ordinary thoughts: success and social responsibility
Que lo que, familia? Academy Award season is upon us, and while there’s bound to be controversial snubs (per usual), in today’s special edition of Ordinary Thoughts, we’re highlighting some incredible films and performances by Black and brown artists that are undoubtedly worth the watch, regardless if they’re nominated or not.
We’ve also added an award-season-spin to today’s trivia question. Read through some captivating stories of the week and what’s been on our minds lately, and be prepared for some deep contemplations worthy of a game night once you approach the end. Bottle(s) of wine are always welcome.
- Isaiah & Cybele
the affliction of silence
Activism and art are two ingredients of expression that have been saliently entwined for over a millennium. For centuries, countless artists have considered themselves activists, utilizing their passion and profession as tools to shed light on the significant issues of their time.
stories that have our attention
Meditations on Gaza, solidarity, and Latinx Studies
“Like their Palestinian “counterparts,” Puerto Ricans committed themselves to achieving decolonization through armed struggle and peoples’ war. They also found themselves in solidarity with Palestine because of what was, to them, very real—and very analogous—experiences of surveillance and political repression.
At the same time, other powerful actors—most notably the Reagan administration and the New Right—would exploit those very solidarities to combat the rising problem of international terrorism. In what was ultimately a battle over the United States’ reputation as a global leader of democracy, Puerto Rican solidarity with Palestine became weaponized in service of imperial ambitions, demarcating the boundaries of legitimate political dissent. From the state’s perspective, the Puerto Rican independence movement, much like Palestinian resistance, was simply a terrorist—and therefore illegitimate—political menace.”
The day the Taliban banned women like me from working
“The next day, I left for work as usual, dressed in my hijab and face mask. I put my handbag on my shoulder, but saw no other women on the street. An ominous quiet filled the city, the sky clouding over. My heart felt as heavy as the gathering storm. I was the lone rebel against the regime denying my right to work, denying my duty as a mother and provider.
I reached the roundabout. There was no shuttle bus. The men eyed me, ready to challenge. I would not give them the chance. I turned away, and walked slowly, deliberately, in the direction of home.”
Buying back the block: organizations that are fighting to save black communities from gentrification
“Property is power. Owning a home and land has always been the American dream. Unfortunately, that dream has often been made nightmarish for Black people. Post-slavery Black families fought hard to obtain land and build the foundation of what would become generational wealth for future generations.
Often, the families had their progress deferred due to racist practices, including raised property taxes, police harassment and illegal purchases. As time passed, access to education and employment increased, and so did the Black middle class. This made home and land ownership an achievable milestone. This was also when inner cities introduced the idea of housing projects that were supposed to provide living accommodations for lower-income families. Fast forward to 2024, and these areas that were once considered less than favorable or low-income have now been overtaken by gentrification and forced overhaul.”
in other news...
Politics
Dexter Scott King, son of Martin Luther King Jr., dies at 62
Video released of white officer kneeling on Black teen near Las Vegas school in incident that sparked George Floyd comparison
Supporters say Black academic’s suicide was fueled by the very pressures she studied in her dissertation
Markets
Two important events this week could determine the future of Fed rate policy
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says global consensus on AI is emerging
Corporate debt defaults soared 80% in 2023 and could be high again this year, S&P says
Tech
Apple bids to throw out $1 bln UK lawsuit over app store fees
North Korea's AI development raises sanctions concerns, report says
Binance, SEC face off over regulator's crypto oversight
Sports
Karl-Anthony Towns drops career-high 62 points as Hornets spoil historic outing for Timberwolves
Joel Embiid scores career-high 70 points in Philadelphia 76ers' win over San Antonio Spurs
Championship Sunday is underway this weekend as the top AFC and NFC contenders face off, with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake
staff highlights: 2023 films
Cybele’s Top Director Picks:
Celine Song, Past Lives
Savannah Leaf, Earth Mama
Glorimar Marrero, La Pecera
Lila Aviles, Tótem
Steve McQueen, Occupied City
Isaiah’s Top Performance Picks:
Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Origin
Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction
Colman Domingo, Rustin
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
pa' la cultura
cultural trivia
EGOT is an abbreviation for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, the ultimate achievement in the entertainment business. To date, only 19 celebrities have joined the EGOT winners club.
Question: How many entertainers of color have achieved legendary EGOT status?
4
7
9
2
song of the week
Song of the Week is chosen from subscriber submissions, as we pay close attention to the latest exceptional output of music from artists who remain slightly under the radar.
Song of the Week:
Sokkar - by Palestinian-Chilean singer and songwriter, Elyanna (2023).
words of wisdom
Salman Rushdie is Indian-born British-American novelist. His work often combines magic realism with historical fiction and primarily deals with connections, disruptions, and migrations between Eastern and Western civilizations, typically set on the Indian subcontinent.
Cultural Trivia Answer
The answer, ladies and gentlemen, is… *Drum roll please*
3. 9
Rita Moreno, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Lopez, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Viola Davis, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte and Quincy Jones. A look back at 9 stars of color who have achieved legendary EGOT status, from Rita Moreno to James Earl Jones.