2023 STAFF PICKS
We asked the women on our team to share some 2023 standouts from their perspectives. We hope you find something you can get into, too.
Featured
“Brash is a Black-owned, woman-owned skincare line based out of Oakland, CA. Brash carries the best shea butters, body scrubs, body oils, and body wash. The scents are unique yet not overpowering and they leave your skin feeling flawless! Please check out this local gem made right here in the Bay!”
“Author Dr. Bettina L. Love highlights the educational trajectory of Black communities since integration. This book speaks to the anti-Blackness and racism that Black teachers and families have to contend with at school sites and highlights the notion that Black women will always have to fend for themselves. In my opinion, this book is a must-read for educators and for Black women to recognize and name the harm, identify who is responsible, and hold them accountable.”
Despite facing pushback in many spaces, Amanda Seales continues to relentlessly advocate for Black women and all people facing oppression. She uses various platforms—Instagram, podcasting, radio, live edutainment, and more. In a frighteningly McCarthy Era-esque context of censorship, censure, and job loss as some of the consequences of speaking truth to power, Seales continues to prioritize honesty over financial ga\in or popularity. We applaud her.
“There were so many important, standout news stories this year. From the deaths of legends like Lance Reddick, Tina Turner, and Harry Belafonte, to the banning of books and the ending of affirmative action in college admissions; from autoworkers, actors, and directors striking for their fair share of the economic gains, to Coco Gauff winning the US women’s singles tennis title and Beyonce’s Renaissance tour—we’ve experienced some high highs and low lows.”
“First, my radical wellbeing company, WildFiya, because it's my own contribution to helping create a more thriving and healthy world. And also Shahn Beauty because she gives amazing massages. Her hands are magic and I am a person who needs constant massages to manage the impacts of stress on my body.”
“Black Vines - A Toast to Black Wineries and Diverse Art® curates spaces that center Black love, Black joy, and Black excellence, with a vision of creating a holistic and sustainable Black economic ecosystem. For 13 years, Black Vines® has modeled what it looks like to envelop Black people of all backgrounds, with a focus on bringing people together to promote Black Excellence. Since inviting BlackFemaleProject to be their nonprofit partner, Black Vines® cross-promotes our events, publicizes our story collections, hosts fundraisers, and provides generous in-kind support.”
Black-owned Roasted and Raw offers healthy and delicious food options and is conveniently located on 14th street at Jefferson in Oakland, CA.
Oakland artist and activist Boots Riley does it again with I’m a Virgo, an outlandish yet powerful and multidimensional social critique.
A 2023 British romantic comedy film directed by Raine Allen-Miller in her feature directorial debut.
“The power of music lives beyond words, and that's very true for this beautiful and healing song by Sampa the Great. You just have to listen!”