#Afro-modern fashion

[mjqueenfashion]

The Empowering Impact of African Fashion Brands on Local Artisans

Investigate how the rise of African fashion brands has empowered local artisans by providing them with opportunities, recognition, and sustainable livelihoods.

Fully backed by customers, powerhouses, and the design community, African style is set to cement its place as a critical force in the worldwide design scene into the indefinite future.

African design has encountered a noteworthy resurgence on the worldwide stage, catching the attention of style lovers and industry pioneers alike. The mainland’s rich social legacy and imaginative variety have prepared nearby craftsmen to change their manifestations into worldwide design symbols.

The ascent of African fashion brands from neighborhood craftsmen to worldwide symbols is a demonstration of the force of imagination, culture, and social cognizance. These brands have opposed generalizations, enabled nearby networks, and carried Africa’s rich legacy to the cutting edge of the style business.

[imaginal-ai]

"Sneaker Dreams" (0001)

(The Sneaker Dreams Series)

[irungu]

WHEN I CAME TO EARTH, 23. 

2023 collection by Kepha Maina.  📸 @irungu_ Production and styling- Bryan Emry @missadhar  @nyakuar_john_

[myanalogai]

#blackwoman sitting in a modern chair.

[mimosamama]

Les Demoiselles d'Avignon

Painting by Pablo Picasso

[kizaba]

@kizaba When you pose and break your jewellery😅

Management : kizabalk@gmail.com

📸 @yzz.jpeg

🎥 @marilynetania

#futuristic #artcollector #photo #futuro #spotify #model #mode

#afrobeat #photoeveryday #artstagram #artstudio #festival

#media #bts #playstation

[paraesol]

Monster High girlies (and enbies!!) Part one of ??

Ko-Fi | Commission Info

Design notes under the cut:

For Draculaura I couldn’t really think of any way to improve on her design (can’t improve upon perfection!) so it was less of a redesign and more of a possible alternate look

I looked at a lot of different goth and sweet Lolita dresses for inspo and ended up landing somewhere in between

I shortened her pigtails and tried to make them imitate the shapes of bat wings

Her umbrella I pretty much kept as is

I ended up mostly borrowing from her gen 1 design, but referenced gen 3 here and there as well

Her figure is obviously more petite, I also wanted to make her a bit chubbier but it isn’t really that noticeable. If I go back and do revisions I’ll have to fix that

This Draculaura is a trans girl and is either straight or bi, I couldn’t decide so let’s say she’s questioning! I haven’t seen the new series but from what I hear she’s half Thai so I’ll keep that

For Frankie I wanted to take the more modern design of gen 3 and add a bit of the edgy, Avril Lavigne-esque pop punk feel from gen 1

I kept gen 3 Frankie’s side shave but changed the shape of their hair to be a bit more dynamic

I also kept gen 3’s metal leg because I like it :)

I brought in some more of the red accents that gen 1 Frankie has, plus the yellow accents from gen 2 (which ended up being the only thing I borrowed from gen 2 LOL)

Asymmetry and mismatching lengths were key!!

My Frankie is pan, non-binary, and femme-leaning in their presentation but uses strictly they/them pronouns. Also they’re Jewish because I’m Jewish and I say so

Clawdeen’ s outfit I ended up struggling with the most. I wanted her to be fashionable in the way gen 1 is, but in a slightly more modern alternative kind of way

I wanted to give her a bit of an art hoe aesthetic, which only really ended up showing in the pants, which I imagined she painted and patched up herself

Besides that I gave them curlier hair, more akin to gen 3, and a tail (I was going to add more wolfy features, like a dog nose and fur tufts on the cheeks and elbows, but I didn’t like the way it looked so I took it out)

My Clawdeen is a lesbian demi-girl and uses she/they pronouns :D they’re also Afro-Latina obv

[absolutequeermenace]

Luz's Hair in TOH (Rant)

Toh Rant1!!1!

I feel like the topic of luz's hair in the owl house can be considered somewhat of a taboo in the Fandom, and while I agree there were many missed opportunities, I think the way they handled wasn't necessarily bad.

