Otherworldly Videos: Invisible Universe

Invisible Universe: A History of Blackness in Speculative Fiction documentary trailer (dir. M. Asli Dukan) A history of blackness in speculative fiction explores the relationship between the Black body and popular fantasy, horror and science fiction literature and film and the alternative perspectives produced by creators of color. This documentary features interviews with major writers, […]

“NO FAIRYTALE: Why We Must Teach Kids About Prison”

Dr. R. L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy wrote an article about the increasing need to teach young children and adults about surviving the prison industrial system: Recently, a picture has been floating around the Internet of a children’s book called “The Night Dad Went to Jail: What to expect when someone you love goes to jail” by Melissa […]

The My-Stery: Frank Ocean, Sexuality, and Otherness

For the past few days, hip-hop and r&b singer Frank Ocean had tongues wagging with rumors of his sexuality. Yesterday, he officially decided to come out and speak about the love he had for another man. In his poetic and honest letter, the singer expressed, “…I’m starting to think we’re a lot alike. Human beings […]

Rewind: The Evolution of Future Shock

Future Shock is a book and term by futurist Alvin Toffler and it was defined as a psychological state that occurred when “too much change in too short a period of time.” Due to the rapid advances of technology, future shock, which includes a disoriented feeling, information and sensory overload, detachment, and overwhelming stress, may […]

Moving on the Wires: Film, Films, Films

* One of the inspirations for starting this blog was watching this clip from John Akomfrah’s The Last Angel of History. I remember looking everywhere to find out where to watch the whole film, until a supporter of the blog eventually shared it with me. Still, I know there were others who looking for it, […]

The My-Stery: Some Thoughts on the 4th of July…

As I get older and learn more about the world, I am increasingly less impressed or ecstatic about holidays, Independence Day included. Can I really celebrate completely and wholeheartedly a country that was built off the enslavement and imprisonment of others and a country where I do not fully feel free and independent? That freedom […]

Otherworldy Videos: Yellow Fever

Ng’endo Mukii is a filmmaker and animator who recently graduated with a masters from Royal College of Art in London. Her thesis film, Yellow Fever, confronts the topic of skin bleaching including her and her niece’s perceptions of and experiences with it, and the the influence of history on why people of color bleach.

Modern Griots Interview: Jane Odartey

Jane Odartey is one of my friends from college. She is also a photographer, poet, and funny, too. Here is my interview I did with her: 1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. Thanks so much for featuring me on your wonderful blog, Reese! Home used to be Ghana, but then I moved to […]

Modern Griots Review: Muthawit’s “PMS Junkie”

In the age of countless apocalyptic wars, attacks and disasters, partisan politics, economic uncertainty, loathsome media pundits, stubborn and greedy leaders in various fields and people suffering on the bottom, it is often tiring and frightening to discuss all of the issues swarming everywhere. Sometimes you dream of getting into a spaceship and escape. In […]