Reading Between the Lines

Hey honeys and hustlers,

Many of you have said, “Angela, you’re not Ava Duvernay but you stay challenging the narrative of original storytelling.” And to that I say, thank you. Yes, I’ve been laughing my tail off at her videos lately but stay with me. It’s Banned Books Week, and I didn’t even know that was a thing until I saw that Ava Duvernay would be this year’s honorary chair. If you saw Origin in theatres this year, based on the frequently banned book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson, then you know that she’s the perfect creator to speak up about this topic.

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13th on Netflix was my entry to Ava Duvernay’s work, but she started long before I knew of her. Ava DuVernay's rise to prominence is marked by her ability to break through traditional Hollywood barriers (and make me cry while watching her work). She became the first Black woman to win the directing award at the Sundance Film Festival for her second feature film, "Middle of Nowhere" (2012). This achievement not only highlighted her talent but also paved the way for other underrepresented voices in the industry, which she continues to do through her production company ARRAY.

Her versatility as a film director is truly remarkable. From intimate dramas like "Middle of Nowhere" to big-budget productions like "A Wrinkle in Time," she has demonstrated an ability to work across genres and production scales. I remember seeing her reaction to directing Oprah in a video floating around on social media, so precious. Her Netflix docu-drama limited series "When They See Us" showcased her talent for bringing important historical events to life with sensitivity and impact. She has mastered the docu-drama genre.

The recent trend of banning books in various parts of the world is deeply concerning, as it threatens to narrow our collective understanding and empathy. Literature, like film, has the power to broaden our perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and foster empathy for experiences different from our own. When we limit access to diverse stories and viewpoints, we diminish our capacity for understanding and growth. Banning books is particularly detrimental because it:

• Limits exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences

• Stifles critical thinking and intellectual growth

• Perpetuates existing biases and stereotypes

• Hinders the development of empathy and understanding

You can take one peak at your Twitter or Facebook feed (if you dare) and see exactly what I’m talking about. As filmmakers and artists, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to combat censorship and promote diverse narratives. We can do that through

• Telling untold stories

• Creating nuanced, complex characters that buck traditional stereotypes and expectations.

• Working with artists from different backgrounds

• Using your platform to raise awareness about important social issues and historical events.

• Incorporating themes or adaptations from banned books into your work

This isn’t to say that everything we create has to be heavy and purposeful. Trust me, that burden feels insurmountable. There is room for joy and whimsy as well. But if you feel led to use your art to do something meaningful, your work could make a huge difference at a time when certain voices are being silenced.

Last but not least, I have two unofficial book recommendations from creators I follow that are both dropping on October 1st:

1. Salt Hank: A 5 Napkin Situation by Henry Laporte (find it here)

2. Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers by (find it here)

I hope you’re reading or watching something forbidden this weekend and staying safe in this weather (especially my western North Carolina folks)!

Please Hustle Responsibly,

🤙🏾✨

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