Cultural Storytelling: The Power Of The Pen

Plus: The Weeknd’s Hxouse Launches Black Hxouse To Empower Young Black Creatives

“Sometimes that's what you need to see yourself / Break through and free yourself / Accept your own and be yourself, it's magic / The story of life is too tragic, it's magic” - Jay Electronica, "Real Magic"

“I need to write.” Those are the famous opening words of J. Ivy’s classic spoken word piece that debuted on Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam.

For centuries, often when speaking out wasn’t an option, Black writers from James Baldwin to modern-day authors like Ta Nehisi Coates have utilized the pen to express the innermost thoughts of the Black community.

“... I need to write, because can’t nobody do it for me. Can’t nobody document my inspirations the way that I can. Can't nobody compliment my aspirations the way that I can. Only I can, only I can…"

In the $100 billion global book publishing industry, the two strongest revenue drivers in the past couple of months have been books on politics and books on civil rights, racism and diversity. And in the wake of the George Floyd murder on Memorial Day, every single one of the top 10 books on the New York Times best sellers list in June was about race in America, dominated by Black authors. 

This week’s edition of #CultureTalks featured Jason Diakite’s memoir A Drop Of Midnight and Lynda Lopez’s AOC: The Fearless Rise & Resonance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, both of which are selections for For(bes) The Culture’s #CultureReads book club.

These books are some of the latest examples of what J. Ivy alludes to: the power of documenting the experiences of people of color in America. Chronicling the Black experience through storytelling is how we get one step closer to creating equitable pathways.

News For The Culture

With the launch of the inaugural Black Entrepreneurs Day, Daymond John wants to inspire Black business owners to persevere.

Representing schools including Howard University, Bowie State University, Texas Southern University and Tougaloo College, meet some for the HBCU alums working on the Biden-Harris campaign.

Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum is hosting his own talk show series, ReMaking America, aimed at tackling today’s most challenging social issues.

Kerry Washington and Robin Hood CEO Wes Moore are among the leaders to launch the $10 million Black Voices for Black Justice Fund to support Black leaders and Black-owned businesses in their efforts to eradicate racism in America.

A new Gallup poll shows 59% believe that civil rights for Black Americans have improved, the lowest percentage since 1995.

Grammy-nominated artist and Migos member Offset has partnered with Atlanta-based gaming and events company Axis Replay to bring live virtual concerts directly to fans at home.

"I don't focus on my end goal, I like to be where my feet are."

Pops Mensah-Bonsu

Former NBA player, General Manager of the Capital City Go-Go

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