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12 Powerful and Timely Documentaries You Need To Watch
Over the past five years, I’ve developed a fascination with documentaries. There’s something about being exposed to things I didn’t already know that really hooks and draws me in. Typically my reaction from diving into these stories spans the range of emotions from informing, gratifying, educational and jovial to revealing, intoxicating and tragic. Even though it’s likely that I’ll cry as I watch a documentary or docu-series, one of the most important things I can do for the good of my purpose in humanity is to learn as much as possible and consume things from different corners of the world; things I’ve never known, no matter how painful. If you’re itching for something to open up your mind, entertain you and/or push you to exercise your passion for change, here are 12 documentaries you need to see right now.
13th
The question looming over all of our heads: have we as Black people in particular really ever been “free?” While we’re no longer in physical chains because of the 13th Amendment, the same amendment also gave birth to one of the biggest loopholes in the history of America. The 13th Amendment states: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States.” When one condition allows a country to pack prison systems as they benefit for-profit prisons, you have a huge loop pole and a major societal crisis. From acclaimed activist, Director, Producer and Screenwriter Ava DuVernay, this documentary unpacks the insidious-nature of Mass Incarceration, the truth of the 13th amendment, and what has transpired because of it.
Reversing Roe
The United States Senate has chosen to confirm an ultra right-wing, incredibly controversial Supreme Court Justice to the highest court in the land, a position that will likely affect Roe vs. Wade for a generation and beyond. A dangerous reality has now set in for many women in America and this documentary takes a look at both the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life movements and how relentless the Pro-Life movement is as they stop at nothing to reverse one of America’s most monumental laws for Women’s Rights.
City Of Joy
One of the most harrowing documentaries that I have ever seen and equally one of the most important. Netflix and online streaming has actively connected the corners of the world through powerful, earth-shattering works of art like this one. City Of Joy left me with so many feelings of pain, horror and helplessness as I listened to the insidious ways that rape has been used as a weapon of war resulting in the current chaos that exists in the Democratic Republic of Congo and continues to bring pervasive destruction, fear and trauma to its inhabitants. You will be heartbroken by this reality, but in the end you will be uplifted tremendously by the fortitude and desire for these women to rebuild their lives and experience every ounce of joy possible. They are turning pain into power.
Oh, and if you need more proof of the importance and impact of the City of Joy, one of the subjects of the film Denis Mukwege, is doing revolutionary work by dedicating his career to operating on victims of sexual violence in the DR of Congo.
3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets
Known as the controversial ‘Loud Music Trial,’ involving a confrontation between Michael Dunn and Jordan Davis, this documentary dives into the tangible threats of vigilante members of society taking matters into their own hands to “solve a problem.” Eerily similar to the Florida-based Trayvon Martin case that rocked the nation, and gave birth to #BlackLivesMatter, 3 ½ Minutes, 10 Bullets takes a deep look into how quickly an innocent life can be snuffed out by a moment of rage-filled racism.
Also, the impact of Jordan Davis’ death on his family lead his mom to run for office.
TIME: The Kalief Browder Story
If you have never taken a moment to understand the egregious miscarriage of justice that is the Kalief Browder ‘backpack’ case, this 4-episode long mini-series will expose you to the many ways in which our criminal justice system is grossly imbalanced. You’ll hear from Kalief and his family about how one person’s accusation, and Kalief’s will to stand by his plea of innocence, stripped him of 3 years of his life. TIME: The Kalief Browder Story, produced by Shawn Jay-Z Carter, is imperative to watch in order to understand how desperately we need to dismantle mass incarceration, put in place prison and bail reform, and truly acknowledge the disproportionate ways in which Black and Brown people are seen as guilty before they are innocent.
Being Serena
If you ask the person who’s never watched a tennis match in their life, there is still a very real possibility that they have heard the name Serena Williams. The 23-time Grand Slam Champion has faced insurmountable odds during her career from training day and night on the courts of Compton, California to encountering blatant and persistent racism and sexism in a sport dominated by white men. This 5-part docu-series grants us access to the gentle force that is a multidimensional woman who’s fiercely accomplished as a mother, wife and world-class athlete.
30 for 30: OJ Made In America
In 1992 O.J. Simpson’s wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, and Ron Goldstein were brutally murdered outside of Brown-Simpson’s house. The prime suspect? O.J. Simpson, a beloved football player that grew to such heights of glory and respect that he famously stated “I’m not Black, I’m O.J.” This four-part documentary executed brilliantly by the ESPN series 30 For 30, takes a deep look into O.J.’s background through accounts of childhood and adulthood friends, his abusive nature, and his untouchable attitude and arrogance that resulted in the rise and fall of the infamous O.J. Simpson.
