And Happy Black History Month Again, Am I Right?
Issue 021: Toni's February recap and more
During my absence in February, my gift to myself for BHM was rest. As much as I love writing, this year I'm prioritizing the idiom "quality over quantity." Throughout the month, I felt urges to put something out for you all, but I was also aware that I didn't have the capacity. I'm back, and I'm back stronger.
Some sweet bits:
My mom's 60th birthday was on the 3rd of the month, but my siblings and I pulled off a surprise party for her on the 1st. She had no clue about this, not even mere suspicions, which made the reveal lots of fun and wholesome to witness. Family members that we all haven't seen in a while put time aside to celebrate her, and one thing about my mother: She LOVES family. What a blessing it is to age, to break bread, and take in each other's presence with delight.
A great friend of mine attended a mixer event with me at one of our local libraries. I can't stress enough how important it is to support your libraries! Use the space and resources, show up to gatherings, and keep them alive. This is a third space that can get us informed and involved with others who are seeking the same thing: community as we fight against the oligarchic society we're facing.
The stoplight mixer allowed participants to mingle with strangers, those seeking relationships, friendships, or just wanting to meet new people without a set desire in mind. I met some kind individuals, and as I frequent library events in the near future, I hope to run into them again and make connections with newcomers. It's a breath of fresh air that I implore others to discover.
My Valentine's weekend was a Galentine's extravaganza, really. Eating, crying, cosmos, and drifting off to a state of peace as a live R&B band plays in the background. No complaints.
On the 20th of the month, it was me and my girlfriend's two-year anniversary. I still get the rush of "2 years?!" and other times, it's "that's all?!" But I do know that I'm experiencing everything that I should be at this moment, a devotion that allows us to grow and a love that knows no bounds. She is my bestest friend, and I'm thrilled to make more memories and learn more about her each and every day. Black love forever, you heard?
Some media bits:
I’ve truly missed writing this kind of content, and it’s actively wrapping me in a balm of serenity. Enjoy!
Kelela's live album, In the Blue Light, was released on the 11th. It features performances from her Blue Note Jazz Club debut. I was very lucky to attend one of these shows, and this piece of work shares the healing essence embodied in that room. A reworking of her catalog with additional covers of songs by Betty Carter and Joni Mitchell, In the Blue Light, is a prime example of a jazz-bred musician honoring her roots, and inventing new ways to exhibit this in her ever-evolving sound.
To learn more about Kelela's Blue Note debut, she has released a documentary:
My project has always been to create safety for all marginalized people, but especially for queer Black folks. We’re so used to listening to things when we’re not being centered. We’re so used to stretching our ears to connect. We step into other worlds. I want to provide a place where my audience can feel centered, like… this is my world.
Not to flex or anything, but in a wide shot shown, my head can be seen briefly. My new fun fact!
Gifted to me by a coworker, I'm now starting my first work by author Audre Lorde.
Audre Lorde, "Black, lesbian, feminist, socialist, mother, warrior, poet" has been on my radar for a long time. It's only right as a fellow Black lesbian raised by Caribbean immigrants that I dive into art that I can see myself in. Zami: A New Spelling of My Name is a coming-of-age story told in a form combining biography, myth, and history. I put that highlighter to work just from the acknowledgments:
May I live conscious of my debt to all the people who make life possible.
Excited for all this book will teach me.
Watch Luther: Never Too Much (2024)
dir. Dawn Porter
When people ask me, “Tell me about Luther,” I say, just listen to 'Any Love.'
It's not an easy task to speak to the legacy of Luther Vandross in such little words, or in 101 minutes, but Luther: Never Too Much is a heartfelt tribute to one of the most memorable voices to grace this earth. It's a masterclass in remembrance with anecdotes from close friends and a telling of his struggles in the limelight despite being a gentle soul with enormous talent. Vandross lived an extraordinary life as a Sesame Street veteran, jingle-maker, background singer, songwriter, and successful solo artist. Widespread respect from the public was lacking, and I hope that strikes viewers as he continues to receive his flowers. Luther: Never Too Much is bittersweet, and holds an insightful presence after its conclusion.
Watch One of Them Days (2025)
dir. Lawrence Lamont
Why are you still trying to be in corporate? Do your own thing!
I love films that are about a race against time, and One of Them Days is a chaotic fight for housing security and friendship all in one day. Dreux, played by a star of our times, Keke Palmer, is a mix of charming, silly, and awkward; satisfying representation of my quirky Black women-in-arms. Alyssa, played by R&B songstress Sza, is the male-obsessed friend (spooky, I know) that thrusts the duo into trouble as her boyfriend takes off with their rent money. One of Them Days is both a cautionary tale and a push to evolve, to tap into that shell of potential that's hidden and ignored. Black women, buddy comedies, and fun for the win!
Watch Shakedown (2018)
dir. Leilah Weinraub
If you’re straight, you don’t need to be in the front.
Shakedown follows a trailblazing strip club for the underground Black lesbian scene of Los Angeles in the early 2000s. It's fascinating to watch people exist in a safe space; these women were letting their freak flag fly. Footage of the owner, dancers, and community members paint a picture of the world that has been cultivated. Steamy rooms, no phones, dollar bills scattered on the floor, and women rhythmically gyrating, exuding lust and fantasy. Peep Kelela's cover of Xscape's "Softest Place on Earth" in a club sequence. Shakedown is a raw and unapologetic display of culture. It's either for you or not, and in that distinction, those thriving absolutely deserve it.
You can watch Shakedown for free here:
Watch Hard Truths (2024)
dir. Mike Leigh
Nobody knows the trouble I see, because I don't show it.
A look into grief and loneliness, the focus of Hard Truths is Pansy, a woman who has an issue with anything and everything possible. Her critiques are equally hilarious and infuriatingly grating. Family and strangers alike succumb to her rage, either baffled or indifferent, yet her sister Chantelle challenges her and still tries to be there for her despite their stark differences. I enjoyed how this film explores how anger can be a secondary emotion to deep despair. As unlikeable as Pansy is, empathy comes to the forefront anyway because we're all human. And in itself, that's tough.
Some reflective bits:
It's March 1st, Women's History Month, and still, Black History Month. I'm taking all of February's energy and maximizing it to continue observing myself and those who look like me. In times like this, it's crucial to be witnessed, and experienced, to realize our collective significance. I don't think we'll survive without that connection.
I assembled this post today and after now sharing it with you all, I feel pride and promise.
Happy existing.
I thoroughly enjoyed this month’s episode of
Toni is Typing as I do every time I read. Excellent writing, heartwarming topics, informative content; Toni always hits the mark!
*Love you Niecey!💖