Hey you!
Last week, I did something that terrified me. I published a personal essay about an issue that’s close to my heart: colorism. After getting inspiration from a Medium essay on DaniLeigh’s “Yellow Bone”, it flowed out of me like water.
Once the essay was published, my anxiety was at an all time high. But—the response was widely positive. It made me so happy to see other Black women relate to my story.
It taught me something: don’t be afraid to get personal within your art. There’s a lot of fake/disingenuous stuff online, especially on social media. Be the real. It may help you stand out amongst the noise.
ALSO HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH YALL! For every Oh, Write issue this February, I’m including a link to a random moment in Black pop culture history! Enjoy!
PBS released a free-to-watch episode online of American Masters about six trailblazing Black female entertainers, including legendary actress Cicely Tyson [RIP :(]
Showcased on The Breakfast Club, founders Ali Gates & Evans Anyanwu release the uGood app, providing a simple way to check in on the mental health of your loved ones
Actress and content creator Asia Jackson explains the difference between wardrobe basics and essentials
Netflix shows a day in the life of anime (Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia) voice actor Yuki Kaji
Instagram strategist and educator Natasha shares social media marketing tips on her Instagram, @shinewithnatasha
UPROXX releases a mini-documentary showcasing the life and career of rapper Rico Nasty
Indigenous-owned design shop Trickster Company showcase Northwest Coast formline art through their face masks, leggings, shirts, and more
Podcast AAWW Radio features poetry readings and a discussion on Asian identity outside the United States in a new episode
Comedian Jenny Yang hosts an Animal Crossing stand-up show, Comedy Crossing, the first Friday of every month on Zoom
Booktuber Pages of Hayley discusses the worst books of 2020 in a recent video
Random Music Clip: DUCKWRTH feat. Kyle Dion - World On Wheels
Bonus Jonas Music Clip: Brent Faiyaz feat. Tyler, the Creator - Gravity
Random Moment in Black Pop Culture History: Outkast getting Booed at the 1995 Source Awards (Starts at 18:15)
Writing Prompts:
Your character has a close friend/loved one that has recently joined an MLM (multi-level marketing) company. As your character investigates this company more and more, they realize the MLM company is actually a front for a religious cult.
Write a story about a character that’s slowly becoming more aware that he’s in a fictional story a la Stranger Than Fiction.
Write about a society that’s completely governed by children under 10.
Thank you so much for reading Oh, Write! For more Oh, Write content, check out the Medium publication. I publish a new article 1-2 times a week.
Have any questions, comments, or concerns? Hit ya girl up!
Subscribe if you haven’t already. If you’re interested in supporting the publication/newsletter, consider buying me a coffee. And, above all, keep creating!
Love,
Nia