Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 622

Mark Anthony Neal on #Lemonade: The Salon Interview

Salon's Scott Timberg speaks to African American Studies scholar Mark Anthony Neal about #Lemonade, R&B, celebrity, and Bey's take on masculinity.

When we see the scene in the forgiveness portion of the film, which is “Sandcastles” on the album, I can’t remember ever seeing such a tender portrayal of black masculinity – especially by someone of the hip-hop generation — than we see at that moment. Because we know who it is, but someone who makes his living with his mouth is rendered silent. And we have to read through that scene with his gestures. We see in his gestures someone who is loving, who is sorry, who is looking for redemption. It’s just a powerful scene.

She’s doing a range of things here. When the [infidelity] rumors started to circulate two years ago, what I always found amazing is that periodically she would flash photos of her with Jay and Blue. It was almost as if [she were saying], “Even if he’s a bad husband, a bad partner, he’s a good father, and I’m not going to let the court of public opinion disparage the man who is, when all is said and done, the father of my daughter.”

Read the Full Interview at Salon

Diaspora Hypertext: Queen Ya Ya of the Washitaw Nation is The Mardi Gras Indian Of #Lemonade

Queen Ya Ya of the Washitaw Nation is The Mardi Gras Indian Of #Lemonade
by JMJAfrx | Diaspora Hypertext

Thank you to Cherice Harrison-Nelson, Big Queen of the Guardians of the Flame Maroon Society (@queenreesie on Twitter), for identifying Queen Ya Ya and giving me permission to share that id. Queen Cherice and other Queens have done a huge amount of work to make sure the work, culture, and lifestyle of the Mardi Gras Indians remain a visible and indispensable part of New Orleans history and culture. This has included drawing attention to the work of the Queens and highlighting their importance within the community.

Jessica Marie Johnson, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor of History | Michigan State University | Twitter/IG/Tumblr: @jmjafrx | Facebook: jmjohnsophd

Do Black Women Age Slower Than White Women?

On the science of Black Women's Aging. -- +Fusion 

In the Zone: Dwayne "Pearl" Washington's Legacy

'Dwayne "Pearl" Washington, may have only played three seasons in the NBA, but as a playground, high school, and college player, he was something of a Brooklyn legend.' -- +BRIC TV 

Russell Simmons: A Mindful Diet is a Plant-Based Diet

'Being awake and aware means you're unlikely to participate in "the biggest karmic disaster in the world," says legendary music producer Russell Simmons, by which he means eating meat. Simmons’ latest book is The Happy Vegan: A Guide to Living a Long, Healthy, and Successful Life.' -- +Big Think  
 

The Dangerous Myth Of Violent Muslim Radicalization

'We're always hearing about Muslim “radicals” and how the American Muslim community has a “radicalization” problem. President Obama has even told the Muslim community to “push back” even more against “extremism.” But here's the thing: All of that's based on a bunk theory of “radicalization.”' -- +AJ+  

Warsan Shire: "Questions for the Woman I Was Last Night"

Bakari Kitwana on The Ferguson Effect and the Evolution of Black Youth Protests

'Although the term "The Ferguson Effect" has come to be discussed and defined in mainstream media as a rise in crime as a result of the Ferguson protests following the police killing of Mike Brown in August 2014, Bakari Kitwana offers an alternative definition: the boldness of a new generation of Black youth, inspired by the Ferguson protest movement, to stand up against racial oppression at a mass level for the first time in the US since the activist movements of the late 1960s and early the 1970s.'-- TEDxBinghampton

Questlove on Prince + Doo-Wop + The Food Equivalent Of The 'Mona Lisa'

'Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, the drummer and leader of The Tonight Show's house band The Roots, says he's obsessed with the creative process. His new book, somethingtofoodabout, is a collection of his interviews with chefs about how art and creativity apply to their preparation and presentation of food.' 

Artist Theaster Gates Turns Chicago’s Empty Spaces into Incubators for Culture

'An internationally recognized artist, Theaster Gates is well versed on how to shape materials into meaningful forms. But Gates applies those principles to more than just art -- he’s also a renowned urban developer who shapes downtrodden neighborhoods into community gathering places and low-cost housing. Gates joins Jeffrey Brown to explore the intersection of art and activism.' -- +PBS NewsHour