creatively, curated live production that unravels and reveals the personal and cultural journey of a black woman navigating through anxiety. Through the art of storytelling, music and graphics, Mia Love Live chronicles the experience. https://lnkd.in/efwxVPbM

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

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

"Embrace the elegance of Black beauty with our stunning model lineup! 💫 Celebrating diversity and empowerment, our models redefine standards and inspire confidence. Join us in showcasing the beauty of Black excellence. #BlackBeauty #ModelEmpowerment #DiverseBeauty #EmpoweringModels #BeautyRedefined #ModelDiversity #BlackExcellence #BeautyStandards #InclusiveFashion #RepresentationMatters #EmpowermentCampaign #CelebrateDiversity"

Again, did I not just elude to this very fact on my original post about the #betawards? 🤷🏽♀️ Checkout @prenticepowell1906 thoughts. *Language Alert* My thoughts after watching the @betawards #Brilliantly done by those who are really in control. Using amazing writers & artist who DO TRULY care about the progress of our people to mask a hidden message that they cannot control. They baited us with the “it’s about US” intro and proceeded to feed us HOURS of ass in the name of Black Excellence. They fed us more flesh than Magic City in the name of black excellence. Then they sprinkled a beautiful moment of two little girls performing (Be You) to remind us that the children are the future & proceeded to give us more ass shaking immediately after . But what they didn’t feed us was the powerful speech Usher gave about black Fatherhood, perseverance, accountability & forgiveness. They muted that. And it got me to thinking… If I still thought with my genitalia, I’d be pleased. But what else should I expect from a NON BLACK OWNED network that has managed to convince the elites of black entertainment that @bet is their home? And if it were truly our home, why didn’t I see MORE women that reminded me of my momma, aunties & cousins performing? Why so much hyper sexualization of black women? Why does that have to be the leading image? Especially given the amount of black women behind the scenes who make this show poppin. There comes a point in time where we have to stop asking ourselves if there’s an agenda. We must consider the idea that our love and passion for each other and our culture is still being exploited in an extremely clever way. I feel there was a HUGE lack of balance. After watching the awards show, I feel like they’re telling us exactly what they think of Us, while using US to do it.And they’re giving us just enough influence for us to feel like we are in control of the narrative. And it’s a masterful thing to watch. So my question is when do we demand more from ourselves and them? When do we sacrifice our presence,the likes & views that we’ll receive from attending for a better representation of our culture?

I admit that I struggle at times to use the right words. I know what I feel inside, but I can get tongue tied and then frustrated. Talking about race as a white woman to other white people is easy when we're on the same page. It's not as easy when I emphatically disagree with someone's racist (and sexist, ableist, anti-LGBTQ+) beliefs and /or ignorance because I try hard to change their minds. I struggle to have patience. Because I don't have patience for anyone who is anti any particular group of people. Their minds won't change. And I know this. Hence my frustration. I clearly am not using an appropriate approach. I'm learning a lot here on LinkedIn, which I'm appreciate of. Here's an example; a word I wasn't familiar with (being honest); "decentered". It's spot on. Check out this post below from Janice Gassam Asare, Ph.D. (Thank you for creating this post!) I highly recommend you read the comments as well.

Psychological Safety at work!!! This is such an important point. First, we have all experienced the “buffoonery “ of diversity and representation without inclusion. Our current Government is given as an example. Second, leaders, when you get around to recruiting “the first….” into your organisation and especially to your board or to senior leader roles what do you do to protect their mental well-being? My personal experience having been “the first” in 99% of my roles was being thrown to a pack of wolves who thought my Black body was there for sport rather than because of my talent and the opportunity for collaboration. It’s horrific and not everyone survives. Talk to me or any racial equity consultant if you want to prevent and/or repair this psychological assault on global majority employees. We deserve to be protected. The Equalities Act 2010 says so. And we are not the ones creating the hostile environment. #psychological safety #racial mediation