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We at Black Nerd Problems are happy to present an exclusive look at ROOTS OF MADNESS ahead of its release in October. If you haven’t heard of the latest from Ignition Press, ROOTS OF MADNESS is a new six-issue cosmic horror series by Writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia & the Amazons) and artist Letizia Cadonici (House of Slaughter) about “a brilliant 1905 chemist who takes her ancestors’ healing knowledge—and pushes it beyond what they ever imagined.”
Inspired by the life of Madame CJ Walker, this alternate history combines tradition with cosmic horror for something truly modern and unique. With the first issue available in comic shops October 1st from Ignition Press, we are overjoyed to share a preview of what is to come in this exciting new series!
From the original press release:
At the turn of the 20th century, a young Black woman named Etta picks up the tradition of her late mother for creating special medicines using natural ingredients and secrets handed down from generation to generation. Her mother has passed on a book of recipes and formulas, but it’s also full of strange symbols and dark musings that she doesn’t quite understand.
Within her community, one of the problems she hopes to fix is counteracting the poisonous and abrasive solutions Black women and girls are sold for straightening their hair. So, when the Meridian Fellowship reaches out and offers her a spot at their institute in Savannah, GA, to use their facilities to do her research, Etta jumps at the chance.
She packs up her mother’s book and heads to the sprawling establishment, but what she finds is a place surrounded by natural wonders that may point the way to understanding the more mysterious parts of her mother’s work…if dark forces don’t claim her first.
You can expect our review of the first issue come October.
Roots of Madness #1 will be available in comic shops October 1st from writer Stephanie Williams and artist Letizia Cadonici, with colors from Alessandro Santoro and lettering by AndWorld Design. This issue features two open-to-order covers from Juliet Nneka (Absolute Green Lantern) and Letizia Cadonici & Alessandro Santoro, and a 1:5 variant cover by Paulina Ganucheau (Wonder Woman).
About Stephanie Williams
Stephanie is a research scientist turned prolific comic writer. She’s best known for bringing Nubia back to relevancy for DC Comics with Nubia and the Amazons and Nubia: Queen of the Amazons. Stephanie has worked on titles like Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Wreck and Roll, My Little Pony, Alien: Black, White, and Blood, and many more. She has two recently announced upcoming releases, Street Sharks with IDW Publishing and the highly anticipated graphic novel adaptation of The Raven Boys.
About Letizia Cadonici
Letizia Cadonici is an Italian comic book artist born in Rome, in 1991. She worked for many Italian comic book publishers, mostly as a horror/gothic artist. Today she works for the US industry, for BOOM! Studios (House of Slaughter, The Neighbors, Hello Darkness) and for several others. She currently works on new series Minor Arcana by Jeff Lemire (BOOM! Studios), on the Department of Truth spin-off by James Tynion IV (Image Comics), and on an upcoming TBA series with Mad Cave Studios.
About Ignition Press
Ignition Press is the Los Angeles-based comic book and graphic novel publisher co-founded by publishing and media industry veterans Eric Gitter, Filip Sablik, Jamie S. Rich, and Jeremy Haun. The upstart creator-driven company will exclusively publish original series beginning in September 2025 including Murder Podcast and Voyeur. Ignition Press is repped by WME and attorneys Fred Goodman and Rich Marin of Marin Goodman, LLP.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram!
The post EXCLUSIVE: Otherworldly Horror Unravels in ‘ROOTS OF MADNESS’ Come October appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
We at Black Nerd Problems are happy to present an exclusive look at ROOTS OF MADNESS ahead of its release in October. If you haven’t heard of the latest from Ignition Press, ROOTS OF MADNESS is a new six-issue cosmic horror series by Writer Stephanie Williams (Nubia & the Amazons) and artist Letizia Cadonici (House of Slaughter) about “a brilliant 1905 chemist who takes her ancestors’ healing knowledge—and pushes it beyond what they ever imagined.”
Inspired by the life of Madame CJ Walker, this alternate history combines tradition with cosmic horror for something truly modern and unique. With the first issue available in comic shops October 1st from Ignition Press, we are overjoyed to share a preview of what is to come in this exciting new series!
