Creative Cravings Vol. 4: Roundup of BLK Creativity to Whet Your Appetite
Black athletes making history at the Olympics and Black folks being amazing everywhere else! You know the vibes—legendary greatness, unmatched swag, and all-around awesomeness!
Welcome to Creative Cravings on THE BLK PRSPCTV, your bi-weekly destination for creative things to whet your appetite. Twice a month on Thursdays, I bring you a roundup of the latest happenings, notable exhibitions, cultural reflections, and more, shaping the cultural landscape.
For this installment, I want to say I am super proud of every Black person who kicked ass at the Olympics. Whether they won a medal or not, just being there is a win!
Today in BLK History: Aug. 8, 1986
Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It" premieres in theaters.
On this day in 1986, Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It" burst onto the screen, shaking the cinematic world. Without question, this low-budget independent movie, with its gutsy narrative and storied characters, sealed Black cinema's place in the global imagination and introduced the world to Nola Darling.
This movie was shot in just 12 days with a budget of $175,000; Spike hustled to get this indie gem made. He wrote, directed, and even appeared in the film, which captures the vibrant life of Brooklyn and lets the world know that Black stories are worthy of spotlighting. Spike Lee didn't make a movie. He made history.
Exhibition Worth Checking Out : Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage
Open Date: July 6, 2024
End Date: September 22, 2024
Location: The Phillips Collection @ Washington D.C.
Artists: Various
Dive into "Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage," a rich exploration of how Black artists use collage to express Black identity's messy, complex nature. Different voices and perspectives combine to reveal a rich tapestry of the Black experience in America today.
Through images, texture, and meaning, they shatter stereotypes, uplift heritage, and speak to social ills. "Multiplicity" is less an exhibition of art than a discourse on identity in Black America today. Each piece is a testament to Blackness's resilience, creativity, and multiplicity.
Cultural Gems: July 24th - August 8th
Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, CEO of Root Branch Media Group, is the first African-American woman to acquire a waterfront block in Baltimore.
These dope captures from the Olympics.
This video! Please Do your research! Then pick a side!
These Party Portraits Under Blue Light (Brooklyn and Paris). Taken by Sola Olosunde
Black athletes shine at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris
History made! Olympic Gymnastics’ 1st all-Black podium
I am trying to wrap my head around this chrome durag by Bent Kahina
LeToya Luckett and Taleo Coles's wedding photos
Cowgirls of Dallas, Texas, at the 35th annual Black Rodeo photos
Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s “Girl Dad” statue unveiling.
Designer Aurora James dope ass home was featured in Architectural Digest
one time for the caribbean gyal dem! shout out to Thea LaFond winning gold (dominica), julien alfred winning gold (saint lucia) and rihanna at crop over (barbados)
I've been thinking a lot about Florence Griffith Joyner lately. With this year’s Olympics, I wonder how proud she would be to see Sha'Carri Richardson following in her footsteps. Along with being amazing runners, these two phenomenal athletes turned their iconic nails into symbols of self-expression and empowerment. Flo Jo's long, elaborately decorated nails were as much a part of her identity as her record-breaking speed. In the late '80s, her nails made a radical statement of individuality and cultural pride, defying mainstream beauty norms and embodying her strength and confidence.
Fast-forward to today, Sha'Carri Richardson continues this tradition with her colorful, long nails. For her, it's more than style—her nails express resilience and personality, challenging the idea that athletes, especially Black women, should fit a certain image. Flo Jo and Sha'Carri's nails celebrate Black beauty and ingenuity, boldly breaking barriers on the track and in self-expression.
Thank you for reading!
Until next time…
Stay bold, stay brilliant, and remember, as Jay-Z says, "You could be anywhere in the world, but you're here with me. I appreciate that!"
With love and creativity,
Shadé
This was so awesome, Shade!! Thank you!