It’s Fair Trade Day and we couldn’t let this global holiday pass without thinking of ways to step up our ethical beauty footprint. If you’re not sure if your products […]

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Stefon Bristol’s See You Yesterday is a creative sci-fi drama that highlights the positive aspects of science while simultaneously delving into the traumatic effects of police brutality.

Under the direction of Stefon Bristol, See You Yesterday pays homage to cinematic influences like Do the Right Thing and Back to the Future. In this time-traveling sci-fi drama, a pair of Brooklyn teenaged science prodigies attempt to travel back in time to undo an unjust police shooting. Eden Duncan-Smith (Roxanne, Roxanne) plays CJ Walker, a science lover who develops a makeshift time machine with her best friend Sebastian Thomas, played by newcomer Dante Crichlow. The two protagonists attempt to correct the death of CJ’s brother Calvin (Brian Vaughn Bradley, Jr., also known as the rapper Astro).

Higher Education and a Career in Science as a First Career Option

In See You Yesterday, CJ and Sebastian aspire to get accepted into top historically Black colleges and other top universities. They have committed their summer break to prepare to win scholarships and awards as a result of their scientific breakthroughs. The beautiful thing about the representation of young Black and Brown teenagers in this film is that it breaks the mold by showcasing these scholars as at the top of their class despite coming from neighborhoods that do not necessarily have the best resources. CJ, Sebastian, and Eduardo (Johnathan Nieves) love science and researching the latest trends and topics in the electronic world. Their identities are not defined by the negative aspects of the communities that they live in, but rather by the individual choices that they make. It is refreshing to see teenagers aspire to work in the scientific field as opposed to more stereotypical professions like playing a sport or being a rapper.

Positive Representation of Inner-city Scholars with a Passion for Science

While some sci-fi films ascribe to a futuristic or cold and sterile vibe, the overall tone of Bristol’s film is warm, colorful, intimate, and reflective of a strong sense of community. The setting of the film is summertime in the heart of a Brooklyn community. Imagery that showcases cultures of the African diaspora and signifiers that denote a strong cultural influence includes a Guyanese flag, a family-filled backyard cookout, and many aspects of Caribbean culture. It all really works. It makes the scenes more applicable to science lovers of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. When the teens CJ, Sebastian, and Eduardo appear on screen, they are dressed in hip, graphic, science-themed tees or vibrant ethnic prints. Costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones does a nice job of conveying that while these young scholars are science nerds, that they are still cool and cultured.

What I liked most about the film was the presence of strong, positive, and nurturing female characters and the strong sense of community. Marsha Stephanie Blake as Phaedra Walker does a lovely job of conveying the plight of a widowed woman raising two teenagers. Gloria Thomas, Sebastian’s grandmother, played by Myra Lucretia Taylor, is convincing in her portrayal of a stern yet maternal and understanding grandmother. While it’s truly a reality in many urban communities, I noticed an absence of a strong Black male presence within the film. It would have been enriching to see some sort of a mentor. There’s a really endearing moment in which CJ’s brother Calvin gets schooled on how to play dominoes by the older men in the community. Bradley does an excellent job at capturing the essence of Calvin, and the entire ensemble is well cast.

While there are obvious budget constraints, the writing of both Bristol and co-writer Fredrica Bailey is so engaging that the storyline makes up for the makeshift time-traveling moments. The cinematography of Felipe Vara de Rey creatively and strategically enhances the storyline while keeping the time-traveling moments from being too over the top. The soundtrack of the film stays consistent with the cultural undertones and adds just the right amount of flair when needed. It’s evident that producer Spike Lee’s film Do the Right Thing and Robert Zemeckis’ Back to the Future had a strong influence on the film’s aesthetic. Speaking on the influence of Back to the Future, Michael J. Fox makes a cameo in the film and his role is quite fitting.

See You Yesterday places great emphasis on higher education without being didactic, while simultaneously addressing the psychological trauma that many brilliant youths carry as a result of the unjust acts of senseless police brutality that occur in disenfranchised communities. While the notion of turning back the hands of time to save the lives of young Black men is idealistic, the films pointedly denotes that there are also consequences that come along with great knowledge and unbridled foresight. CJ and Sebastian beautifully personify that it is okay to embrace your genius and creativity despite the possibility of being misunderstood. See You Yesterday does a beautiful job of showcasing the legacy and contributions of trailblazers like Madam CJ Walker and other scientific inventors and thought leaders. By embracing their own unique identities, these young science scholars exemplify that identity can be a hybrid of many things. See You Yesterday is a great reminder that there are a lot of kids and teenagers in disenfranchised communities who have the potential to positively change and influence the world. They just need to be given a chance.

See You Yesterday premieres on Netflix on May 17, 2019. Running time 86 minutes.