Amy
I was too young to realize how much talent Amy Winehouse truly had. I knew about the song Rehab, I saw the magazine covers plastered with drunken pictures claiming she was bulimic or anorexic every other day. I knew the tabloids, but what I didn’t know was the passion, grit and soul behind an incredible talent at such a young age. All Amy wanted to do was sing, but alcohol, drugs and the pressure of the limelight destroyed her. If you’re interested in who Amy Winehouse was and could have been, then this one is definitely for you.
The One Percent
If you thought the 1% lived differently, you may have no idea just HOW differently. This film exposes the lives of the ultra-rich while simultaneously highlighting the increasing wage gap and lack of access to resources for everyone else. Welcome to the exclusive clubs, investments and opportunities that only the wealthiest American families can afford. You’ll never look at the 1% the same when you see how the grandson of the Johnson & Johnson empire gives us an inside look at the mindsets and unrelenting habits and business practices that helped build (and keep) their wealth.
QUINCY
We all know about the legendary Quincy Jones, but ‘Quincy’ examines just how multi-faceted the music-producing legend Quincy Jones has been for Black Culture and for the world. After all, he’s produced some of the most world-renowned Michael Jackson tracks, yall. This documentary takes an in-depth look at the magnitude of his impact on some of the world’s biggest stars, cultural phenomenons like ‘Thriller,’ and his ability to cross musical genres since 14-years-old. As you admire his passion, insane work ethic and drive to create true art that is long-lasting, you’ll quickly realize there will only be one Quincy Jones.
RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsberg)
Known as The Notorious RBG, everything Ruth Bader Ginsberg has been fighting for is especially poignant in this era of #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter and countless other debates around the arguments of civil rights, human decency and democracy as we know it in the United States Of America. Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s unrelenting fight for the justice of marginalized people has been fueled by her love of law, fair-treatment and equality for all. This film takes a look at the incredible force of a small woman with grit, fierce determination and an everlasting impact on the past, present and future of our society.
Blackfish
Like many kids growing up in the 90’s I was raised on the fascination with Schlitterbahn, Six Flags, Sea World, Disney World, Disneyland and their accompanying commercials. When I saw the black and white whales all I thought about was how much fun they were having being fed and playing in their tanks; of course these magnificent creatures were there for our enjoyment and entertainment, right? What I didn’t know was how the whales got to their tanks, why they were never let go and what happens when you hold animals hostage for sport.
I hope that you take some time to get into these good pieces of art and increase your knowledge base. Let me know in the comments or on social media what you’ve seen and what you’re planning to watch! Happy streaming!
Xoxo,
Sincerely Ang
You Already Have The Juice, Sis: 9 Powerful Lessons + Sessions From Summit21
Yes, yes, I know. I'm throwing it slightly back with this post. But when life throws you off course sometimes all you can do is show up in your best spirit with the timing that you're given. So despite the nature of the last 6+ weeks or so, I’m back now and ready to dish about the Summit21 conference hosted by Blavity’s black-women centric focused brand, 21Ninety.
In the beginning of June I joined hundreds of vibrant, ambitious, and exceptional Black women to convene in Atlanta for 21Ninety’s conference, Summit21. Over two days, we listened to celebrities, activists and digital influencers pour their knowledge into rooms full of eager women who want nothing less than to thrive and advance their bank accounts, impact, and society for the better. I left with a feeling of camaraderie as I met women from across the country in one place to simply learn from one another. And while pretty much every gem you can imagine was dropped, I came away with 9 powerful lessons and sessions that are permanently etched in my memory from a weekend full of copious amounts of #BlackGirlMagic.
Focus on networking and creating with the woman next to you, not getting noticed by the “big names” on the stage
At conferences, we’re all clamoring to meet the current big name in XYZ.
The Bozoma St. John's. Elaine Welteroth's. Ava DuVernay's. Lena Waithe's.
They’re all on our list of aspiring people who have the job, attention or opportunities that we want, and we’ll rush the mic when Q&A’s happen, hoping that they’ll notice us. But the reality is they all started off as (and still are) regular schmegular like the rest of us. Myleik Teele, Karen Civil and Sevyn Streeter delivered unique yet similar speeches at Summit21 with one message ringing loud and clear: The people that have created some of our favorite music, movies, and TV shows aren’t the ones we should be ruthlessly aiming to connect and collaborate with, but the woman sitting next to us in all of her creative capacity is. She is the next ____ and we’re too busy saying, “I don’t know her” because she’s not Yvonne Orji or Issa Rae. At one point too our faves were undiscovered and in order to prepare for the right moment when we’re supposed to meet (and work with) the big name(s), we have to connect with the smaller name(s) to understand the value and necessity of networking across instead of always reaching up.
