By Roger Catlin — 2021
Works of art create a picture of activism and resilience, and reenforce the strength of black culture across generations.
Read on www.smithsonianmag.com
CLEAR ALL
While visiting historically Black campuses, I began to reimagine what my college experience could be.
“Even with these health consequences, we can see the benefits of taking a stand because people are fighting for what they believe in and protecting people’s lives,” Sumner said. “I don’t think the answer is to stop altogether. It speaks to how critical it is to engage in self-care.
Will the Black church become White? It sounds like a strange question. When my family watched the 2021 PBS documentary on the Black church, I noted the assumption by some of those interviewed that the Black church received its faith and theology as a part of the transatlantic slave trade.
There is no “one size fits all” language when it comes to talking about race.
From songs referencing grandma’s backyard garden to lyrics ripping government for destroying the water supply, many hip hop artists seamlessly weave climate justice into their sounds. After all, being sustainably savvy is how their grandparents and great-grandparents survived.
It’s hard to be a joyful Black creative on a good day; to pour your being into beautiful work amid ongoing injustices is already taxing. And during the current unprecedented and uncertain times, reclaiming and protecting that Black joy may feel particularly difficult.
The model, artist and photographer made history when she walked the Moschino runway in her chair this season. She’s also the first creative we’re spotlighting from the BTF100, debuting today.
The 1960s and ’70s stand as an era of artistic community — of collectives: musicians and writers, artists and architects, photographers and filmmakers listening, arguing and creating with each other. Now they're rediscovering their power.
So many of the little rituals I have each day—like my makeup or skincare routine—do help soothe and/or rejuvenate me. For me, any type of solo practiced routine is good. But I’ve learned that self-care does not, and cannot, sustain me. And I believe that this may be the case for many of you.
Who owns your identity, and how can old ways of thinking be replaced?
1