L'ART DE VIVRE

Current reads for January. It’s a new year, finished my last book, (Hidden Blessings by Kim Cash Tate) and now starting these two gems. Hoping to write more on books and other subjects in this new year. I’ve really missed reading alot.

Michelle Obama’s “Becoming”

Austin Channing Brown’s - “I’m Still Here, Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness”

Both very well written so far, got through the Epilogue in Becoming and was drawn in. Got to Chapter 3 in “I’m still Here…” and it’s a very relevant true story of Channings experience as a young black woman in majority white spaces, churches and culture. She writes beautifully on tough topics of race and gender.

Both are definitely necessary voices for today.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsRmPkclFsA0bW0k4AdpDZBFIU42of5JOssTs80/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=h9acc05rtim0

Just saw @bealestreet (If Beale Street could Talk) and my goodness this is a beautiful film.

The trailer only gives us a small amount of what the film is about, its definitely loaded and timely as the book probably is to. (Missed my chance at grabbing the book before the film was announced)

Highly recommend seeing it. A film about love, family, justice, blackness, history, and even more than that. Though it’s set in a time period of the past it relates still to the current issues people and more so black people/black men are facing today.

It’s incredibly shot with such beauty and care and the music adds another layer to the beauty of this film.

The two leads are absolutely groundbreaking on their own, and theyre just really captivating to watch. Two gorgeous melinated darker complexioned black actors/actress on screen and in love. Then Regina King’s greatness doesnt really need to be hyped up cause she’s just that great in every film.

Highly highly recommend going to see it! I plan on seeing it again at least once cause I love great films that much. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💗

Go see this!!!!!
#ifbealestreetcouldtalk
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_KfNAFZff7QazX2VVrNw7jml9ystd6ICz68k0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11vgaiarkui77

I’m ridiculously late but Jamila Woods album HEAVN is a whole love letter to people, black folks and black women. The sounds are so beautiful, not like much else out right now.
I know her show tomorrow will be amazing. Even more exciting to know people who produced her visuals for this body of work. Hint - @ellecolumbo

The interlude for Popsicles almost made me cry because it’s so true. 😍 There are nods to faith, storytelling and love throughout and I am in love with this project. My gosh. Its beyond beautiful.
Chicago is still a city worth watching for beauty. 👏🏾👏🏾
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqxriZhlqLFvNngrDc3j6geq1-6unwYal0_vqA0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=e83jzd97wm17

I’m ridiculously late but Jamila Woods album HEAVN is a whole love letter to people, black folks and black women. The sounds are so beautiful, not like much else out right now.

I know her show tomorrow will be amazing. Even more exciting to know people who produced her visuals for this body of work. Hint - @ellecolumbo

The interlude for Popsicles almost made me cry because it’s so true. 😍 There are nods to faith, storytelling and love throughout and I am in love with this project. My gosh. Its beyond beautiful.

Chicago is still a city worth watching for beauty. 👏🏾👏🏾
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqxriZhlqLFvNngrDc3j6geq1-6unwYal0_vqA0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=163vfciw4eye9

Everyone everywhere has been raving about this book for months. I’m late to the party and reading now.

“The Hate You Give” is definitely reflective of the times we live in right now. Reading with my friends before the movie comes out this fall. This book starts out and grabs you in instantly by the end of chapter one.

I havent read young adult fiction in a long time, but even though its listed as a YA book, it’s even a book for grown adults (who are raving over it too). Get it, read it, see the film this year, feel many emotions and stand for something.

#whatskalanreading
#thehateyougive

My interview with Voyage Chicago is out!!!!

I talked a bit about photo work, the reason I make personal work (when I can), and why I make the work I do. Hoping to share way more in the future. 😊

Check it out - http://voyagechicago.com/interview/art-life-kalan-

Current read.
“Men We Reaped” by Jasmyn Ward. I’ve heard that Ward is a great storyteller. Hoping to finish at least 12 books this year if not more.

I’ve heard this was a captivating and gripping true tale… anticipating all the feelings once I’m further along. #readblackwords #blackgirlsreadtoo

Ok I must mention how excellent Jackie Hill Perry’s new album is! 🔥

I love the entire album, but a few favorites are “No Ways Tired”, “Woman” and “Maranantha”. Poet, rapper, gospel teacher, wife, mom… what cant she do!?

The interludes on this album takes me directly to the black church, its soulful gospel spirit and its so beautiful. The songs are necessary and her lyricism is unmatched, the features are perfect. Haven’t heard a album this thorough and gospel focused from a sister and I’m so happy it exists. Her first album is great too but this one kinda topped it. 😄

The very inspiring Austin Channing Brown reading excerpts from her brand new book “I’m Still Here…” @austinchanning

One of my favorite voices in the area of racial reconciliation and justice within the church. I’m Still Here focuses on the various beautiful differences of black people and black women in a world that they and their culture may not fit into. Austin gives dignity and beauty to those differences as she tells her own story and story of girls and women. The book has been out for a few days and it’s a bestseller already. So glad she didnt quit on writing it and speaking out to give voice to the experiences of women and minorities we often seem to forget. Cannot wait to read this book! And no it’s not just a book for black people to read, it’s a book for all of us. 💖