The post Review: ‘See You Yesterday’ Showcases the Potential of Teenage Science Prodigies appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Source: Jeff Kravitz / Getty

Pregnancy and childbirth wreak havoc on the women’s body. Besides the struggle of the snap back, there are also health issues that women are left to deal with after bringing life into the world. Singer Queen Naija was open and honest about her plastic surgery after giving birth to her second child and documented her journey in her YouTube channel. The “Karma ” singer said she had a Brazilian Buttlift and tummy tuck and the internet trolled her.

She vented in TheShadeRoom comments about the negative feedback she got over her YouTube video about her post-operative results and recovery.

“Now if I would have kept it a secret, like a lot of other women who’ve had surgery.. everyone would have saying “Liar, did you get surgery, why you hiding it?” she commented. “Lol, I tell the truth & it’s still an issue. Hilarious. Imma take my new booty and hide in a ditch.”

Despite the criticism,  the 23-year-old is pleased with the results and explained in her YouTube video that doesn’t plan to get anymore work done.

“I will not be getting any more surgery. I won’t turn into one of those girls who gets lip fat added and all this stuff. I’m not touching my face.”

Cardi B was also open about getting plastic surgery after giving birth. The “Clout” rapper had no problem admitting to having breast augmentation and liposuction post-pregnancy.

Take a look at Queen Naija’s videos below.

You’ve had a minute to snatch you jaw from the floor — yes lawd! The Met Gala 2019 gave us a real show. Let’s take a look at the slayage by people of color, because YES, WE SLAY.

First off the theme had a lot of people confused. I’m not gonna lie, I got caught out there real quick. I could not imagine that the Met Gala theme would take a step into that much culture. So I thought, you mean camping… or campy? I settled on campy and was waiting for the slue of Warhol Soup Can dresses and exaggerated tool poodle skirts. When I realized I was off the mark – I was like OH OK you mean CAMP! The drag-ball-oh-no-she-better-don’t camp.

I was honestly underwhelmed by our lower melanated friends. We should have seen the most extravagant, dripping in jewels, exaggerated counter-culture flood on the carpet. Instead, some arrived in classic gala attire, a lot of black tuxes with a little flair – not enough for me. I needed gold chains draped from their shoulders to their toes, glittering canes, and top hats with birds flying out of them. This was the theme where tuxes could shine in all the ways. As the red carpet continued, I noticed real quick that our highly melanated peoples came correct and came to reign. We said “Oh! Did you say camp? Now you messed up cuz you think chill exists.”

Here’s the people who showed up for the culture in ways that made me realize are we in a modern day Harlem Renaissance, along with the basic Becky looks that could stand to be more inspired. We was always here, y’all just left us of the guest list and you should never have let us in — cuz it’s our house now.

Category is Power

Billy Porter: I do not think there is a runway, red carpet, banquet hall, or club house this man does not enter to slay. Ushered in looking like Isis, Porter was announced and shouldered in by strapping servants to the gods. The choreography, the performance, the pageantry! It was meant to be, Billy Porter and the Met Gala – THIS MET GALA.

Lupita Nyong’o: If you read my articles you know I have lately been singing Lupita’s praises. This outfit gets nothing less. Said to be inspired by Marie Antoinette, the big hair afro with classic afrocentric hair picks gave me life. You know the pick errbody’s momma had. You didn’t know where it came from cuz it looks like it was passed down through the generations from the civil rights era through the disco era to the present day… yea that hair pick but gold. You get it now right? The theme! Then the rainbow shoulders for the gods and the furry fan to match. Yes, well done. Wakanda camp forever.

Zendaya: This young woman is the princess of our hearts. She isn’t an actual Disney princess (not yet… Can Spider-Man love interests be princesses?) but she is our real life princess, sweet, beautiful, messy and really real all at the same time. She took camp straight out the ball (literally lol) with not only a fairy god-assistant waiving the magic wand, but lights and a transformation! If you didn’t notice, the dress got bigger as it lit up. Magnifique!

Janelle Monáe: My personal favorite Janelle Monáe, why didn’t I see this coming? There is no way to see how this lady will slay. At first you see her movements and then you see the shape and then you see all the components together and…. You’re D.E.D DEAD! She looks like a Picasso, a straight up a piece of art.

Cardi B: The Queen of the Met (only because our girl Riri wasn’t there this year), Cardi came as the runway itself. Donning her own red carpet because she is the party — elegant, unapologetic, and with a free bejeweled nipple.

The Behind The Scenes Stars

Let’s give it up to the designers for knowing their artists through and through. They made some unbelievable creations. ‘The Blondes’ Phillipe Blond and David Blond for Billy Porter. Versace for Lupita. Tommy Hilfiger styling Zendaya. Alexandra Mandelkorn for Janelle Monae. Thom Browne for Cardi, with help from designer Stephen Jones for the headdress.

