Happy Olivia Rodrigo day to all who celebrate!
Like many of us, I’ve been thinking a lot about Beyonce recently. I left her show in Atlanta feeling motivated to work harder. I’ve spent the past couple of years having moments of joy when it comes to work but mostly being overwhelmed by the state of things and the difficulties that come with telling stories about marginalized communities. (*glares in recent Atlanta media drama.*) But it just feels wrong to not put in 200% when she walks this earth giving us so much, ya know?
There’s something really, really inspiring about watching a 42-year-old Black woman from the south cement her status as the greatest living entertainer. Watching her do so while prioritizing fun over perfection during this tour and BEAMING with pride while dancing with her daughter is truly the icing on the cake.
Beyonce is 1 of 1. But watching her really does make you want to be your best at whatever it is you do.
I’m working hard on a few things today (a new script for the podcast, an interview and some research for a few forthcoming stories, some revisions, etc.) so that I can unplug for a bit this weekend. The TikTok girlies call the mindless games on Nintendo Switch “Cozy Games” and these are exactly what I plan to spend my weekend playing. I originally bought the device for my boyfriend almost two years ago but I use it a lot more than he does these days. (Not that anyone asked but I’m currently enjoying Overcooked 2.)
Recent Work
Love Letter from Kokomo for Oxford American
For Oxford American’s Southern Film Issue, I wrote about D. Smith’s Kokomo City documentary and the ways it highlights four trans women and their experiences with sex work in Atlanta and New York.
WABE’s The Boom podcast
The Boom has officially been out for one month! Episode four of the podcast published today and it highlights an actress who decided to become bicoastal so that she could work within Atlanta’s film and TV scene. Previous episodes touched on the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, and the BronzeLens Film Festival.
Thank you so much for all of the love we’ve received so far! If you listen to the podcast, please rate us and leave a comment!
Current Favs.
A crackdown on ‘woke’ coverage is tearing Atlanta magazine apart by Laura Wagner for Washington Post
The conversation on this article has died down since it published last week, but it’s an important one. Atlanta magazine has made important strides and done important work in recent years. We (the POC and queer writers who have contributed to the publication) deserve better. So do our sources.
Beyonce tributing Tia & Tamera Mowry
The skill. The improvisation. The admiration.
Young Nudy’s Peaches & Eggplants remix ft. Latto and Sexyy Red
There are no words to describe just how much I love this ignorant song from Nudy and Savage. It’s not touching the original, but I’m very happy they let the ladies get in on the NSFW fun.
Jordan Ward’s moreward(FORWARD) album
Dancer-turned-singer Jordan Ward re-released his debut album Forward last month, prompting me to revisit the project. It’s the perfect listen for a transitional September day, when summer is sort-of-but-not-really-over and you’re already looking forward to the next season.
YSL Corner
Cordarius Dorsey, a defendant in the ongoing YSL RICO case was convicted of murder in a separate trial this week. You likely know Dorsey from the courtroom videos of his erratic behavior. Thug’s attorneys have cited this “unprofessional and unacceptable” behavior in a motion to sever Dorsey’s case from the other seven defendants in the racketeering trial. Judge Glanville has not yet ruled on the issue.
Really enjoying the podcast so far. Love hearing about the industry here in Atlanta.
Thanks for putting me onto Kokomo City! Just rented it on YouTube to watch. I also started listening to King Slime on your rec. Keep the culture coming!