From the original press release:
At the turn of the 20th century, a young Black woman named Etta picks up the tradition of her late mother for creating special medicines using natural ingredients and secrets handed down from generation to generation. Her mother has passed on a book of recipes and formulas, but it’s also full of strange symbols and dark musings that she doesn’t quite understand.
Within her community, one of the problems she hopes to fix is counteracting the poisonous and abrasive solutions Black women and girls are sold for straightening their hair. So, when the Meridian Fellowship reaches out and offers her a spot at their institute in Savannah, GA, to use their facilities to do her research, Etta jumps at the chance.
She packs up her mother’s book and heads to the sprawling establishment, but what she finds is a place surrounded by natural wonders that may point the way to understanding the more mysterious parts of her mother’s work…if dark forces don’t claim her first.
You can expect our review of the first issue come October.
Roots of Madness #1 will be available in comic shops October 1st from writer Stephanie Williams and artist Letizia Cadonici, with colors from Alessandro Santoro and lettering by AndWorld Design. This issue features two open-to-order covers from Juliet Nneka (Absolute Green Lantern) and Letizia Cadonici & Alessandro Santoro, and a 1:5 variant cover by Paulina Ganucheau (Wonder Woman).
About Stephanie Williams
Stephanie is a research scientist turned prolific comic writer. She’s best known for bringing Nubia back to relevancy for DC Comics with Nubia and the Amazons and Nubia: Queen of the Amazons. Stephanie has worked on titles like Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Wreck and Roll, My Little Pony, Alien: Black, White, and Blood, and many more. She has two recently announced upcoming releases, Street Sharks with IDW Publishing and the highly anticipated graphic novel adaptation of The Raven Boys.
About Letizia Cadonici
Letizia Cadonici is an Italian comic book artist born in Rome, in 1991. She worked for many Italian comic book publishers, mostly as a horror/gothic artist. Today she works for the US industry, for BOOM! Studios (House of Slaughter, The Neighbors, Hello Darkness) and for several others. She currently works on new series Minor Arcana by Jeff Lemire (BOOM! Studios), on the Department of Truth spin-off by James Tynion IV (Image Comics), and on an upcoming TBA series with Mad Cave Studios.
About Ignition Press
Ignition Press is the Los Angeles-based comic book and graphic novel publisher co-founded by publishing and media industry veterans Eric Gitter, Filip Sablik, Jamie S. Rich, and Jeremy Haun. The upstart creator-driven company will exclusively publish original series beginning in September 2025 including Murder Podcast and Voyeur. Ignition Press is repped by WME and attorneys Fred Goodman and Rich Marin of Marin Goodman, LLP.
Want to get Black Nerd Problems updates sent directly to you? Sign up here! Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, and Instagram!
The post EXCLUSIVE: Otherworldly Horror Unravels in ‘ROOTS OF MADNESS’ Come October appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
A Hooters customer jokingly laments that he “can’t take [his friend] anywhere” after he tried to flirt with the server.
In a video with over 80,000 views, TikToker Bendo (@warriorsheartproject) sits across from his friend Juan at Hooters.
Black fitness influencers are transforming the online health and wellness landscape. They’re discussing everything from workouts to self-care. These experts are true to themselves and bring their culture of well-being to the table so that others might benefit. These fitness influencers don’t just give you a sweat; they also motivate you to keep up achieving your fitness goals, believing in yourself, and finding balance that works toward success. Take these eight fitness influencers, for example: each represents the crème de la crème of online fitness from trainers to coaches who are doing their thing.
Keaira LaShae
Keaira LaShae is a singer, dancer, and now a trainer. She co-founded the platform If You Can MOVE. LaShae has been making dance fitness videos for over 10 years. Social media followers love her content on YouTube and her own app. LaShae is all about helping to get folks moving with workout routines that range from dance-based to high-intensity interval training to kickboxing and mobility exercises. LaShae makes working out feel like a party. The choreographed routines are easy to follow and make you want to keep coming for more. Check her out if you’re looking for a way to make fitness feel less like a chore.
Shaun T
Shaun T is a big deal in the fitness industry and the trainer behind popular programs like Hip-Hop Abs. Since 2009, Shaun T has been a household name that everyone knows. After 16 years, Shaun T remains active and passionate about helping his audience get into shape. He’s all about pushing clients to their limits with cardio, strength training, and drills that parallel athlete workouts. If you want a workout that’s going to challenge you and get results, follow Shaun T. His energy is infectious, and his programs work.
