Today In Culture Edition #24

Culture & Society - Nov. 26, 2024

Welcome to the 24th edition of Today in Culture, your weekly guide to the stories shaping our conversations, perspectives, and communities. This week, we’re diving into reflections on identity, art, tradition, and equity, featuring powerful essays, creative musings, and insightful critiques from voices across Substack. Let’s explore!

1. The Weight of Nostalgia

The Past Doesn’t Need Me Now, Does It? by

Giselle La Pompe-Moore

Giselle reflects on the complex relationship between nostalgia and personal growth. In a poignant exploration of memory, she asks whether we owe anything to our past selves—or if letting go is the ultimate act of self-liberation.

The past doesn't need me, "now" does.

2. Becoming Woman

The Entrance of Womanhood by

SLADE9

This essay delves into the rites of passage that define womanhood, blending personal narrative with cultural analysis. Slade captures the joy, pain, and discovery of stepping into one’s feminine identity in a world that often demands resilience.

The Entrance of Womanhood

3. Creativity in the Age of AI

My Muse Built in a Machine by

Treia

Truth examines the intersection of creativity and artificial intelligence, asking provocative questions about authenticity, inspiration, and what it means to create in a tech-driven age. Can a machine be a muse?

4. Fashion as Resistance

An Ode to the Girls Who Set the Fashion by

Precious

This piece celebrates the trailblazers who define style beyond the confines of industry trends. From thrifting queens to DIY innovators, The eCatalyst honors those who turn fashion into a radical act of self-expression.

An ode to the girls who set the fashion of Hip Hop and R&B part. 002

5. Equity at the Checkout Line

Black Equity Guide: Which Snack and Drink Brands Deserve Your Dollar? by

Black Dollar Index

This guide highlights Black-owned snack and beverage brands, encouraging conscious consumerism. A must-read for anyone looking to align their spending with their values during holiday shopping.

Black Equity Guide: Which Snack & Beverage Brand Deserves a Spot at Your Holiday Table?

6. Redefining Traditions

Redefining Holiday Traditions: Choosing Meaning Over Obligation by

Kenya Simmons

Shfit invites readers to rethink holiday traditions, shifting from societal expectations to personal meaning. A timely piece for anyone seeking to create a season of genuine connection and joy.

Redefining Holiday Traditions: Choosing Peace, Love, and Boundaries Over Obligation

7. Gratitude in Action

Pause to Give Thanks and Give Back by

Ki & Tye

This heartfelt essay explores how gratitude can extend beyond words into acts of giving. Whether volunteering, donating, or simply showing kindness, Your Fav Cousins reminds us of the transformative power of paying it forward.

Pause to give thanks and give back.

Darius Monero

8. Charting New Horizons

Push the Boat Out: 2024 by

Shondra

As 2024 approaches, this piece offers a rallying call to embrace risk and ambition. With practical advice and motivational insights, Relevant Sense encourages readers to set bold goals for the year ahead.

Push the Boat Out 2024

9. Black Excellence on Screen

Actors On Sight: Laurence Fishburne by

The blkuem

A tribute to Laurence Fishburne’s impactful career, The BlkuEm examines his influence on film, theater, and the portrayal of Black characters. A compelling read for cinephiles and culture enthusiasts alike.

Actors On Sight: Laurence Fishburne: The Legacy of a Living Legend

10. Embracing Awkwardness

The Art of Being Cringey by

tunmise adebowale

Oizy reclaims the often-maligned label of “cringe,” reframing it as an essential part of authenticity and creativity. A joyful celebration of the courage to be unapologetically yourself.

the art of being cringey

11. Love and Vulnerability

I Do Want to Be Picked by a Man by

kamory rose.

Kamory shares a vulnerable and nuanced reflection on love, partnership, and the desire for connection, challenging societal narratives about independence and intimacy.

I Do Want To Be Picked By A Man.

12. Building Radical Community

Part 2 of Building Community w/o White Supremacy by

S.D.Hayes

Continuing their series on decolonized community-building, SD Hayes offers practical steps and deep insights into fostering relationships rooted in equity and liberation.

Part 2 of Building Community w/o white supremacy

What’s Your Take?

Which piece resonated most with you this week? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments or forwarding this newsletter to someone who’d love it. Until next week, stay curious and stay connected!

Every writer featured in this edition is bringing something powerful to the table—whether it’s vulnerability, wisdom, humor, or a much-needed challenge to the status quo. Let’s show them some love!

Here’s how you can help:

Read the articles that resonate with you.

Share them with friends, family, or your own networks.

Comment on their work—it means the world to writers to hear your feedback.

Subscribe to their Substacks to keep these meaningful conversations alive.

And while you’re at it, we’d love to hear from YOU! What stood out to you this week? What stories, topics, or ideas are inspiring your journey right now? Drop a comment below, reply to this email, or tag us on social media to keep the conversation going.

Let’s celebrate and amplify these voices together. Your engagement makes all the difference.

Our Geneva space is a vibrant, inclusive hub where creators, changemakers, and dreamers like YOU can connect, share ideas, and grow together. Whether you're an artist, writer, organizer, or someone passionate about social change, this is your space to thrive.

Joining is simple:

1. Download the Geneva app on your phone or desktop.

2. Create an account or log in.

3. Use this invite link to join our community: Geneva Community Invite Link