Spectra Speaks
I don’t doubt for one second that criticism of Hollywood plays an important role in keeping Hollywood accountable. But black women owe it to each other to more frequently use our voices to highlight our resistance, our power, ways in which artists of color have been resourceful, increasing support and visibility for the projects that will get us closer to the future we wish to see, because it is possible.
I’m sharing the remarks I gave at the MA Women United Against the War on Women rally in Boston (in poem-ish form). I found myself thinking about the concept of “unity,” and the fact that so many women of color, immigrants, transgender women etc are often left out of mainstream women’s movements. There isn’t just a war on women, but a war amongst women slowing our progress. Until we end that, we are not united.
I actually want to have fun during Halloween this year. I don’t want to feel constantly triggered by offensive costumes. I actually want to smile at kids when they come trick or treating. I want to carve my first pumpkin without being cheered on by coworkers in blackfaced Bob Marley costumes. I don’t want to be angry. I actually want to have fun. But the racist costumes out there make it so difficult. Am I the only person of color and/or immigrant in this predicament?
About Me
Meet Spectra: Queer Nigerian Afrofeminist Writer and Media Activist. Social Entrepreneur Nurturing Principled Diaspora and Women's Philanthropy in Media and Tech. Self-Care and Self-Love Evangelist. Idealist Warrior Woman. Big Dreamer. Big Thinker. Big Doer, Too.
Latest Pins on Pinterest
Twitter
Facebook
GooglePlus
Youtube
Racism and LGBT Rights: Where are the African Films in the South African LGBT Film Festival?
South Africa’s 19th Out in Africa LGBT Film Festival opens this weekend and there is certainly no shortage of films about women, quite an achievement to note given how often the LGBT community is depicted as male. Yet, within the context of Africa, the LGBT community is also frequently perceived (and depicted) as white and western. So, my question is: where are all the black South African films in this “African” LGBT festival?