One topic I see many people criticize is the length of her hair, as they will argue it 'masculineizes her'. However, I thought her hair length thought was actually a neat touch. Seeing how luz is generally ostracized, and how she either doesn't understand or deliberately refrains from confroming to societal standards in general; it makes sense to me to that she would not confrom to the regular femmine bueaty standards. (Not to say the short hair can't be femmine) This lack of confoming to beauty standards is also shown in her clothing (the way none of it particularly fashionable or or 'accepted' so to speak.) In my opinion, her lack of conformation to femmine standards if living is also shown in her general demeanor and attitude. Not only could this be another example of her societal non-conformity but also an example of her gender non-conformity. This aspect of her is really relevant to her as a character. It's an extension of her queer identity and furthers the relevance of her being a considered 'weirdo'. (Self hatred potentially steming from internalized homophobia)

As for the texture of her hair, I have quite a few qualms with the way it was handled towards the end of the show. At first, I really liked the way they had her straightening it. I feel like this is relevant to the ostracization her and her mother would face as people of color in a small colonial town that still worships witch hunters. (Which even in the modern context are just woman killers) It's also relevant that she and her (single) mother are a family that moved, rather than one that had a history in the town. (Its also noteworthy that they possibly moved from another country, which would make them immigrants). This accompanied by the general bullying luz most likely faced in school due to her nuerodivergence (and possibly the fact that she is queer and a poc)its would make sense that her and Camila would straighten their hair to avoid passive acts of discrimination from others or even from institutions. (For Camila, her hair would be 'unprofessional', and for luz, it would be 'messy and unkempt'. " So to me it's a big character development for both of them when they stop straightening their hair and show they are embracing the parts of them that society won't. The only thing I wish they had done differently was to make luzs hair texture coily rather than wavy/curly in s3, seeing as that would help to visually represent the fact that luz is afro-latina I also wish they had done more with the scene where they show luz being depressed, they could've done something with the way she takes care of her hair, or shown her wearing a bonnet to sleep the way Camilla did.

Overall, I don't entirely agree with everything they did while handling luzs hair, but I think the way some people talk about it is entirely incorrect; especially since her hair is a very important part of her character, that needs to and deserves to be treated with nuance.

Finally done yapping sorry chat :)

[midsummerdolls]

Doll profiles for my modern dolls! Since my collection has changed much over the past few months. Under the cut because this will be long!

Most of my modern dolls aren't canon character dolls, and any who are (namely Corinne) are still a little bit divorced from their canon counterparts, because I have fun with extrapolating storylines for my own dolls, and trying to make them fit in alongside their new friends. On to the bios!

Lena Grzegorczyk (she/her)

Lena is the oldest doll in my collection, and therefore I think it's apt that she is my oldest character. She's 14, and enjoys learning new things. She loves to read and draw, and she just got a guitar for Christmas! She is also obsessed with vintage fashion. Her dream job is to work with textiles someday, in any capacity. Lena's favorite color is red!

Tsukiko Matsubara (she/her)

Tsukiko is happy, confident 13 year old! She loves experimenting and trying new things, and her favorite thing she owns is her little science kit. She's fascinated by chemistry, and would love to do something with that someday! For now, she spends her time messing with her camera, and doing fun (safe) experiments in her kitchen. Tsukiko has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which often has her using hand-crutches. Her favorite color is turquoise!

Divya Patel (she/her)

Divya is a sweet, caring 12 year old. She is on the local youth's swim team, and she enjoys painting and sewing, and her favorite class at school is art class! She had a blast with the pottery unit. She's not quite sure what she wants to do someday, but she has plenty of time to decide! Divya is half Gujarati, and half Afro-Brazilian. She's good friends with both Tsukiko, her classmate, and Lena, who she met at an after-school art club last year. Her favorite color is light pink!

Andrés Fuentes (he/him)

Andrés is really excited that he made it onto the boy's soccer team. He just came out as trans, and was worried that he wouldn't be allowed to participate. Andrés just turned 13, and in his spare time he loves to play the drums, which annoys his family to no end. He does brilliantly in maths, which makes him think he might be suited to something like accounting, but he hasn't thought too much on the subject. His family is Puerto-Rican, and he speaks Spanish at home. He was also born hard-of-hearing in his right ear, and he's working towards becoming fluent in ASL. His favorite color is green.

Nihkko Lehtinen (he/him)

Nihkko just transferred to this school district this year, and he has found a good friend in Andrés on the soccer team. He's 12 years old, and outside of playing soccer, he's looking forward to this year's school production, which he wants to audition for. He loves to sing and dance, and wants to put those skills to use! His family is Saami and Tatar, which makes him really proud! His favorite color is yellow!

