black women create

Losing a legend: how we should honor Dr. Angelou

by Sam Holmes What is the best way to honor a revolutionary? Should one raise her firsts to the heavens in a moment of somber solidarity? Are candlelight vigils the best way to express one’s gratitude for all that her idol has done for the world? Or maybe one will once again open her biography…

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Nicole Byer's Pursuit of Sexiness

by Joneka Percentie YouTube has become a treasure chest of funny and smart web series starring Black women, and among the jewels is Pursuit of Sexiness by UCBComedy and Deverge. Pursuit of Sexiness follows friends Nicky and Sheer, and their adventures in New York, including dating, thrift shopping, and dancing on the subway. Nicole Byer,…

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Black Women Create: Issa Rae

by Sam Holmes On my first day of kindergarten, I encountered the consequence of poor representation in media. I remember how terrified I was as I entered the classroom. All my friends from pre-k had gone to other schools, so I didn’t know a single person in my class. When I finally found the courage…

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After the Oscars, where do we go?

by Angela Batuure I’ll admit I’m not a huge fan of Hollywood awards ceremonies like the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, People’s Choice Awards, or the Academy Awards. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve sat down to watch these shows (unless Beyoncé is performing, in which case the likelihood I…

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Black Women Create: highlighting Black women in film and TV

by Joneka Percentie Many people underestimate the power that representation in the media can have for young girls, and especially young girls of color–but connecting with the experiences of another person and empathizing with their stories and lives is powerful.  Whenever we talk about why representation matters, I always think about this quote from actress Whoopi…

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'All We've Gotta Do Is Make Some Noise': An Interview with Lena Waithe

by Joneka Percentie If you follow Dear White People or TWENTIES, you’ll know why I was so excited to talk with writer, producer, and creator Lena Waithe about her current projects and her thoughts on the representation of Black women in television. Waithe is making noise in the film and television industry and and isn’t…

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On the Body, On the Screen: An Interview with Tchaiko Omawale

by Joneka Percentie After my first blog on SPARK, I’ve given much thought to the roles of women of color, specifically black women, in the production process in film and television, and how it affects their representation on the screen. So much of our everyday perceptions are shaped by what we see. Positive and honest…

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My Favorite Shows Aren't on TV

by Joneka Percentie Living Single. Girlfriends. A Different World. These successful 90’s and aughts sitcoms featured black leading ladies who portrayed real women. As a young girl, I didn’t understand the importance of what I was watching.  Nowadays, accurate representations of black women on television is out of style. According to the Women’s Media Center,…

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