Brittne “Brittne Babe” Jackson
Brittne “Brittne Babe” Jackson is a known name in the fitness world. Jackson has been around for a while, churning out home workout challenges and programs that focus on glutes and legs. Brittne Babe started posting workouts in the early 2010s. What sets Brittne Babe apart is her ability to craft workouts viewers can do from home without needing a ton of equipment. The trainer is about getting the best return on your workout. Followers rave about Jackson’s sessions that can be done anywhere, anytime.
BS, CNS, CPT, CHHP (@brittnebabe)Jessamyn Stanley
Jessamyn Stanley is a yoga teacher who advocates for body positivity. She co-founded The Underbelly, a streaming yoga platform that is inclusive of all body types. Stanley has been spreading the word about yoga since the mid-2010s. Her approach to yoga is about making it accessible to everyone, regardless of their shape or size. She’s big on self-acceptance, which is refreshing. For those looking for a yoga instructor who will meet you where you are without judgment, Jessamyn is the person. Plus, The Underbelly classes are on demand, so you can follow along whenever you want.
Koya Webb
Koya Webb is a yoga teacher, author, and the founder of Get Loved Up, a mindfulness community focused on nurturing the mind, body, and soul. For over 10 years, Webb has been sharing her passion with others through teachings and retreats. Webb blends yoga, breathing exercises, healthy eating, and living a rounded life to create optimum health and fitness outcomes. Her style is soothing and pushes trainees to grow.
Simeon Panda
Simeon Panda, a globally recognized physique athlete and strength coach, has been building his following since the early 2010s on social media. Panda’s expertise lies in hypertrophy and strength, particularly in the “classic bodybuilding” approach. Panda is a fitness influencer who offers form tutorials and comprehensive programs to help followers achieve their fitness goals. A no-nonsense approach to lifting guidance and an emphasis on long-term consistency make Panda a popular choice for those seeking to improve their physique.
Jeanette Jenkins
Jeanette Jenkins is a recognized name in the fitness influencer world. Jenkins has been active for over three decades. As the founder of The Hollywood Trainer Club, Jenkins made a name for herself by offering gym sessions that cater to all kinds of workouts. Want to try HIIT, Pilates, or yoga? Jenkins has you covered. The website features a collection of over 1,200 videos with coaching that’s easy to follow, no matter what your fitness level. Jenkins is a great resource for people who genuinely want to get in shape, and she has been around long enough to know what works.
Massy Arias
Massy Arias is a Dominican-American health coach and trainer who made a name for herself through her approach to fitness influence. Arias creates programs that focus on mobility, which is a unique approach. What sets her apart, though, is the community she’s built, The MA Warriors. The health coach has been active online since around the mid-2010s, and by 2019, she had gained a following of around two million people. Arias is an expert in strength, mobility, postpartum fitness, and even community challenges. Those who follow her guidance can expect an approach to working out that focuses on form. Followers gain access to a community and educational resources that are accessible. Her programs are designed to deliver results and are focused on being achievable and sustainable.
RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Fitness Centers That Are Serving The Community
When people think of the Black Panthers, the images that often come to mind are of young Black men in leather jackets, berets, and sunglasses — standing strong, throwing up fists, and patrolling the streets with rifles. Founded in 1966 in Oakland by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, the Party’s initial goal was clear: to protect Black communities from police brutality and to reclaim dignity through self-defense.
The Black Panther Party was 60 percent women. Despite their numerous contributions to Black society, sexism existed in the organization and diminished women’s roles in the party throughout history.
For many women, it seems as if the movement represented the best option at the time. Other activist organizations either didn’t accept women or didn’t understand where a woman’s role needed to be. While there was a glimmer of hope that a woman’s role in the BPP could be recognized and celebrated, its downfall came in part because sexism went unchecked.
Early on women members were “Pantherettes.” They had a separate hierarchy and chain of command. The most well-known woman Panther, Assata Shakur, said joining the party was the most powerful thing she could do, even though there was an overwhelming emphasis on manhood. In 1973, Shakur was pulled over by New Jersey police, shot, and then charged with the murder of a police officer. She spent over 6 years in prison before escaping to Cuba in 1984. The FBI added her to the most wanted terrorist list in 2013. If you haven’t read her autobiography, do so.