Esme Adrianov (she/they)

Esme is a quiet, stubborn 12 year old. She doesn't move outside of her social circle much, but she deeply values the friends that she does have. Despite being rather shy, she isn't afraid to stand up for her and her friends when needed. They enjoy running on the track team, and they love baking and experimenting with fun, new recipes! Her family is Unangan, and her parents raised her to be really, really proud of that fact. She is good friends with Nihkko, Andrés, and Nanea. Their favorite color is blue!

Nanea Jeon (she/her)

Nanea is a sweet, confident 12 year old! She loves biking around town with Esme, and working in the gardens with her parents on the weekend. She loves to write as well, and she's written a few short stories that she is extremely proud of! Nanea is half Hawaiian and half Korean, and she greatly looks forward to when she can see her cousins, who all live so far away! Her favorite color is light orange!

Amarah Adeyemi (she/her)

Amarah is a friendly, confident 12 year old! She draws a lot in her spare time, and enjoys creating new clothing designs in her sketchbook- it's her dream someday to have her own clothing line! Otherwise, she enjoys maths and history, and she loves hanging out with her friends after school at the park. She's Nigerian, and her family moved to the US when she was young. She grew up speaking Yoruba, along with English, at home. She's close with Corinne, who she met in 3rd grade. Her favorite color is purple!

Corinne Ziyì (子义) Tan (she/her)

Corinne is a kind and resilient 12 year old. In her free time she enjoys winter sports such as skiing and ice skating. After school she enjoys helping around her mother's restaurant or going to the park with Amarah. Her favorite subject is history- she finds it interesting and engaging. She thinks she'd like to go on someday to further her studies in the humanities- her name, Ziyì, means someone who will stand with righteousness, and she feels that it fits her and her goals very well! But all that is a long way off. For now she's happy to spend her time as she does. Her favorite color is mint!

Eloise Gruenberg (she/her)

Eloise is an introverted and studious 12 year old. She loves school- she loves learning new things, and challenging herself. Outside of school, she loves to dance. She finds the movements therapeutic, and it helps her recenter herself. Eloise is half black, and half Ashkenazi Jewish, and her faith is something that is really important to her. She was born with albinism, which affects her ability to see clearly, so she wears glasses and uses a cane when she's out. She finds that brightly colored clothes are her favorite- and she enjoys putting together fun outfits in the mornings. Her favorite color is red!

[weirdo09]

erica sinclair headcanons <3

i feel like she would love to smart talk her teachers but she just mouths the things she wants to say.

she has the BEST fashion, yo. like, if there were awards for the best dressed, she’d get it

i’ve seen lesbian erica absolutely love it but what about pansexual erica or better yet unlabeled erica? 😁

i also feel like she would really love movies where yk black faces are the main characters or do revenge(cuz i love it)

she loves to tease her brother about any of his crushes, doesn’t matter if it’s a guy or girl, she’ll tease him relentlessly.

I also headcanon she’s afro latina(cuz i can 💅🏾)

she’s very resourceful and her wittiness just adds to it, she’d definitely be a great person to have on a team.

she definitely speaks more than one language

she likes mike and max cuz they make fun of people automatically

and her boy, dustin ofc

even though she’d say her brother’s a totally idiot and a whole lot of other things, she still loves him(don’t tell him that)

she’d love to play dress up when she was young and that fueled her love of fashion.

she loves her hair as well.

she used to be a mega picky eater

she definitely would love beyoncé,(she just gives me bad bitch, cross me you’re dead)

she also teases lucas with max and max is like her older sister kinda.

she loves r&b, boy bands(and no, she’d never tell a soul) bobby brown and whitney houston.

she’d definitely want to be a fashion designer when she grows up.

her and s4 will would go off, bruh. like, they’d be definite besties and she would hate will (affectionately) for liking mike cuz that boy is dense you sure you want him?

she gets along so well with everyone in the party that she’s a party member too(pry this from my cold dead hands cuz it’s canon)

in modern au, she’d definitely also love jazmine sullivan, Tyler, the creator, brent faiyaz, sza, aaliyah(ik she’s early 90s to early 2000s) doechii, willow, h.e.r, muni long, ariana grande and more(i’m kinda reflecting but who cares? 🤷🏾‍♀️)

she’s a part of the scoops troop but she’s also a part of the bad bitches(her, max, will and el)(mike’s been trying and almost succeeding)

that’s all I have rn hope you like them 🤭

@adorewillbyers @adoremaxmayfield @l0v3c0r3e @pimplepogue @foodiewithdahoodie @forever-augustine @feelin-a-bit-frazzled @forevereternally-janedoe @fangirltrashsthings @tinylittle-superfan @fruity-cryptid @borispavlikovskymybeloved @lumaxer @no-ordinary-demigirl @high--infidelity @livelaughelmike @quinnick @delusional-dingus @japplejottomjeans

