Nichole Noire

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Writer. Race & Pop Culture. [Black] Feminist. Maverick. Jamaican heritage. Londoner.

www.NicholeBlack.com

Joan Morgan and Dream Hampton: “Black Male Relationship Pimps & The Privileging of Marriage” 

Discussion starts 30mins into the recording. Feel free to skip to that part. 

Posted: 1 year ago - With: 13 notes - Reblog
Feminist Visions of Black Power
BlackAcrylic.net: I guess because the brothers around me are so weak I have never been alienated by black nationalism. If anything it has been liberating to see strong black male leaders - even romantic. But these are some very very important points [referring to the 'Black Women in Civil Rights Documentary].
Nichole Noire: Lmao at weak brothers! You aint easy sis. I think the first thing to state is that this is an African-American narrative and as far as I have been able to tell Black Power and Civil Rights movement was largely about ideas of humanity and citizenship. These were Black people grappling with racism in the context of an American identity, hence DuBois' 'double consciousness'. So I think it's interesting that on some level the ideas of Black nationalism and/or equality were about access to power, and this is overtly patriarchal demonstrations of power. The Black Panthers are more complex because of the socialist ideals. But the NAACP and SCLC endorsed very conservative views on the position of women. So that Black women had to be seen to adopt the quiet submission glorified in their white women peers, despite very different structures of work and power for Black women in Black communities. This clip is important because it's essential to look at this period through a feminist lens.
Posted: 1 year ago - With: 2 notes - Reblog

Last night I watched The Black Power Mixtape at the BFI’s London Film Festival. I tweeted my thoughts on the documentary:

I’m convinced that film is one of the highest artistic expressions in contemporary society. I read a number of texts on the politics of Black Power and the Civil Rights Movement for class this week that challenged my thinking, but seeing footage of Black radicalism and resistance altered my soul. There are theories and context that raise important questions about how this documentary was put together. That is, the contrasting assertion of white power when stories which concern Black folk are continually appropriated & resold. I respect that the director was explicit in it being a Swedish perspective, and there is value in the view from outside. However, it’s time to push for greater accountability (even activism) especially when we are concerned with access to and dissemination of information. In the end though,@BlkPowerMixtape quietened my mind and lit up my heart. I was struck by the strength of the Black spirit. Black people have met the iron fist of oppression all over this world, and it has always been said, freedom or death. I enjoyed a fabulous night out with special people and saw brothas who towered in beauty. Just fine for days! I’m never mad at that. - @IamNicholeBlack

Posted: 1 year ago - With: 21 notes - Reblog

10 Reasons You Should Watch Love and Basketball

1. It closes the 80s-90s height of Black film making that was both meaningful and entertaining. #NoBufoonery 

2. I’m a sucker for a good RomCom but narrating love is something entirely different. This film achieves it. #DoubleOrNothing

3. I’ve been following @justsanaa’s career for a minute & her performance as ‘Monica’ is as ‘real as it gets’ 2quote Jay Z & young Jeezy. Her character provided an alternative projection of gender that would later help shape my [Black] Feminist politics. #bellhooks

4. Written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (Secret Life of Bees), she has an impeccable talent.  #WomenMovieMakers

5. A fantastic soundtrack and skilfully crafted sex scene.

6. (Minus the silver shirt) back then Omar Epps was a HOTTY and a half. Not to mention the cameo from lovely Gabby U. 

7. Loyalty, distrust, love, faith, perseverance, infidelity, forgiveness, pride, youth, friendship. #Reasons2Watch

8. I’m never mad at Black love. #OnScreenRomance

9. I still watch it 12 years on and it hasn’t lost any of it’s resonance. Poster is about to go up on my wall.#PostgradStudent 

10. This film is a brilliant demonstration that love is completely dependent on another virtue: COURAGE. There are no (race, gender or class) exceptions.

Posted: 1 year ago - With: 10 notes - Reblog