Wakanda Forever! Five Things I Love About Black Panther

Alright, I gave you guys a full weekend, a holiday, and two regular-degular days to go see Black Panther before I ranted about it on my blog. I've personally seen it twice already: Thursday night, I went to its pre-screening with my friend Amahdiya, and I saw it again on Sunday evening with my family. Time is up for y'all, and I'm ready to talk about it. That film was EVERYTHING and more. It literally exceeded all of my expectations and I've never felt so good after watching a movie. I promise you I am not exaggerating. There is so much about this film to take in and it's a whole win for black people! Black Panther is more than just a Marvel movie featuring a black superhero. 

"Sooo many things we could talk about the movie 'cause there were so many underlying messages: the true strength of black women and the roles we play in the black community, is it better to segregate ourselves as a black culture, how RICH Africa really is, African vs. African-American."

- Chelsie Boyd, Holder of Black Girl Magic & Fellow Blogger-Boo   

Ryan Coogler is a true, creative and genius of a director! I knew this movie was going to be fire the moment I found out Wakanda was in his hands. Anytime he and Michael B.(ae) Jordan work on the same production, black excellence is the only thing that comes of it! Check their receipts. I could go on and on about how amazing the film is, but I've managed to compose a short list of five things I loved the most.

Hey February: Financial Responsibility + "...everybody black!"

Happy February!!! It's the second month of the year and I'm so here for it! I've been ready to kiss January GOODBYE for a while now. It seems like it lasted way too long. I had a great month, but still... it was like never-ending. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I've decided to challenge myself by going on a shopping fast. I have about 45 of my followers doing it with me and it feels absolutely amazing! Together, we're going to conquer the month of February without spending "extra" money.

I created it as a money-saving exercise because I shop entirely too much! I've composed a list of seven tips, a pledge, and a playlist for inspo and motivation. If you're interested, find all the deets and read more about it here. Feel free to send any questions to me via email at hello@janeebarbre.com.

To access the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fund$" playlist, click the cover photo featuring Logan Browning above.

"... it's such beauty in black people, and it saddens me when we're not allowed to express that pride in being black, and that if you do, then it's considered anti-white. No! You just pro-black, and that's okay. The two don't go together. Because you celebrate black culture does not mean that you don't like white culture or that you're putting it down. It's just taking pride in it, but what's irritating is when somebody says, you know, 'They're racist!', 'That's reverse racism!' or 'They have a Black History Month, but we don't have a White History Month!' Well, all we've ever been taught is white history. So, why are you mad at that? Why does that make you angry? That is to suppress me and to make me not be proud."

-Tina Knowles, "Interlude: Tina Taught Me" x Solange

Photo Extracted from Issa' Rae's Instagram account. @issarae

I absolutely can't let the month begin without acknowledging Black History Month, also known as African-American History Month. I love being black, so this month feels extra special to me. It's an honor to celebrate and recognize black individuals who have made significant shifts in the culture, from Harriet Tubman to Barack Obama. I'll start by saying that Issa Rae said it best with her, quote at last year's Emmy Awards. When asked by a commentator on the red carpet who she'd be rooting for, she replied, "I'm rooting for everybody black. I am." It was a magical moment and a forever mood. Let's take a moment for Issa! I am ALWAYS rooting for "everybody black."

Click here to see the clip.

Cheers to being Fabulously Frugal February, filled with Black Excellence and Joy!
*Ca-Ching*

xo,
Janée