[trflynoweasily]

Embracing the Beauty of Black Color Hairstyles: A Timeless Trend

In the vast world of fashion and beauty, trends come and go, but there's one element that remains eternally stylish and captivating: black color hairstyles. Black hair has a unique allure and versatility that allows for endless creativity and self-expression. Whether you're looking to rock a sleek bob, intricate braids, or voluminous curls, black hair offers a canvas for artistic hairstyles that never go out of fashion. In this blog post, we celebrate the timeless beauty of black color hairstyles and explore the different ways you can embrace this incredible trend.

The Significance of Black Color Hairstyles:

Black color hairstyles hold a special significance in various cultures and communities around the world. Historically, black hair has been a symbol of pride, strength, and identity for people of African descent. From traditional cornrows and dreadlocks to modern styles like afros and twists, black hair carries a rich cultural heritage. Moreover, black color hairstyles have gained popularity beyond racial boundaries, captivating individuals from diverse backgrounds who appreciate the beauty and versatility of these styles.

Sleek and Chic: The Classic Bob:

One iconic black color hairstyle that has stood the test of time is the classic bob. This elegant and sophisticated cut frames the face beautifully and exudes an air of confidence. Whether you opt for a blunt cut or a slightly asymmetrical style, the black color adds depth and intensity, making the bob a truly eye-catching choice. Pair it with a bold red lip and minimal makeup for a timeless and polished look.

Braids: A Work of Art:

Braided hairstyles have been a cornerstone of black hair culture for centuries. The intricate patterns and attention to detail make them true works of art. From the iconic cornrows to box braids, Ghana braids, and Senegalese twists, there are countless ways to rock braided styles. The black color amplifies the elegance and precision of these hairstyles, giving them a striking and captivating appearance. Whether you're going for a simple and neat look or a more elaborate design, braids allow for endless creativity and personalization.

Natural Hair: Embracing Your Curls:

In recent years, there has been a surge in the natural hair movement, encouraging individuals to embrace their curls, kinks, and coils. Black color hairstyles for natural hair celebrate the beauty of textured hair and encourage self-acceptance. From afros to twist-outs, bantu knots, and wash-n-go styles, the versatility of black natural hair is truly awe-inspiring. The black color enhances the depth and definition of these hairstyles, allowing your natural hair to take center stage and make a bold statement.

Experimenting with Color:

While we're celebrating black color hairstyles, that doesn't mean you can't play around with other colors too! Adding pops of color or highlights to your black hair can create a stunning contrast and elevate your look even further. Whether you go for vibrant hues like red, purple, or blue, or opt for subtle caramel or honey-toned highlights, the possibilities are endless. Just remember to choose a professional stylist who can help you achieve the desired results while maintaining the health and integrity of your hair.

Black color hairstyles are a timeless trend that celebrates the natural beauty and diversity of black hair. From sleek bobs to intricate braids and natural curls, black hair offers a world of possibilities for creative expression. Embrace your individuality, celebrate your roots, and experiment with different styles to find the one that truly reflects your unique personality. Whether you're attending a special occasion or simply want to switch up your everyday look, black color hairstyles are here to stay, captivating hearts and turning heads wherever you go.

[imaginal-ai]

"Sneaker Dreams" (0002)

(More of The Sneaker Dreams Series)

0001

[anhthuhoangg]

Magazine Proposal #1

The future of technology is upon us, with A.I, robots, virtual reality rising to prominence and entering the conscience of the public. Many criticize such technologies, believing they are a possible danger to society, putting into question work ethics, health, et cetera. They are valid concerns concerning the dangerously high rates of electronics, gaming, and social media addictions. The very real effects of technology on modern society have altered the course of humanity for good. While this quite worrying future is ahead of us, with other social issues as well, many have used the science-fiction genre to escape to a different future, to reimagine a world wherein things are different.

