Happy fall friends!
We’ve made it to another season, another end, another beginning. The summer sun has set and the autumn air is on its way. I’ve had an endlessly fun and productive summer. I feel like I’ve had an open heart to so many experiences and now I’m glad to settle back into the familiar doldrums of the academic year. I’m ready to make something of all my thoughts, namely writing, courses, essays, and maybe even some art. I figured I’d take a moment with you to share all of the thoughts I’ve been rocking with lately— politics, culture, newsletter, and travel recommendations.
A Black woman in the White House
What a political whiplash and also a sign that the political gods listened to me personally about this one little thing (never mind my other wishes for you know… peace and liberation for all people). Before the big announcement, I had long been convinced Joe Biden needed to drop out due to his age and what felt like an inability to lead the Democratic Party into the future. I do think Kamala was the most obvious and best choice procedurally: she’s the Vice President, her role is to lead in the absence of the President. But honestly my thoughts hadn’t totally settled on her as the Presidential object until the party elite endorsements came through when Biden stepped down. The party leadership consolidation around Harris kept order at a moment that could have been very chaotic.
Even so, I’m still turning it over in my mind— the concept of a Black woman in the White House, her resolute hands on the Resolute Desk. My chest tightens a bit. Shall it be hands that resemble mine and my mother’s and my grandmother’s that signal yes send another bomb yes supply more weapons no that ceasefire deal won’t do? Though Kamala (should she win, which is still not a foregone conclusion) will shape the office in some ways, I’ve written about how institutions actually make Black politicians contort and bend to fit into the status quo, no matter how change minded they say they are when campaigning. And this version of Harris hasn’t been suggesting many changes anyway.
It’s easy to let despair creep in. And I’m sure even some of you lovely readers are thinking, “well Kamala will be a better steward of our arsenal than Trump.” Or that there are issues beyond what becomes of that arsenal that also concerns us. Having lived through a Trump administration, having lived through the decimation of abortion rights, I am positive you are correct.
But what a small box we find ourselves in— pushed to select Harris, the more palatable protector of the status quo instead of the fascist, tyrannical and vengeful Trump.
The only thing that gives me political hope these days is studying the ways organizations and movements of the past mobilized in moments of repression and turmoil. More is possible than we give ourselves credit for and change is a long, long game. In light of the present moment, we have to think about how we keep us safe and how we will struggle for broader horizons.
culture recs
Doechii Album
Doechii is the most interesting thing about rap right now. She released a bomb mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal. Check out my favorite track “Denial is a River.”
An American Marriage
I’ve had so much fun getting back into fiction this year and I devoured this book by Tayari Jones. A complex love story with so much heart set in the South. A delicious, wrenching read.
Deliverance
This movie is a mess in the best possible way. Though I love to think about and watch ~films~ (it’s almost prestige movie season!) this movie is decidedly not that. Rather it is the Pentecostal answer to Exorcist I never knew I needed and am still not sure I wanted. It’s based on a true story of a family haunted by ghosts and (more likely) personal tragedies. Come for Glen Close, stay for Glen Close.
Newsletter Recommendations
Two of my favorite people started substacks this summer!
Check out Jovonna Jones’s newsletter. Jovonna is an English and Black Studies Professor at Boston College, taken with with all things art, Blackness, aesthetics, and Black women’s histories. One of the most thoughtful and curious people I know— you’ll love her writing.
My bestie Jenn M. Jackson just migrated their newsletter over to Substack. Give them a follow to keep up with their books, events, and the fabulous Black Feminist Book Club.
Travels
I spent June and July at home, so I was itching to get back on the road come August and September. I first went to Chicago to do some archival work and interviews for my book. I also turned this trip into a sweet little writing retreat. I spent wonderful time with friends and ate fabulous food. What is it about leaving home to write that helps deliver the goods in a more persistent way, even though I write at home all the time? Maybe its a new morning routine, new visuals and cityscapes to stimulate my creativity.
In another attempt to spread my wings a bit, I went up to Oakland to visit my friends Krysten and Christian the first weekend of September. I’ve been to the Bay before but it’s wonderful when someone shows you their city. Late nights strolling the Town and a day zipping around SF brought a cool, refreshing take on California that I had lost in the hot summer rhythms of Long Beach and LA.
The biggest trip I took was to Barranquilla, Colombia complete with a weekend excursion to Cartagena. It was my first time to South America and my first Major Trip Abroad since about 2017. I went with a group of friends to celebrate, explore, eat, and relax. What a beautiful country, although I feel like I came in touch with my privilege a bit here. Cold showers and little AC in 90 degree plus weather. As we learn in Pulp Fiction, it’s the little differences remind you how large the world is and the comforts we take for granted.
Chicago Recs: D’Amato’s Bakery, Alla Vita, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream
Oakland Recs: Mandalay Burmese Restaurant
Barranquilla & Cartagena, Colombia Recs: Hotel El Prado, Hotel Casa La Fe
I hope your fall is restorative and productive. Thanks for reading!
Happy fall, I'm so ready for it! Glad to hear your take on Kamala. I have mixed feelings but overwhelming joy to see Black/Asian woman in the fight for the office.
Still playing Nissan Altima on repeat. Love Doechii. Not rap, but a music rec for you; Mahmundi, Brazilian artist that I've been obsessed with for a while now. Favorite track is Outono.
Much love, my most brilliant friend!
A new Part and Parcel on the first day of Autumn is a TREAT. And thank you for the shoutout, friend! ❤️