The Curio 003
a weekly roundup for the curious
The Curio is a dedicated series exploring, developing, and discussing some of our society's cultural ins and outs. It will feature all of the notes I share throughout the week in one space, with a few additions of the current developing culture. Essentially, this is a catch-all dump of everything I’ve found fascinating over the week.
After I wrote my essay on the New Orleans Attack, I found myself very drained and needed a moment to recuperate. By “recuperate”, I’m referring to glasses of wine, Krabby Patty gummies, and an endless cycle between podcasts, films, and music. I’ve also spent a good chunk of this week sorting out the logistics for my final semester of undergrad. Yes, it is crazy that my traditional education career is nearly ending. No, I’m not going to grad school (at least not immediately following). Yes, I have started looking for jobs (and yes, it is stressing me out!). The courses I’m most excited about are my “Community Development in Art” and my “Sociology of Gender” courses (which are both things I’ve written and done research on in the past). I’ve also been toying with the idea of turning some of my essays and thoughts into video and/or audio formats, so feel free to let me know if that sounds interesting! Have a great week.
No essay this week friends! However, I have two ideas manifesting that’ll likely be up next week. Sneak peek: biopics and politics in music :)))
- the delicate decade — your love is warmer when it’s held
“Never worry about embarrassing yourself in the pursuit of closeness. There are worse things to chase. You are craving what it means to be known; allow it. At times, it’ll be uncomfortable. Bite the burden anyway.”
This quote proves just how raw and introspective toni’s personal essays are; it’s truly admirable. From following her for her amazing representation in the beauty space to reading her here, I’ve been able to relate to her in a very personal way. People always talk about what it is to yearn for love, but not as many speak about what it is to yearn for community and trust.
— as seen on— is everyone a secret republican or something?
I just recently discovered her this week (like literally yesterday), and I see her roundups and perspectives on business, entertainment, and media overall—especially with her covering lots of American-centered content as a non-American not living in America. Yes, everyone (not me tho) is a secret republican; even a few secret third things.
— The Swan Letter — Help The Williams Family Rebuild
Boosting this to help this family’s goal so please reshare Madison’s article! As a Thomas Fire evacuee in 2017 (the 8th largest wildfire in modern California history), I understand and sympathize with waking up in the middle of the night to the weight of poor air quality pinning up your chest and hills surrounding your home engulfed with roaring flames. I’ve since moved from California, but I’ll never forget the level of recovery Ventura County had to face afterward. My heart goes out to The Williams Family and all the other families who have been affected by this travesty.
— Additions to my Miss Black America note
This was such a cool addition, I absolutely had to add it. Expanding it throughout the diaspora was very interesting to see, and I will be researching more about Black hair across the diaspora.
— Creative Director, Bevel
While I’m not a man, I’ve always thought of Bevel to have some of the most premier-level campaigning in regards to Black men. As someone who studies and works in public relations, it was nice coming across Josef’s page here to see more of the thoughts behind some of the recent campaigns/content.
Shareece is starting this year SO strong. Please look at more of their work! I’ve always really enjoyed seeing Black people in blue hues (when it’s executed well), and this multimedia collage has me excited to see more from them.
Follow me to keep up with my notes I post throughout the week of fun cultural moments, and subscribe for commentary about what’s been on my mind! Also going to plug my Pinterest, so that y’all can see some of these things up close and all in one space other than here (You’ll probably also see more of what I’m looking at too).
xoxo, Keep your ear to the streets and stay grounded!
Thank you for the mention and this list. :)