Science-fiction enables the creative mind to reimagine alternative universes and futures, dystopias, utopias, to reinvent a world with technology and science. This genre has historically been dominated by the works of White male authors and artists. However, they have often omitted and/or demonized the existence of people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, as well as other marginalized groups. Stories of aliens invading Earth and destroying humanity are often reflections of immigration fears. Utopias where only White people exist are reflections of how they see marginalized groups as unable to thrive or be successful. Henceforth, they would put forward a narrative of White supremacy. Thankfully, in the past decades, marginalized authors and artists have begun reclaiming science-fiction as a way of proclaiming their existence, importance and contribution to society, wherein they are finally able to reimagine a future for themselves where they can thrive. Sub-genres such as Queer, Indigenous, Disabled fiction, Afrofuturism, et cetera, have put into perspective the struggles or the thriving of these minorities. This new science-fiction has been cultivated by authors and artists such as Ursula K. Le Guin, Octavia Butler, Sun Ra, etc. Our culture has been influenced by these works, as such, the content of this magazine will touch upon science-fiction films, music, art, fashion, and literature that fall within the sub-genres that reclaim science-fiction as also belonging to minorities.

I feel as though a printed magazine would allow for better visual communication and interesting designs using a two page layout. This would be a good choice for work with visuals elements such as films and music videos. It allows for more space to explore graphics, images and typography. The pages will be 12 x 9 inches. I plan on using the modular grid strategy layout from Timothy Samara's Making and Breaking the Grid.

References

Brady, Amy. “Exploring Black Sci-Fi, Learning Through Color, the Cost of Cooling, and Other New Books.” Scientific American, July 2021, www.scientificamerican.com/article/exploring-black-sci-fi-learning-through-color-the-cost-of-cooling-and-other-new-books.

Samara, Timothy. Making and Breaking the Grid, Second Edition, Updated and Expanded: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop. Second, Rockport Publishers, 2017.

Works of science-fiction (Afrofuturism, Queer Fiction, etc)

Black Panther (2018)

Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)

Black Mirror, Season 3, Episode 4: San Junipero (2016)

Neptune Frost (2022)

Gideon the Ninth (2019)

Né łe! (2016)

LaGuardia (2019)

[playgirlnaeemah]

Fashion in Guyana 20 years ago

Twenty years ago, Guyana's rich history and diversified people created a unique blend of cultural influences that defined the country's design scene. The clothing fashions were a blend of indigenous inspirations, British colonial vestiges, and traditional Caribbean aesthetics; these elements were frequently evident in the vivid colors, patterns, and textiles that embraced the nation's cosmopolitan culture. Given its tropical environment, geography exerts a major impact in Guyana's fashion. Because of the heat and humidity, lightweight, breathable materials like cotton and linen were recommended. Bright colors and designs that mirrored the verdant surroundings were common features of traditional clothing, such as the "bush dress" for ladies.  

Local fashion was also influenced by the availability of materials, with imported goods occasionally denoting a higher social standing. Social status had a big impact on fashion in Guyana. Richer people frequently had access to fitted apparel and foreign brands, while people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had to rely on local seamstresses for custom or used clothes. Styles were determined by gender standards; men wore button-up shirts and pants, and women wore dresses and skirts. But as gender expression gained popularity, these conventions started to be challenged, giving people more freedom to dress however they pleased. Race and ethnicity also had an impact, as various cultural groups wore traditional clothing to celebrate their heritage. For instance, Indo-Guyanese populations may dress in kurta suits or saris for formal events, whereas Afro-Guyanese people may choose clothing that honors their African roots. Due to this diversity, the fashion scene became more colorful, with events like festivals and festivities displaying a wide range of inspirations. In Guyana, clothing frequently represented culture and personal ideals. For example, people might show their support for local artists or dedication to sustainability by purchasing eco-friendly products. Wearing traditional attire for cultural events emphasized a sense of community and belonging, but modern, Western looks occasionally represented hopes for globalization and a modern identity.   Local fashion was also influenced by the availability of materials, with imported goods occasionally denoting a higher social standing. Social status had a big impact on fashion in Guyana. Richer people frequently had access to fitted apparel and foreign brands, while people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had to rely on local seamstresses for custom or used clothes. Styles were determined by gender standards; men wore button-up shirts and pants, and women wore dresses and skirts. But as gender expression gained popularity, these conventions started to be challenged, giving people more freedom to dress however they pleased. Race and ethnicity also had an impact, as various cultural groups wore traditional clothing to celebrate their heritage. For instance, Indo-Guyanese populations may dress in kurta suits or saris for formal events, whereas Afro-Guyanese people may choose clothing that honors their African roots. Due to this diversity, the fashion scene became more colorful, with events like festivals and festivities displaying a wide range of inspirations. In Guyana, clothing frequently represented culture and personal ideals. For example, people might show their support for local artists or dedication to sustainability by purchasing eco-friendly products. Wearing traditional attire for cultural events emphasized a sense of community and belonging, but modern, Western looks occasionally represented hopes for globalization and a modern identity. 

