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BGN interviews Aldis Hodge (Alex) and Edwin Hodge (Martel) for their latest film Parallel.
Parallel follows the story of Vanessa (Danielle Deadwyler) who takes refuge at her family’s lake house to grieve after suffering the loss of her child. Accompanied by her husband, Alex (Aldis Hodge), and his brother, Martel (Edwin Hodge), Vanessa attempts to regain her sense of normalcy after the tragedy. But soon after their arrival, she experiences an aberration when she is attacked by a parallel universe’s version of herself. Faced with the reality that multiverses exist, she must reconcile the fact that these parallel gates will either hold the key to releasing her grief or trapping her forever.
Interviewer: Jamie Broadnax
Video Editor: Jamie Broadnax
Parallel premieres in theaters 2/23 and on demand 2/27.
Shutterstock / Prostock-studio. By Celeste Polanco ·Updated February 23, 2024
Beauty standards are engraved into girls from a young age. Our Barbies and dolls come perfectly packaged with their hair, makeup, and nails already done. Most of us played with those toys as we watched our mothers get dolled up for the day. Beauty seems fun and playful until we evolve into teenagers. Then, many of us feel the pressure to conform to trends and change our hair and makeup.
The parts of ourselves we once deemed “just fine” have become our biggest insecurities. Our bodies, skin, and hair begin to change while comparison sets in. This, at times, creates a divide between women, mainly because we feel like we’re not “good enough” to be her friend or because of jealousy. We fail to realize “she,” too, has her share of insecurities.
If these insecurities are not tackled, they only increase as we get older, like a bad rash we can’t get rid of. We apply more makeup, buy more clothes, and wouldn’t be caught dead skipping a Botox appointment. This mentality can spread to our daughters, and the cycle continues… unless we start to get more honest about the beauty journey.
That said, below, 4 inspiring beauty content creators share how they navigate the ever-changing beauty industry and the standards it comes with.
Melissa Baker View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mel B. (@amellionmoves)
Melissa Baker is a content creator who knew the pressure of beauty standards until she started creating her own rules. “Cutting my hair was the first time I felt beautiful,” says Baker. Just a few years ago, Baker was diagnosed with traction alopecia, a disease exacerbated by iron deficiency, tight hairtarget="_blank"> View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Angel Edme (@angel_edme)
Angel Edme began finding self-acceptance when she started her healing journey. She describes her “year of self” as a pivotal turn towards body confidence and the beginning of her fashion journey. “I had a year where I wanted to unpack a lot of who I was. Journaling was a way to face parts of myself that needed to be addressed and get to know myself again. This helped me find a lot of confidence,” says Edme.
Working on her insecurities allowed her to express her confidence through clothing and experimenting with her personal target="_blank"> View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Abbyrosemaureen | Beauty & skincare lover | (@abbyrosemaureen)
“I’ve been suffering from acne and hyperpigmentation since I was a teenager,” says Abby Maureen, a skin health content creator. Most of her acne journey was spent with dermatologists who would prescribe her harsh treatments and chemicals. Maureen was given tretinoin, which is often used to treat acne. She described the skin medication as harsh, and when she’d express this, she didn’t feel heard by her dermatologists– a struggle many women of color face in medical offices.
Maureen’s journey only became more challenging when she started school in America. “I’m from the Caribbean, where acne is normal; I didn’t know clear skin was a beauty standard until I came to the U.S. The beauty standards here made me feel like I wasn’t good enough,” says Maureen. But she refused to let these judgments hold her back from embracing her beauty. She began experimenting with different regimes and sharing them online to help others combat their acne journey and feel good in their skin. Maureen shares, “my biggest beauty secret is to not let others determine your beauty. You determine that for yourself. I stopped comparing myself to others on social media and everything changed.”
Denise Francis View this post on InstagramA post shared by Denise | The Self Love Queen | Wellness Founder (@livenaturallylove)
Denise Francis, the owner of the Self Love Organization, says her journey to inner healing began at nine years old. “There was an argument going on with my family. I remember running to the bathroom and crying. However, when I heard my family looking for me, I wiped my tears and told myself to be strong,” says Francis.
This mentality led Francis to struggle with anxiety for years. She eventually began a self-love journey and took a deep dive into the parts of herself she had suppressed for so long. “Self-love is about returning to the old versions of yourself,” says Francis. “You’re breaking down the old versions of yourself you suppress to survive, and you’re returning home,” Francis adds.
Once Francis returned to herself, she created The Soul Study Journal, a curated book of therapist-approved journaling prompts that allow us to heal and uncover our true inner beauty. “As you teach yourself to heal, you will teach your daughters to heal. Through the inner work, we will release ourselves and our daughters from the strong Black woman to the healed Black woman.”
TOPICS: beauty influencers beauty standards selfcareThe post Confidence Secrets From 4 Women Pushing Back Against Beauty Standards appeared first on Essence.