Pretty Instagram grids, logos, and websites are great, but nothing beats making sure you really know what you’re talking about
I’ll be the first to admit that aesthetics are my thing. I’ve always been a person who loves a good presentation because it’s easy to forget something that was said, but when you see something distinct or memorable, it’s easier to compartmentalize it in your mind. A dope website is useful and a pretty Instagram feed will keep someone’s attention for a moment but, the reality is anyone can create a nice website, make their feed pop or get affordable graphics made. But at the end of the day doing the research and applying yourself in order to be highly skilled at what you do is truly invaluable. It takes a special process of discipline to spend time not only studying your craft but also relentlessly put it into practice. When people think of your respective industry, you should be aiming to be one of the first people that comes to mind.
It doesn’t help you to just start something, you have to also finish it
First of all, this session was PACKED. I actually didn’t know the speaker beforehand but I wanted to sit in on the topic at hand because with a title like – Maintaining Your Hunger: Cultivating A Career That Feeds Your Soul + Bank Account – I was sold. And GIRL was this worth it. As a creative by nature, it’s not hard to come up with ideas whether big or small that seem like they will conquer the world. But starting and finishing aren’t one in the same, and starting comes more naturally than finishing for most of us. According to Jaqueline Baker, author of Leader By Mistake, remembering that we’re all leaders in some way, shape or form means making a habit of following through with what we start. Constantly planting seeds but never watering them is a waste of your soil. You have to plant, water, apply sunlight, etc. to reap the full harvest.
Start envisioning the life you need by physically creating it
Have you ever thought about going to look at office spaces for where you would want to have the headquarters for your business? What about test-driving a Bentley or Mercedes? These things may seem unnecessary but they are exactly what Myleik Teele did to start getting used to the lifestyle she could have. And here’s the thing, you may think that a Bentley is an extravagance that you don’t need and you’re probably right. But it’s not about what you need, it’s about having access to the resources and creating the habits to earn so that you’re able to get it should you want to. Start looking at that dream high rise condo or the house you want to own one day and you’ll unknowingly instill the mindset and habits to obtain it.
You have to reshape your beauty narrative; stop holding onto false truths
Remember those hurtful comments you received back in High School/College that you still carry with you? It’s time to reshape those. What Sarah told you about your body and how you are either too big, not curvy enough or don’t have the right hair texture - she doesn’t speak truth over your life. Dove representative, Dre Brown, had us watch a video from the new #HourWithHer as part of their Dove Self-Esteem Project and partner up with someone in the room to share our most vulnerable moment that shifted our entire self-beauty narrative. After sharing our stories, we figured out how we could have responded to reshape the harsh criticism internally. The reality is that when we’re being hurt rarely can we respond with grace and confidence to our insulter, but we can do it for ourselves. What someone told you doesn’t define your beauty narrative. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, shades, and colors, and it’s being represented in all of its glory now more than ever.
Living abundantly doesn’t mean you have to live in lack in order to make it
Famous financial experts and millionaires preach habits of living in lack as a prerequisite to obtaining wealth. But just because certain people (Steve Harvey, Oprah, Tyler Perry) have HAD to live in lack it doesn’t mean that it’s a requirement to make it. And it certainly doesn’t mean if you’re thriving or even simply staying afloat financially, that you should feel guilty about it. Pushing the narrative that you have to use cash in envelopes, drive a cash only (barely functioning) car or house, or live on $1 a day isn’t the universal truth to obtaining the wealth you desire. Living on less to get more isn’t the same thing as being financially educated, responsible or conscious of where your coins go. Now if you want to apply financial principles by certain people, by all means do it, but one of the most important things you can do is consider the source of your information and advice; you don’t have to apply the Dave Ramsey habits in order to become wealthy.
Remove the shame from your journey: A Fireside Chat w/Ashley Blaine Featherson and Robin Thede
This one had me in tears. TEARS. One woman stood up during the Q&A and spoke directly to Ashley with a quivering voice to address how meaningful and frankly imperative, it has been to see a beautiful, dark-skinned, Black woman representing those of us who don’t get to see ourselves on TV. And in a role so unapologetically black nonetheless? That was it. All of our emotions were shredded. This is a 4 for 1 because Ashley and Robin dropped GEMS that can’t be contained:
Remove the shame from it – what you do often won’t make sense to those around you. You may have to take on 22 survival jobs before catching your break and you may have to miss certain events or meetups, But when you’re walking in your purpose one day you will understand the importance of your sacrifices.
