Hey Aunty! What’s Good? 21 June 2019
There’s never been a better time to be black, or to listen to/read/watch black culture. Here’re 3 cultural happenings that sparked joy...
Using your mixed company voice, taming your hair and dressing 'professional' are all examples of ways we code switch to get by in majority white spaces. But... it's 2018 and black culture has never been more popular with the 'main stream'. In an era of white rappers, internet dance challenges and diversity errrrthing, should I still be code switching? Three dope Aunties share their experience and reflections on this hot topic...
We're all familiar with this seemingly simple question, posed again...and again...and then some more. It can be deceptively layered, complex and slippery for black women to get ahold of identity and belonging. As we tread a path through the stereotypes and scant histories and learn to 'narrate our stories'. A core theme of the pod that we will keep adding to regularly. So many laughs to be had and so many silences to be broken...
We are all pretty new here, so we've take the time to share some of the key things that we are very much here for #community #theoppositecanbetakenasreadright?
When we use the terms 'Black woman/women' because that's how we know ourselves. We support self definition and want to create an environment that is nourishing and welcoming. We don't police how Sisters identify or seek to exclude anyone based on race, gender, sexuality. LGBTQI sisters, mixed race sisters, indigenous sisters and non binary fam - we <3 and welcome you.
Because we believe in staying in our lane and that the authenticity in doing so is relatable to everyone. If you are comfy with that, you very welcome to sit with us.
These Aunties speak from their lived experience and are authorities on that as far as we are concerned. This means that we can't fix your life, but we are confident you've got it covered. It's amazing what a cuppa and a good yarn can do!
This is a passion project driven by our the wish to be the person we needed way back when (and often still need now!). Built on a lot of good will, unpaid labour and generosity. Organic and ever evolving, we are learning along the way and loving it. So happy to have your company on this journey. This is supposed to be fun y'all. Your positivity, understanding and constructive call-ins/feedback are all part of this beautiful iterative process. Don't get mad, get thinking of a solution (go for a walk, drink some water) and then... get in touch.
Champion changed minds and cackle over shameful shared experience. Yes to steaming hot tea and white hot truths, as far as we can remember them... It's about the relief of getting the real stuff off your chest, so in short, we are not that #aspirational
These stories can never be representative of all black women and fems, they present more facets of our sparkling lushness. We respect each Aunty's right to be the author of their own story, wether it reflects the opinions of the producers or not. We ask that our community extends the same courtesy.
That'll do for now, but watch this space for updates...
Photo above from Sisterhood Lifeline by amazing Aunty and Artist Lisa Hilli
We'd love to hear from you Sis!
Ask the Aunties a question, reflect on what you've heard. Recommend an Aunty for us to feature (don't be shy, what about your dope jazz self?). Ideas for scams schemes and collaborations. Compliments and constructive call-ins. All encouraged and appreciated.
We are an inclusive and evolving community and your voice is a beautiful part of how we grow. Know your message will be read and responded to as soon as we can, as far as possible.
Keep it positive and nothing but sunshine will be thrown your way...
Image 'Throwing Shade from 'Sisterhood Lifeline' by the amazing Aunty and Artist Lisa Hilli