Harlem (2023)

Jaz Bryant | Editor-In-Chief

“Harlem” follows the lives of four Black best friends living
in – you guessed it – Harlem, New York City, New York. Camille is an anthropology professor at New York University, Quinn is an heiress and business owner, Angie is a struggling artist and Tye is a queer tech mogul. The four support each other as they navigate careers, family and romantic relationships. This show has a range of Black people from across the diaspora, showing that Black is indeed not a monolith. “Harlem,” streaming on Amazon Prime, is a feel good show about the joy, pain, love and much more that comes with living in your truth.

Crush Ep by Ravyn Lenae (2018)

Micah Oliphant | Staff Writer

Red-haired, Chicago native, 19-year-old Ravyn Lenae captivated the hearts of alternative Black people everywhere with the release of her 2018 debut EP, Crush. Her airy melodies, groovy instrumentals and soft girl aesthetic collide in this five song masterpiece, enchanting her audience and showing off her effortless talent through every song. She partners with Steve Lacy to tell a story of longing for romance, affection and a desire to be with someone, in “Computer Luv”and “4 Leaf Clover.” “The Night Song” is a funky, groovy, rhythmic tune all about feeling your flyest self. The Crush EP is truly a fantastic piece and an easy listen.

The Vertical Interrogation of Strangers by
Bhanu Kapil (2001)

Leila Ganim | Correspondent

“The Vertical Integration of Strangers” is a poetry book with quite the unique format. Written by Bhanu Kapil, the book follows a question and answer structure. Each question asks for in-depth reflections about the Indian female experience, shying away from a one sided perspective of this group of women. Reading it reminded me of the process of painting. While painting there are many strokes of the brush that layer into an intended shape. All the strokes of nothing blend together to make something. The book as a whole reflects a beautifully diverse portrait of experience.

North Carolina Theatre’s Production of Dreamgirls (2023)

Shaere Delgiudice | Correspondent

The North Carolina Theatre’s production of “Dreamgirls” was a joy to watch. Iris Ponce Lloyd’s costuming was brilliant and eye-catching along with Charlie Morrison’s lighting design worked hand in hand to help highlight the intricate beading and sequin work. Saint Aubyn rocked the house with each song performance as James Thunder Early, making viewers feel as though they were the true audience Early was performing for. As for the Dreamgirls themselves, Tamara Jade, Joy Woods and Nya delivered spectacular emotional performances in addition to their stunningly great vocals, and were helped by the show’s choreography, done masterfully, by Christopher D. Betts.

Originally Published 3/9/23