February Artist Series: on Black Love and playlists
This one is for the lover in you
Hope this email finds you well and in your feels. Last week we discussed some things on self love so to continue the same vibe I’d like to cover, in my opinion, the dopest form of them all—Black Love. Not just in a romantic sense, but the type of Black love that I’m sure everyone has experienced either directly or indirectly depending on your skin color. There’s also a lot of Black excellence in the atmosphere— Jalen Hurts (the Philadelphia Eagles) and Kendrick Lamar won the Super Bowl so it’s only right I highlight more of that energy that is shaping up to be a beautiful time to be Black. For those that know, know. And if you don’t know, Well? Lets get into what this next installment of the February artist series is giving and maybe you might get a better understanding. Or not. You may just want to share this so the right eyes may see it. Either way, thank you for reading and thank you for the love.
To set the mood:
Black Love is..
As a certified lover girl I have experienced love in many ways; platonic, romantic, community but what hits different is when it’s rooted in Blackness. This is the kind of love that transcends through different timelines and generations and is felt within legacies and deserves the upmost recognition in my household. Black love is having a confidant that has an inner-standing of the darkest and deepest parts of you without having to over explain micro aggressions or the fear of capitalism eating your freedom alive. It’s when you can shoot a side-eye to your best friend and make sounds like “MmmHmm” and give distinctive looks at each other— catching exactly what is felt in that moment without words.
Black love is what you can count on to stay solid when it feels like your world is crumbing. It’s when you lay your head down at night knowing that it will always be there to take care of you, comfort you, and keep you safe. It’s your grandmother’s prayers in action and the wisdom your deceased loved ones instill in you. It’s the type of love that cooks dinner for your family and a soft place to land when no one else will take you in. It’s the kind of love that will bring flowers to the sick and shut in and those hearty belly laughs that end with deep sighs in unison.
It’s watching who pulls up to your neighbors driveway unannounced and picking you up from LAX because lets be real— you really are loved if someone will scoop your from the airport, regardless. I describe all of this in my own words to show you that Black love has no bounds and the definition varies with the individual, however, what’s beautiful about this kind of love is it’s an action and feeling that can’t be duplicated. It’s apart of who of who I am and I’m so grateful I get to experience this kind of love in this lifetime.
How would you describe Black Love? I’d love to get your take on this.
This month of love has actually been challenging to articulate in words so I love when I can find artists that can approach the essence of it in their creativity and describe it for me. This installment features an element of blackness that resonates with the person I’m becoming these days as well as desires that I’m manifesting in love, so let’s get into it.
Art By Ruth NJ
Take a walk with me to experience this week’s artist is Ruth Njenga— a professional painter and all around creative that caught my eye with her digital art collection. The side profiles of her portraits are very African abstract, contemporary, and offer a futuristic and colorful approach to Black love. Her two piece set titled “King and Queen” stood out to me in a colorful way and represents Black Love in a creative form that I resonate with. Very vibrant, peaceful, and expansive.
Where you can find Art by Ruth NJ:
website: www.artbyruthnj.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/artbyruth_nj
There’s a lot going on but I’ll keep it simple and sweet for this week. I’m dedicating this small edition of a few ifs, ands or buts to playlists, music and visuals that I recently came across inspired by love. Enjoy!
My sister friend
created a playlist here for all the lover girls (and boys) who are looking for a heavy rotation of classic love songs and new R&B sounds.If you’re looking for something to watch during movie night and Bonnie and Clyde type love stories are your jam— Queen & Slim is now available on Netflix.
Annnnd, this is my favorite song on the soundtrack by The-Dream - Cedes Benz (Queen & Slim Version).
I cannot wait for the premiere of Mara Brock Akil’s film FOREVER — a take on Judy Blume’s iconic 1975 novel. Middle school Reesa squealed watching the trailer here.
If you made it to the end of this newsletter do know that I love and appreciate you. That’s all for now, until next time! 💕
Love,
Reesa