Editor’s Note
Apologies upfront, there is no audio editor’s note this month– I was on vacation during the production time that I usually allot to record a thoughtful message.
I was in the waiting room of my case management appointment… Its a community agency so lets just say its a bit rough around the edges. One of the doctors came out and called the name of her patient and then somehow segued into “have you heard about the protest? to protect our democracy?” Heads swung in her direction and someone else asked, “where ?”… just like that the people were informed. I thought later about the speed of word of mouth and how direct communication or analog organization is probably more effective than organizing a movement digitally, on social media. The Black Panthers organized this way through in-person meetings and discussions. It was also about printed media; passing out brochures and flyers and putting up posters to be read in plain sight.
I scanned the below poster and sticker with my portable scanner while I was waiting for the bus around election time in 2024. Each week people wrote their reactions to the poster on top of it, it was so torn as if someone tried to rip it off in disagreement… Guerrilla marketing like this fascinates me for its ability to strike up reactions, it’s kind of the point, to encourage conversation about subjects that matter to a large group of people.
Is analog organization better?faster?stronger? by analog organization I mean organizing people through in-person experiences. Text read in person or through speech in real life which, I would say differs from digital organization which would happen online through Facebook groups or Instagram Stories or similar social media apps. I honestly, don’t know if analog is better, stronger or faster but I like the spirit of it. I’d imagine there’s a sort of thrill to knocking on doors to talk to strangers and hand out brochures. Or wheat pasting up posters in a public bus stop to spread the word.
The digital landscape sort of takes a bit of the danger out of it, while there is still risk that the Po’ or military could show up at your door… in most cases you'd fly well under the radar.
I’m growing more curious about the ways I can contribute to effecting change in our world. Most days I aim to be a resting place for black folk who are hard at work, an escape from the hustle and bustle for a moment of decompression, venting and relief. And I think because of my background in marketing she of that may in fact include guerrilla marketing and IRL materials.
To be doing this in the form of music and entertainment, feels right for me. I’m hoping this period of increased war and disruption will not dampen my goals but inform them.
Let’s get into this month’s roundup!
Articles and Intel
“Everything Millenial is Cool Again" read the headline. I don’t have a subscription to the times but I thought this was cool. Not only because I am a millennial but because sentiment about us from both boomers and zoomers was not nice. I grew up being called part of the “me generation” a term used by media mostly to describe us. The reaction of our parents was to make us into talented individuals our activities were a robust rotation of sports, music, dance, math clubs, debate teams. The combination of rapidly evolving technology, our rigorous schedules, and wide variety of interests caused the birth of many bloggers, (the early influencer). One thing about millennials is maybe the contents all about us but at least we’ve given back by being Silicone Valley’s guinea pigs.
Soundbank
The sample to Crush on You by Lil’ Kim
The vocalist behind the viral line dance song, Eddie Aly-Us Lewis passed on June 7, 2025. This song will be stuck in my head for life. May he live on through our earworms.
This song is too short but super good
Very long live recording of J.J.D by Fela Kuti. I listen to this when I’m working on things and need that good energy.
Image Bank
Viewing pictures of bugs up close made me more tolerant of bugs in the summer months.
Mat Carignan
From my feed
A video collage by my friend Jesse Duncan who calls them Video Salads.
Korean brand Pennon. I love these duck boots. I thought Ralph Lauren had ruined them completely for me, until I saw these.
I learned there’s a techno museum in Detroit which is the birthplace of techno. Also a techno festival called Movement.
A beautiful dance choreographed by Montay Romero. I’ve been a fan since 2020.
I learned about Plasticana’s the plastic gardening shoe that I heard some people put insoles in to make them more comfortable and less slippery. They remind me of jellies the plastic kids shoes from the 90’s except theirs a lot of fashion bro’s wearing these.
A word from writer and artist Tourmaline on why this time is such an opportunity to go big and chase your dreams.
Teyana Taylor and her new man Aaron Pierre worked on this short together. Taylor was credited alongside Pierre as Creative Director and Executive Producer. I love when couples work together and even more so, when credit is clear as day.
That’s all I got for y’all this month! I hope you all are well and enjoying life!
Big Love,
Andra “Ra” Lee