You’re most likely familiar with Greek mythology, but what about African mythology?
For most people growing up in the United States, learning about Zeus and the Gods of Olympians was a normal part of the curriculum. Fascinated by stories of one-eyed monsters, all-powerful gods, and mystical creatures, I never considered why I was learning only about Greek and Roman mythology and not mythology from other cultures. After all, those two cultures couldn’t be the only ones that attempted to explain the universe’s wonders through magical creatures.
My curiosity recently led me to African mythology. Here are eight things that will make you want to learn more.
What Is African Mythology?
Like many myths, African mythology exists to explain the origin of life, the afterlife, and the supernatural. What differentiates African mythology from Western mythology is its incorporation into everyday life. Western perspectives view myths as fairy tales and legends. Yet, in many African cultures, certain parts of myths are ingrained in cultural practices.
At its core, African mythology reflects the values and beliefs of different cultures. Common themes include having various gods, ancestral spirits, and connections to nature.
African Mythology Is Not a Representation of the Continent
While African mythology is a common term used to describe the mythology from the continent, it’s important to note that every African country has separate beliefs and religions.
For instance, West African Yoruba culture has the pantheon of Orishas, countless divine spirits dispatched by the supreme god Olodumare.
East African mythology focuses on how animals, humans, and nature are interconnected. Many of their origin stories are about a human born or coming out of a tree or plant.
South African mythology heavily emphasizes the afterlife and believes the supreme god Qamata sent ancestors to guide humans.
Key African Gods and Goddesses in African Religion and Mythology
Here are a few of the most prominent gods and goddesses and their mysterious powers and abilities.
- Eshu, the Divine Trickster, also known as Elegba, is like the African (Yoruba) version of Loki. Known to use psychological tricks on those who do not recognize his power, his primary role is as a messenger between humans and the realm of spirits. He promises protection to those who offer sacrifices.
- Oshun is a goddess known worldwide in various cultures, including Brazilian, Cuban, Haitian, African, and African American. The creation of the goddess originated from the Yoruba culture of Nigeria and is known to be the goddess of love, wealth, and beauty.
- The King of Peace Obatala represents honesty, peace, and creativity. He is known for creating the identities and personalities of children in the womb.
- Anansi is an Akan god of wisdom, whose origin story began in West Africa. He is often depicted as a spider.
- Amma, known in Western African culture and as Mulungu in East Africa, is known as the supreme god.
African Mermaids Are a Thing
Almost every Blerd remembers when Halle Bailey came out as the live-action version of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, and many people spoke out about mermaids only being white. Those critics weren’t aware of African mythology.
One of the older presentations of mermaids started over 4,000 years ago from the Dogon people of Mali. Mermaids, also known as the Nommo people, originated from the sky and cared for the bodies of water on Earth. The Dogon people mentioned mermaids as protectors of the water but also dangerous and fierce.
Across Africa, stories of mermaids were not like the Disney stories. In Zimbabwe, the Mondao were mermaids with sharp teeth that would pull people into the water. South Africa has legends of Mondao, who lived in a waterfall desert and, if angered, would create storms and floods.
Books Inspired by African Mythology
As storytelling is a big part of African mythology, it’s no surprise that many books share similar themes. Here are books that expand on African myths.
- The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco by Richard Hamilton. Morocco is where people have gathered for thousands of years to share stories. However, because of modern times, storytelling has been outshined by movies and TV shows. Hamilton tracked down the few storytellers left to record their stories and combat the slow eraser of in-person storytelling.
- A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown. This book is the story of Karina, a princess who wants to resurrect her murdered mother. The story unfolds by sharing how Karina gathers the material to perform the magic to bring her mother back to life.
- Blood Scion by Deborah Falaye. This book will satisfy your curiosity if you’re into Yoruba mythology. The book is about Sloane, a descendant of the Yoruba god Orisha, but she must hide her true identity. Unlike some fairy tales, this book is violent and heartbreaking. It shares how Sloane will do whatever it takes to survive. It’s definitely a pick for those who like darker fiction.
African Mythology Is Displayed in African Artwork
While many pieces of art focus on mirroring real life, many African artists have used their artwork to display the concepts, beliefs, and stories of African mythology. Some artists who have been able to blend elements of the real world with those of mythology include:
- Laolu Senbanjo, who demonstrates aspects of Yoruba religion and describes his work as the Sacred Art of the Ori.
- Wangechi Mutu explores the interconnections between humans and nature while challenging Western ideals of misogyny and racism.
African Mythology Influences African Comics
With African mythology influencing literature, of course, these stories would turn up in comics. Here are some popular comics influenced by African folklore.
- Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe
- Amadioha created by Tobe Max Ezeogu
- Anaki created by E.N. Ejob
- Jember created by Beserat Debebe
- Strike Guard created by Ayodele Elegba
African Mythologies Provide Valuable Lessons
African mythology is revered in many ways. Sculptures are often made to represent different gods and goddesses. Paintings display different scenes from different myths, and dance routines are choreographed to help tell stories. While a main component of African mythology is oral storytelling, visual representation plays a key role in persevering stories.
African stories and myths also teach lessons about kindness, bravery, respect for elders, and honesty. Thus, mythology isn’t simply looked at as fairy tales but serves as a way to support different communities.
Happy Black History Month! It’s a time of reflection and celebration of the Black icons who inspire and bring happiness to us. So let’s give some love to the Black women of the anime world who show up and show out, from the women who make every second of screen time count to those we think deserve more time in the spotlight. Let’s take some time out this Black History Month to give flowers to the Black women of anime whom we love.
Michiko Malandro — Michiko to Hatchin
There’s something so enthralling about a rough-around-the-edges woman with a soft side. Michiko has not had the easiest life between growing up in an orphanage and having quite a few run-ins with the law. But she’s always maintained a protective and caring spirit about herself. After she fell in love with Hiroshi Morenos, something that was not intended, the two begin dating. One day, though, a bus that Hiroshi was supposedly on explodes, seemingly killing him.
Michiko is heartbroken and ends up getting arrested, where she runs into a former friend, Atsuko. It’s there that Atsuko taunts Michiko with a photo of Hiroshi’s daughter Hana and how he’s alive and has moved on without her. This sets Michiko on a mission of her own to not only find Hana but see for herself if the love of her life really is alive and had moved on.
She would of course have to wait for that as she was still in prison. Twelve years later, Michiko breaks out, and this sets our main story in motion. Can Michiko heal from her years of tangling with law enforcement? Can she be a proper guardian to Hana? Is Hiroshi really alive or was Atusko just trying to get a rise out of Michiko? You can watch Michiko to Hatchin on Crunchyroll.
Yoruichi Shihouin — Bleach
Whether in cat or woman form, Yoruichi is one interesting Shinigami. Her mature and calming presence makes her enthralling to watch. However, on occasion she’s not above showing her playful side. This is especially true when it comes to teasing the men around her, specifically Ichigo. The scenes of Yoruichi having her fun with Ichigo at the hot springs is one of the funniest scenes in Bleach, which is really saying something.
It’s still not known how exactly Yoruichi acquired her cat form, but she seems to be the only Shinigami we meet with this exact power, making her for a versatile and interesting character. This is doubly intriguing as her cat form has a masculine voice that her woman form doesn’t have. This makes for a funny reveal when a character sees her transform for the first time. You can see everyone’s favorite feline Shinigami on Hulu.
Coffee — Cowboy Bebop
It’s a shame we didn’t see more of Coffee on Cowboy Bebop. She was not only a bounty hunter with a cool car, but she had a distinct look as well. The silhouette of the large fro and the skin tight clothing brings to mind the ’70s Blaxploitation era, one that has had its fair share of scrutiny but love and acclaim among the Black community as well. In fact Coffee’s inspiration was none other Pam Grier herself in the movie Coffy.
We meet Coffee as she asking around about a man by the name of Domino Walker. Domino had a big bounty on his head, and who can blame Coffee for wanting to get her hands on that prize pool? She crosses path with everyone’s favorite Bebop duo, Ed and Ein, who are trying to find some food to bring back to the ship. In exchange for a watermelon purchase, she asks the watermelon seller to help her in her pursuit of information.
This sets off a chain of events in which Coffee ends up with Ed and Ein in the trunk of her car and her getting arrested for kidnapping. Then she becomes one of the people chasing after Domino as he runs across the top of a train, Coffee in her car of course. Thanks to Shaft falling into her car, she crashes but does survive. You can see Coffee’s brief time on Cowboy Bebop in the hilarious episode “Mushroom Samba” on Netflix.
Karui — Naruto/Boruto: Naruto the Next Generations
Karui is another character that we really could use more of. She’s the wife of resident foodie and sweetheart Choji Akimichi and the mother of their daughter Chocho. Though Karui currently lives in the Leaf Village with her family, she’s originally from the Hidden Cloud Village, home to the bombastic and talented Killer B. Karui is headstrong, devoted, and fiercely protective of the Raikage, the aforementioned Killer B. She yells at Team Kakashi for letting Sasuke get away with attacking B and even lets out her anger on Naruto for doing so, though it’s later said by her teammate Omoi that she feels bad about it afterward. This shows that she’s not a fan of her temper.
Later on she falls in love with Choji and the two get married, even having a daughter by the name of ChoCho, who is a perfect mix of her parents in both looks and personality. We can see that in the new era, Karui is more laid back and relaxed in contrast to her temperament during the war. She even questions if ChoCho requires training as they are in a time of peace.
You can see Karui in the 4th Great Shinobi War arc in Naruto on Netflix and as a mother on Boruto on Crunchyroll.