Elaine Brown became the first and only woman to lead the party from 1974 to 1977. She took over as chairwoman while Newton went into exile in Cuba. When he returned in 1977, the male members of the party complained that the women had too much control. The men told Newton that Regina Davis, the school’s administrator, had publicly reprimanded a male member. Newton permitted the men to beat Davis, and she ended up hospitalized.
In Brown’s 1992 memoir, A Taste of Power: A Black Woman’s Story, she said that her title of chairwoman was meaningless. “A woman in the Black Power movement was considered, at best, irrelevant. A woman asserting herself was a pariah. If a Black woman assumed a role of leadership, she was said to be eroding Black manhood, to be hindering the progress of the Black race.”
The violence, sexism, and patriarchy caused Brown to leave the party for good. She founded the National Alliance for Radical Prison Reform and works to help prisoners find housing after they are released.
As another famous woman in the party, Angela Davis, said, “Straight Black men and white women will always be the weakest links in the struggle for equality because they view equality as achieving status with white men. The problem with that is that white men’s status is contingent on the oppression of other people.”
Another important figure was Kathleen Cleaver, wife of Eldridge Cleaver and the Party’s first female member of the central decision-making cabinet. As communications secretary, she became one of the most visible women in the Party. When a New York reporter once asked her what she thought a woman’s place was in the revolution, her reply cut straight to the truth: “No one ever asks what a man’s place in the revolution is.”
Her statement underscored the ongoing tension. The women were not simply helpers or “supporters” to the men. They were leaders, organizers, and thinkers. They faced arrests, harassment, and constant surveillance right alongside their male counterparts. But unlike the men, they also faced the dual oppression of racism and sexism within the very spaces where liberation was supposed to be the goal.
It’s always been striking to me when I see photos of the beautiful, Black women from the party with a spectrum of complexions, determined faces, and fists raised high in solidarity. Even their afros have beauty and power. More importantly, despite what was happening in the party, the women kept pushing towards the mission. They organized free breakfast programs, free health clinics, and other social programs in Black communities.
I’d like to believe they were fighting for their own lives and the lives of their families. I’d like to believe they were motivated by the Black community desperately needing change and understanding the assignment. We witness, to this day, the Black Lives Matter movement, which was created and led by women. Collaboration breeds change, and Black women know how to do this like no other.
Growing up, I saw this take place in the Black church. Women made up the majority of the congregation; organized every meeting, conference, and program. They established what they needed to do in the community and made it happen. However, there was an unspoken place where the women stayed, and the men always assumed the leadership.
The story of women in the Panthers is not just about their strength but also about the Party’s contradictions. For all its vision and courage, the BPP mirrored society’s misogyny. The beating of Regina Davis was not an isolated event — it was symptomatic of a broader culture that devalued women even as it depended on their labor.
By the time Newton returned from Cuba in August 1977, many women felt betrayed. Brown eventually left, writing later that her departure was the only way she could survive in a structure that refused to honor her leadership.
This unchecked sexism weakened the Party at a time when government repression, infiltration, and arrests were already taking their toll. FBI COINTELPRO campaigns had decimated the organization through infiltration, trumped-up charges, and biased jury trials. With leaders like Hilliard, Seale, and Newton facing legal battles, the Party could not afford to alienate the very women who kept it alive. Yet that is precisely what happened.
Women’s participation and the issues of sexism seemed like a natural rhythm within the Panther’s history. The truth is, the Black Panther Party duplicated what was going on in the world at that time. Women dealt with hostility or were looked over because they were simply women — this was not anything new. This was something already happening in the world, and the party fell in line. That is not to say that it was right. It’s disappointing to learn this and goes against what we thought we knew. The history of misogyny and sexism in this country has laid a painful foundation, harming and repressing women.
Black women in the Black Panther Party carried significant roles and leadership, whether they were visible or not. Their efforts are what kept the party alive and capable of accomplishing the work that they did. They regenerated hope, gave the best parts of themselves for the greater good, and brought together resources for the best future possible for Black people. A legacy we must carry.
Other resource: International Socialist Review
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