Imaged here: My mom's childhood photos (blue top) and her super cool punk pencil skirt she made with scrap fabrics

[deswatchedit]

Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma (2021)

Topaz Jones’ 2021 short film Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma is a genre-defying piece that blends music, documentary, and experimental filmmaking. Inspired by the 1970s "Black ABCs," a set of educational flashcards designed to teach Black children about their culture and history, Jones’ film revisits this concept with a modern twist. Through 26 different "letters," each representing an aspect of Black life, the film explores themes of identity, education, and Black life in America. The combination of music, personal stories, and vibrant visuals creates a unique viewing experience that speaks directly to the complexities of growing up Black in this country.

The film is structured like the alphabet, with each letter standing for a word or concept related to Black culture. "A" for "Afro" and "N" for "Nigger." Each letter becomes a chapter that dives into an aspect of Black identity, ranging from serious social commentary to more lighthearted reflections on things like fashion or slang. This piece-by-piece like structure allows Jones to mix history, personal experiences, and creative visual elements in a way that feels fresh and experimental.

Visually, the film is a mix of old and new. Using 16mm film for some parts, giving it a retro, grainy feel that ties back to the historical roots of the Black ABCs, while other segments are shot with more modern equipment. This combination of styles makes each chapter feel distinct but still somewhat uniform. The editing is almost surreal, with images blending into one another in a way that feels almost dreamlike, or AI. This visual style reflects the film’s theme of Black identity being complex and multifaceted.

The music is also a key part of the film. Topaz Jones’ songs combine hip-hop, funk, and soul, fitting the film's narrative. The lyrics often reflect the themes of each segment, acting as another layer of storytelling. In this way, the music doesn’t just accompany the visuals—it helps shape them.

Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma is told from a Black perspective, our perspective. It is unapologetic in its depiction of Black culture and the struggles that come with living in a society where systemic racism is still a reality. The film doesn’t explain or soften its message for a non-Black audience, which is part of what makes it so powerful. It assumes the viewer is either familiar with these issues or willing to engage with them without being spoon-fed. This is crucial to the film’s authenticity and its refusal to dilute its message for mainstream appeal.

Historically, the Black ABCs were a tool to help Black children learn about themselves and their culture in a world that often denied them that opportunity. Jones builds on this idea, using the alphabet structure to explore how Black children—and Black people in general—navigate a world that often marginalizes them. The film addresses the importance of cultural education and the ways Black communities pass down knowledge, not just in schools, but through families, art, and everyday life.

Jones uses experimental techniques to break away from traditional filmmaking. The film is non-linear and doesn’t follow a typical plot, which can be disorienting, but this style fits with the themes Jones is exploring. Black identity isn’t something that can be neatly categorized or told in a straightforward way. By using a mix of personal stories, surreal imagery, and historical footage, the film reflects the idea that identity is layered and constantly evolving.

One of the most striking artistic choices is the way the film balances moments of pain and joy. While Jones touches on heavy topics like racism and the impact of police violence on Black communities, there are also moments of celebration—of Black culture, music, and style. This balance creates an emotional minefield for viewers, making it easy to become engulfed.

Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma is a powerful and thought-provoking film that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling. By using the alphabet as a framing device, Jones brings together history, personal experience, and artistic expression in a way that feels fresh and innovative, but all so simple at the same time.

Moreover, the film embraces what it means to be a Black film. It doesn’t conform to the expectations of a mainstream, white audience. Instead, it unapologetically centers Black life, culture, and language, making it clear that Black filmmakers like Jones are not just telling stories—they are reclaiming and redefining what it means to make "Black films." Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma is a Black film because it speaks directly to the Black community, reflects the complexities of Black identity, and challenges the negative connotations attached to the language and culture often misunderstood or vilified by the dominant culture.

Rating: 9/10

A creative and bold exploration of Black identity that successfully blends music (I love music), history, and personal narrative into an unforgettable film experience. I also just love 16mm!