Find the people who want to do what you want to do as badly as you want to do it – There is NO SHAME in collaborating with people who don’t “have” anything yet because chances are you don’t have anything either. Or if you do, your duty is to network across. Find the people who love the things you're doing, the space you're in and who are striving to make the difference you are and you'll without a doubt find your tribe.
Have reckless confidence – Robin Theade made herself starve until she did what she had to do to be able to eat. She wrote for some of the biggest names in comedy and believed so relentlessly about her vision that no one could tell her anything. No one will have the confidence you need to have but you. Believe in what you’re meant to do even if it seems completely unrealistic to everyone else.
Your community has to support your purpose and your grind – Everyone around you doesn’t need to be doing what you’re doing. They don’t even have to understand what you do. But they do need to offer you support, love and space to grow.
Always, always, always reinvent and reinvest in yourself
A constant renovation of who you are and what you’re doing is absolutely necessary. Nothing lasts forever and nothing can last for a lifetime without any upgrades even if it does work consistently for 15 years. Think about it: we never really make it once we achieve our goals because even if you get everything your heart has been pining after there’s always something else to do. This lifetime journey requires it. Always be willing to improve your process, your goals and yourself.
Know the power in your cultural richness → Capitalizing On Your Blackness As A Means To Defend Against Cultural Appropriation: A Convo w/Alex Wolf
Nielsen told y’all (excluding black women) because we already knew that we’ve had the magic, we’ve been the trendsetters, and we’ve been the move makers. But the tip now is to capitalize on our real tangible blackness and be unashamed about it before people who don’t have it try to make money off of it by proximity or adaptation. (Yes, Kylie Jenner was used as an example.)
Start with where you are – The pressure to invest in fancy cameras and equipment can seem pervasive, but you have everything you need internally. You have the swag, the personality, and the influence, you just need to figure out how to use it wisely.
Don’t underestimate how your realness + blackness will resonate with people – Helloooo Issa Rae + Cardi B. We’ve been waiting for the moment when truly being who you are would resonate with everyone who's been hiding or who wants to be represented in all of our fragile, vulnerable, authenticity on TV or in music. And that moment, which will remain more than a moment, is finally here.
Focus on being relatable, not being better – Nobody is promoting mediocrity but what we are saying is be a human first and foremost. Tell your story in bits and pieces and understand how to create art with who you are and what you create your brand to be. People need to relate to your real story, not the one you create to keep up with the joneses.
Gatherings like Summit21 remind us to keep going. They give us an adrenaline boost that we desperately need in times when we feel hopeless, sluggish, and unfulfilled in our businesses or full-time jobs. They shine a light in what seems to be a perpetually-dark world and help us connect with those who are on a similar path as us. And most of all they remind us that the work will never end and that our power is in connecting, supporting, creating and continuing to grow. Keep flourishing, Queens.
Xoxo,
Sincerely, Ang.
These 17 Podcasts Need To Be On Your Radar
If you've been following me on Instagram you KNOW how much I love podcasts. They've gotten me through tedious days of running budgets at positions in the past to my current 2-3 hour daily commute to my job now. Listen, we all need a way to absorb information from brilliant minds around the world, and I have a list of podcasts that do just that. From the educational to the tea sipping + shade throwing ones that give you the details on your favorite celebrities – here are a few podcasts that will help make your day.
Powerful Women Who Are Doing It on Their Own
Myleik Teele’s Podcast
CurlBox founder and former Hollywood Public Relations savant Myleik Teele talks about everything from relationships and best business rules and practices, to being excellent in your work ethic even if you hate your 9-5. Her words are anything but cookie-cutter and if you need an inspirational yet very real facelift in your life, Myleik’s podcast will do the trick.
On One with Angela Rye
Self-proclaimed sophistiratchet Angela Rye is a known Activist, CNN Commentator, and NPR Political Analyst who exposes you to intimate conversation with social justice advocates and entertainers. From actor/activist Jesse Williams and Senator Cory Booker to actress/activist Gabrielle Union and Congresswoman Maxine Waters – she brings the best of the best by to drop knowledge on current political issues. I promise you won’t leave an episode without feeling either enlightened or educated – but usually both.
Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations
The great Oprah Winfrey brings her talk show greatness into the digital space where she effortlessly breaks down the complexities of life through the likes of guests such as Cookie Johnson, President Jimmy Carter, Meagan Good and Devon Franklin, India Arie, Deepak Chopra + more. Oprah definitely doesn’t disappoint with this podcast.
Feeling like you’re stuck, undervalued or need a wake-up call when it comes to where you’re going in life? This podcast is for you. Ayana Angel brings guests on her show that make you want to reset and refresh your life and after every episode, you’ll leave wanting to do better and be better.
Mattie is a successful style blogger who makes waves with her courses on how to monetize your social media presence and make an impact with your fashion + lifestyle blog. If being clued in on how to create appealing content and position yourself effectively to work with brands is your thing, then this podcast is exactly what you need.
Luvvie Ajayi: Rants & Randomness
If you’re a fan of Luvvie’s blog, you’ll be a fan of her podcast. And though she's fresh out the gate with this, with stars like Myleik Teele, Vanessa K. De Luca, and Eunique Jones Gibson it’s quickly become one of my favorites.
Girl Talk and Sisterhood
Sometimes you just need to feel like you’re listening to three girls you went to college with have girl chat and this podcast does just that. With dynamic personalities, each of these three women dig into conversations’ focused on some of your favorite shows – plus they provide inspirational talking points about life sprinkled with highlights of politics and pop-culture.
Chileee, episode one had me completely hooked. This podcast is centered on five dynamic Black women with careers in entrepreneurship and the media + entertainment industry. Their infectious support of each other is uplifting and they truly make you feel like you’re sitting around with your girls sipping wine during #TGIT. Tune in for raw, relatable, emotional + hilarious candor. Thank me later.
Aside from this podcast starring Jessica Williams of The Daily Show fame, and Phoebe Robinson author of You Can’t Touch My Hair, these delightfully honest and hilarious women invite talented comedians into each episode. This podcast effortlessly provides you with your laugh quota for the week. Pssst: They also have an HBO show.
Arts + Entertainment
Crissle + Kid Fury bring every oz of piping hot tea to you in every flavor, every single episode, guaranteed. There is no filter when it comes to these two and they’re constantly telling listeners who send in Q+A’s that they don’t know anything and to not listen to their advice, but that’s exactly why they are loved so much. Honesty sells, y’all. With podcast titles and descriptions like: “The First Whitewalker,” “Noprah Winfrey,” and “Make America Jennerless Again,” you need this in your life without question.
Reviews from this podcast convinced me to see Baby Driver and to skip out on Detroit. This panel full of well-versed movie/TV-goers break down pop-culture and explain the ins and outs of the latest movies and TV shows that you need to be watching – or not.
Their dynamic is carefree, fluid, and collaborative. Dustin, Asante, and Franchesca talk everything from life, world news to and mental health and wellness in order to help you live your most high-energy life. The topics flow so well that this is sure to be a pick-me-up in your long work week.
News and Politics
Deray Mckesson, Brittany Packnett, Clint Smith and Samuel Sinyagwe bring guests onto the show across the political sphere and discuss everything from mainstream news to behind-the-scenes actions being taken by politicians that most people are unaware of. If you want to be well-rounded politically and receive realistic and objective updates on current events – Pod Save the People should be your first resort.
This podcast is one of my newest and most admired discoveries. As part of the Crooked Media family with Pod Save the People, this show goes in-depth into news and policy from the perspective of four former aids of President Obama: John Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor, and it's really good.
Every morning I wake up this podcast is the first one that I turn to. If you’re like me and you can’t stomach the depressing reality that comes from the main news outlets, then this concise yet necessary podcast is for you. Each episode is delivered in bite-sized and easily-digestible portions of between 20-45 mins and give you updates each morning on world news from the previous day or weekend.
NPR - Advice + Entrepreneurship
Talk about entrepreneurship heaven. This is basically the podcast where all your faves like Starbucks, Chipotle, Instagram and Toms gather. Each business talks about how they discovered their brilliant initiatives, got their start financially, and developed the confidence to become the impactful companies they are today.
Terry Gross dives head-first into an intimate conversation with public figures spanning across all industries and touching on a number of unique topics. These interviews are free-flowing and interesting, and they just really work.
Whether you need weekly doses of inspiration, the latest Hollywood scoop, entrepreneurship tips, or political updates, you’re sure to find something you love in one of these podcasts.
What are your favorite podcasts to listen to? Let me know in the comments!
Xoxo
Sincerely, Ang