This year has been a transformative journey for The BLK PRSPCTV. Since July 2024, when I launched the Art on Wax series, I’ve poured my heart into curating, reflecting, and sharing stories that matter to me—and, I hope, to you. As the year comes to a close, I want to celebrate the moments, milestones, and posts that defined 2024.
📈 Subscriber Growth
• Total Subscribers (as of December 2024): 329
• Key Growth Milestone: In October, my subscriber count crossed 299, marking a significant moment in this journey.
• Top Subscriber Sources:
• Substack App: 218 (67%)
• Other Substack Network: 95 (29%)
• New Accounts Created: 5 (2%)
Watching this community grow has been incredibly fulfilling. Whether you joined through Substack or found The BLK PRSPCTV another way, I’m so glad you’re here.
🌟 My Top Posts (July–December 2024)
1. “The Unmatched Boldness of Lil’ Kim’s Hard Core Era”
• Published: July 5, 2024
• Engagement: This was the most liked post of the year!
• Writing about Lil’ Kim’s unapologetic artistry and her impact on music and fashion was a joy. Seeing how much it resonated with you reminded me why I do this.
• Top Comment: “Lil’ Kim walked so everyone else could run. This was such a great read!” – Comment by @KrisWillows
2. “31 Days of Black Holiday Movies to Keep You Cozy”
• Published: November 30, 2024
• This post combined my love for Black cinema with the warmth of the holiday season. Your feedback made it clear that these films mean as much to you as they do to me.
3. “Solange’s A Seat at the Table: A Visual Masterpiece”
• Published: June 28, 2024
• Solange’s artistry has always inspired me. Breaking down her visual storytelling was a labor of love, and I’m so glad it connected with so many of you.
4. “Shotguns and Stances: The Legacy of Ice-T’s Power Move”
• Published: November 26, 2024
• Engagement: This was the most commented post of the year!
• Reflecting on Ice-T’s legacy and the power of resilience in Black culture brought so much depth to the conversation.
• Top Comment: “This piece on Ice-T perfectly captures his influence. Thank you for shining a light on his journey and the strength of Black women.” – Comment by @MarissaAKin
5. “Basquiat’s Legacy in NYC Museums”
• Published: August 10, 2024
• A tribute to Basquiat’s lasting impact on the art world, exploring his representation in major institutions and his role in shaping contemporary art.
Most Memorable Discussions: Album Art and Legacy
One of my favorite moments this year was being featured on Siima's podcast, where we had an in-depth conversation about the power of album covers, particularly Toni Braxton’s iconic self-titled debut album.
The conversation explored the visuals that defined an era, with Toni's album cover standing as a timeless example of elegance, boldness, and Black femininity in its purest form. Her cover was more than just an image—it was a statement.
This dialogue highlighted the ways art and visuals contribute to music’s legacy and how they shape our connection to artists and their stories.
Listen to the episode on Spotify:
🎙️ Shadé Freeland with SiimaToni’s debut album continues to inspire not only for its music but also for how its visual presentation elevated her artistry. It's conversations like these that remind us why we celebrate Black art in all its forms.
🔥 Key Themes Explored
1. The Art on Wax Series:
• Launched in July 2024, this series tackled themes of authenticity, vulnerability, and creativity.
• Standout entries like “Cranes in the Sky” and “A Letter to the Little Me Who Needed More” explored mindfulness, healing, and introspection.
2. Black Icons and Storytelling:
• Posts like “The Unmatched Boldness of Lil’ Kim” and “Solange’s A Seat at the Table” celebrated the cultural and artistic contributions of Black creatives.
3. Cinematic Reflections:
• With posts like “31 Days of Black Holiday Movies” and “31 Days of Black Horror”, I highlighted the diversity and richness of Black cinema.
4. Artistic Legacy:
• Pieces like “Basquiat’s Legacy in NYC Museums” demonstrated my commitment to preserving and honoring Black art.
📊 Engagement Metrics
• Total Posts (July–December): 58
• Most Commented & Liked Post: “The Unmatched Boldness of Lil’ Kim’s Hard Core Era”
🗣️ Community Love
• “This piece on Solange perfectly captures her brilliance. Thank you for highlighting her!” – Comment by @JeanetteMoore
• “Your Art on Wax series has been my favorite this year. It’s raw, honest, and so needed.” – Comment by @RochelleBanks
• “Lil’ Kim walked so everyone else could run. This was such a great read!” – Comment by @KrisWillows
💡 Looking Ahead to 2025
With a foundation built on authenticity and creativity, 2025 is poised to be even greater:
• Expanded Storytelling: I’m planning to dive deeper into multimedia formats and collaborations.
• Continued Growth: Building on the momentum of the Art on Wax series, I hope to bring you even more personal reflections and cultural explorations.
• Celebrating More Black Icons: I’ll continue to highlight the figures shaping our culture.
Thank you for being part of this journey! What were your favorite posts or moments from 2024? Let’s keep building this incredible community together in 2025.