Today in Culture - Edition #32

Culture & Society - DEC. 9, 2024

Welcome to the 32nd edition of Today in Culture! Today’s roundup spotlights dynamic voices exploring themes of history, identity, memory, and creative expression. Grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s dive into some of the most engaging pieces across Substack and beyond.

Cowboy Bebop

Transgenerational Wickedness by

NJ

A poignant exploration of how intergenerational trauma and wickedness manifest in families and communities. This piece invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths about inheritance and healing.

Transgenerational Wickedness

The Assassination of Thomas Sankara by

The Merc

Dive into the legacy of the revolutionary African leader, Thomas Sankara, and the global implications of his untimely death.

The Assassination of Thomas Sankara 'Africa's Che Guevara'

Black Equity Guide: Holiday Shopping Edition by

Black Dollar Index

Looking for holiday gifts? This guide not only curates standout options but emphasizes Black-owned brands, highlighting economic equity.

Black Equity Guide: (Holiday) Shopping While Black

Hip-Hop Classics: Special Ed’s “I Got It Made” by

Joint Jams Radio

Celebrate the golden age of hip-hop with this deep dive into Special Ed’s iconic track and its cultural resonance.

Hip-Hop Classics: Special Ed’s “I Got It Made”

Downstairs DJ by

kamory rose.

A lyrical reflection on how music becomes a mirror to self-discovery and connection. Perfect for audiophiles and introspective readers alike.

Downstairs DJ.

Mining for Memories by

Diamonde

A heartfelt essay unpacking how certain songs act as time capsules, anchoring us to our most cherished memories.

Mining for memories

Enough Invites Young Playwrights by

The Scene

Zach Dulli

A call to action for aspiring playwrights. Discover the initiative encouraging fresh talent to explore challenging narratives on stage.

ENOUGH! Invites Young Playwrights to Script Solutions to Gun Violence

When Art Fairs Become Mirrors by

Martine Severin

An insightful critique of how contemporary art fairs reflect the personal and societal biases we bring into artistic spaces.

When Art Fairs Become Mirrors: My Week at SCOPE Miami

2024 Top Show Rewinds: Part One by

houseofqweenstudios

Ready for the new year? This curated rewind offers a nostalgic yet sharp look back at standout TV moments from 2024.

2024 Top Show Rewinds: Part One

When Desire Sends You a Text by

Cynthia Francillon

An intimate and quirky meditation on love, longing, and the digital age.

When Desire Sends You a Text

You Will Never Be Perfect by

janice obudai

A bold reminder to embrace imperfection and authenticity in a world obsessed with curated aesthetics.

you will never be perfect

Sunday Sentiments: It’s Not a Midlife Crisis by

Alana Marie

Redefine the narrative around aging with this reflective and hopeful piece on personal growth.

sunday sentiments: it's not a midlife crisis

The Solstice Succubus: Part One by

Bea Connors

A mesmerizing start to a speculative fiction series. Magic, mystery, and mythology converge as winter begins.

The Solstice Succubus (part one)

From the Words of Destiny’s Favorite by

TheCurlDon

A poetic journey through fate, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

From the Words of Destiny’s Favorite Children - No, No, No, No

We’re in the Era of Male Manipulator Media by

trin

A sharp analysis of how media shaped by male perspectives influences cultural narratives and audience expectations.

We’re in the Era of Male Manipulator R&B

63 by

Ayana Zaire Cotton

Unpacking what “63” symbolizes in cultural, spiritual, and social contexts.

Calling Our Power Back to Us: All Stories Rooted in Independence Are Lies

Notes Worth Noting

Scarlet Ibis James

Marlon Weems

Shareece Williams

Martine Felton

“Lately, I have been finding a lot of inspiration from old sketches, and I really want that to be a part of my process, so I’m challenging myself to just sit down daily for 15 minutes and scribble, paint, collage, whatever, in my sketchbook for 15 minutes.” -

Martine Felton