Creative Cravings #5: Still Hungry for Creativity
Aaron Pierre, that’s Mufasa.. rawr!
Aaron Pierre, that’s Mufasa.. rawr! Aaron Pierre, that’s Mufasa….
Welcome back to Creative Cravings on THE BLK PRSPCTV, your monthly feast for the mind, heart, and spirit! Yes, I know it’s been a while (let’s call it an unplanned creative hiatus), but sometimes the best ideas need space to breathe. And trust me, I’ve been craving this connection just as much as you have.
So here we are, on the second Thursday (sorry I am late) of the month, picking up right where we left off—diving into the brilliance, beauty, and boldness shaping Black culture. Let’s jump in!
Today in BLK History: January 9, 1967
On this day, Julian Bond was sworn into the Georgia House of Representatives after a long and hard-fought battle. Though elected in 1965, his seat was initially denied because of his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War. But Bond wasn’t backing down. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in his favor, stating that Georgia had violated his First Amendment rights, and he was finally allowed to take his place in the legislature.
This moment was more than a legal victory—it was a testament to the power of activism and the importance of standing firm for what you believe in. Bond’s fight paved the way for more excellent political representation and a louder voice for those advocating for justice. His legacy as a civil rights leader and politician would go on to inspire generations.
Exhibition to Explore: "Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics"
Open Date: December 15, 2024
End Date: August 3, 2025
Location: Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
"Imagining Black Diasporas: 21st-Century Art and Poetics" brings together 60 artists from Africa, Europe, and the Americas, exploring the rich tapestry of Black diasporic identities through contemporary art. The exhibition delves into themes of migration, cultural exchange, and the complexities of identity in the modern world. Visitors can experience a diverse array of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations, each offering a unique perspective on the Black experience. This exhibition not only showcases the vibrancy of Black artistic expression but also invites reflection on the shared histories and futures of the global Black community.
For more information, visit LACMA's official page: LACMA
Cultural Gems to Savor (Nov-Dec 2024)
Ayo Edebiri's Golden Globes Grills: At the 2025 Golden Globes, Ayo Edebiri made a striking appearance with custom silver grills crafted by Vanessa Leon, known as @mentalgardens. These grills paid homage to Black American heritage, reflecting the cultural significance of grills in hip-hop and Southern communities. Teen Vogue
Ghana's Citizenship Initiative: Ghana has been attracting members of the African diaspora by offering citizenship through its "Year of the Return" and "Beyond the Return" initiatives, commemorating 400 years since the first African slaves arrived in Virginia. In November, Ghana granted citizenship to 524 diaspora members, predominantly Black Americans, encouraging them to invest and integrate into the local community.
NeNe Leakes' Potential Return to RHOA: Cynthia Erivo has expressed her admiration for "Real Housewives of Atlanta" alum NeNe Leakes and urged Bravo to bring Leakes back to the franchise. Leakes, a founding member of RHOA, left the show in 2020 and has shown interest in returning, stating it would be for the fans. People
Aaron Pierre's Viral Dance on 'The Jennifer Hudson Show': Aaron Pierre's spirited dance during the spirit tunnel segment on The Jennifer Hudson Show went viral, showcasing his infectious energy and charm. This moment has been widely shared, highlighting his dynamic presence both on and off the screen. Also, y’all were being unruly on Instagram because the show’s Instagram page disabled comments. LMAO
Black Culture's Embrace of Stanley Cups: The Stanley brand has become a cultural phenomenon within the Black community, with viral moments such as a young Black girl's emotional reaction to receiving a pink Stanley cup as a Christmas gift. This trend reflects the broader influence of Black culture on consumer products and fashion. Rolling Out
Queen Tahj's Super Bowl LIX Art: New Orleans artist Tahj "Queen Tahj" Williams has made history as the first-ever artist to handcraft both the Super Bowl logo and theme art for Super Bowl LIX. Her designs bring the vibrant culture of New Orleans to life, blending her Black Masking heritage with the electric energy of the Super Bowl.
Colman Domingo's Fashion Excellence: Actor Colman Domingo continued his impressive fashion streak at the 2025 Golden Globes, where he was nominated for Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his role in 'Sing Sing'’ He walked the red carpet in a custom Valentino ensemble, accessorized with Valentino Garavani and Boucheron pieces, showcasing his sophisticated and daring style.
Historic Milestone in College Football Coaching: In the upcoming College Football Playoff semifinal, Penn State's James Franklin and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman will face off, marking a historic moment as one of them will become the first Black head coach to compete in a national championship game at the sport's top level. This milestone highlights the increasing representation of Black coaches in major college football.
Spotlight: The Resurgence of Black-Owned Bookstores
There's something magical happening right now—a movement that’s more than just a trend. We’re witnessing a revival of Black-owned bookstores, and they’re coming back stronger than ever. These spaces are far more than just places to pick up a book; they’re cultural hubs, heartbeats of the community, and sanctuaries where Black voices, stories, and history are not just celebrated but elevated.
Take a trip to MahoganyBooks in D.C., Semicolon Bookstore in Chicago, or right here in the Bronx at The Lit. Bar—these aren’t just stores; they’re experiences. They’re where the power of Black authors shines bright, where the next generation of storytellers finds a stage, and where every book is a bridge to deeper conversations about our culture, our struggles, and our triumphs.
Supporting these bookstores is more than just a purchase—it’s a statement. It’s a commitment to preserving our legacies and ensuring our stories continue to thrive. These bookstores are reclaiming space and rewriting the narrative, one page at a time. So, if you haven’t visited one lately, let this be your sign to show love, drop by, and experience the power of a Black-owned bookstore for yourself.
What’s Been on My Mind?
Two words: Creative Rest. I’ve been reflecting on how necessary it is to pause, regroup, and allow ourselves to breathe—especially in a world that thrives on urgency. Sometimes, the best ideas bloom after we’ve taken a moment to step back. So, if you’ve been feeling the pressure to produce nonstop, let this be your reminder: Your creativity deserves care, too.
Thank you for sticking with me, even when the posts are few and far between. I appreciate your patience and your hunger for more. As Jay-Z said, "Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week." Or, in my case, a few months—but who's counting?
Until next time...
I lovvvvveee this so much