Of course there were so many more melanated friends that won for the night, Ciara in her sparking deep green gown looking like camp coming all the way from Emerald City Yes! Serena Williams extreme neon eleganza with the Nikes to match. Laverne Cox with the black swan done best and iridescent lip what?!

Category is Presence

But those are just the dresses that got the A+ for camp, what about the tuxes?

Ryan Murphy: You would not expect anything less than the rhinestone head-to-toe suit with extravagant cape leading into a train. How else would they have arrived!!

RuPaul: Mama Ru. Any way that Ru arrived on the carpet would have been camp to a T. The suits Ru wears on Drag Race alone would have sufficed, but they came Ru Plus to the Met, as Ru should. A pink and black zebra. Literally a zebra – thank you Ru for lettin them know Camp is your birthright.

Lena Waithe: Now their suit wasn’t over the top but still hit the mark right. It was not only a sharp look, BUT let the people know.

Lena was like let’s make sure people understand and come correct. The theme is fun but has its roots in a deeply profound culture that not everyone knows. Lena said – get it straight! With a plus one to land their plan. Plus if you look real close the pinstripes are lyrics to iconic songs like Diana Ross’s “I’m Coming Out.” Genius thanks to designer, Pyer Moss.

Category is Invitation

The Met Gala is said to be the most exclusive party in the United States of America, Anna Wintour (Vogue Editor in Chief) hand selects each guest. So I am over the moon that our fellow nerd actors made it on the list.

Did you see our girl Domino, Zazie Beetz being both spouses on the carpet. She rocked the wedding dress and the tux. Ezra Miller, the man with a thousand faces was there. Idris looking sharp with his new wife. (WHAT?! When did that happen?!) Danai Gurira looking eleganza! We are outchea!

Category is — meh.

There were a number of people who got the memo but didn’t know how to make it extra. Instead, they kept it safe.

JLO: Now girl I know you are a part of the melanation but what was this? You are literally the most Googled person because of your dress way back in the day at the VMAs and then you do a simple flapper girl from the Bronx? Is it beautiful…sure, camp?…Sorta. I expected so much more, especially next to some of these juggernauts like Celine Dion walking on the same carpet!

Kim K West: I know how dare I bring up her name on the Black Nerd Problems internet, but to me this outfit was a problem. My friends and I spent about 20 minutes trying to figure out what it was. Why is she so padded? Why is Kim doing drag of herself? Why is she breaking her ribs for that waist, and why does she look wet? Then it clicks OH, she’s supposed to look dripping wet. To be honest this is how she always looks, so I see why she would take the chance to really try and take it over the top – but it was not a win. We all agreed, if it were a different color, and if she had an extravagant headpiece that looked like water was pouring over her or a million droplets in her hair as well, she would have pulled off camp much better.

Men Who Could Not Be Bothered: A number of men just came to a party. Remi Malek wore a black tux. I appreciated the red shoe, but camp it was not. Frank Ocean and Kanye were clearly making some sort of point to stick it to the bourgeoisie and celebrity culture by coming as that dude at the barbershop that just sits there and never gets a haircut. Or the message was, I don’t care. Kanye in a bomber jacket I’m sure costs $50,000 but looks like it cost $45 at Jimmy Jazz, and Frank Ocean giving us a high-water slack, clunky shoe, and sweatshirt. This was the theme for us to show up! But nope.

Category is Snatched the Game — Camp On Point

This is where the less melanated friends got the message.
Cara Delevingne: She stole me away with this one. Days after I could not stop talking about it. The rainbow stripes, sheer short skirt dress with the matching rainbow cane. You would think she was wearing matching tights, but no. She is painted from the thigh down to her matching rainbow platform heels. With the over-the-top headdress complete with Jokeresque toy teeth and banana peels. And the jewel pasties underneath! This outfit is EXTRA and that is what we are here for. Thank you Cara for serving.

Lady Gaga: We could not end this article without mentioning the queen of the ball. Oh wait… I already mentioned Cardi B. No forreal tho – the one behind it all. The champ. She was born this way, she woke up like this, THE Lady Gaga. As chair of the Gala we could not expect any less. She has us going through the motions, her entire performance. Yes, performance, took us on a journey from pink fruff-fruff to big black dress elegance to bright-pink evening classy to sexy pin-up on the fringe. She made the carpet a 15-minute event for herself, dancers, phases and all together it made camp. You couldn’t have just one, you have to bring it all together like A Pimp Named Slick Back. You have to say the whole thing. Yes Gaga, the Met Gala and you were meant to be.

All the looks going into the Met makes you wanna know what goes down past the carpet. Info from an inside source says a lot of people was stepping on a lot of dress trains. True story: They keep these outfits on for dinner y’all.

That said, there were so many more outfits and so many more fails as well. Let us know which you felt should make this list.

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The post Met Gala 2019 and Camp: A Tutorial on Black Slayage appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.