The Cypher

Weekly round-up as we close out August

Hey, y’all!

Happy Friday! As we make our way to the end of the summer, and into the new school year, here are some things we’re reading, watching, and listening to this week. 

Read:

This indispensable piece on The Chair from Koritha Mitchell.

This lovely short reflection on learning about love from James Baldwin.

Before Black motorists could freely travel across the American South, Black-owned gas stations offered food and respite acted as safe harbors. Read the story here.

Why are African American residents of this small town determined to block a Wegmans warehouse?

An Elegy for Aaliyah, on the 20th anniversary of her passing.

Watch:

Our own CF Rachel will be directing  an episode of the new ABC drama Queens later this fall. Check out the trailer, featuring some of our  faves.

And don’t miss Where We’re From: The Elements Documentary which features archival footage from CF Rachel!

Listen:

Our own CF Brittney breaks went on the digital airways to break things down this week. First up, a powerful conversation at WNYC studios about the stigma of fatness and its intersections with race, gender, and sexuality. Don’t miss it. And, next up: a lively discussion about the history and future of the feminism, building feminist community and supporting the young people in our lives.