_{Yes, @eaglespirit , I finally hugged a tree. I'm killin this mental health journey/vision quest!}

A Dubious Challenge

As it seems, the very insightful and delightful, @lilyraabe is determined to take #feminism to a whole new level by creating a great and seemingly -- improbably -- fun and favorable, feminist contest (that I may be too late to enter but meehhh I'm fashionably late. :P). How can I possibly resist?

It also happens that I was planning to do a few posts honoring my favorite black artists and entrepreneurs in lieu of the US annual even called Black History Month. Some might have a few words to say about it (as do I) but the truth is that this month is for EVERYONE to become educated and highlight their support for our black (s)heroes. They are trailblazing for all of us. The US media and/or arts industries are getting slightly better and representing the beautiful diversity of our country from all black (mostly all black) cast shows on primetime to a blockbuster hit in Black Panther, but still there are so many people that really don't remember or know the amazing stories of people of the African diaspora that have suffered to make this country what it is.

That said, its not even hard for me (unless we are talking about mainstream film but wtf-- who cares about mainstream?) because as soon as I read the contest I thought, UHM actually I know tons of such films. And guess what? They were all lead by Black American women. Is this a coincidence or is it just a fact that white feminist can learn a lot from ideas, expertise, and the pure voices of empowered women of color? You decide.

Passing film 1: Okay Well Sometimes Mainstream Media Throws Us a Bone

First and foremost thank the goddesses for all that is "BLACK PANTHER", directed by Ryan Coogler. I haven't seen it yet but I'm planning to make that splurge on my next day off. The advertisement visuals show strong fighters, united women and men that step back.

cosmo paid for this clip but I didn't cuz im poor. Here is the cosmo article that you should read https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/movies/a18370682/black-panther-women-win/

Set in the fictional kingdom of Wakanda, that is protected and hidden from us mere mortals through some magic stuff in the Marvel Universe, Black Panther has not only filled up my facebook feed but these pictures and the trailers fill my heart with WOMAN PRIDE. Some of my favorite actresses are in this, not only talking to each other but fighting together and apparently cracking jokes? I can't wait to see that. I also have a few favorite comedians who also happen to be black women! (head nod to the great Whoopi and Wanda SYkes and the up and coming Tiffany Haddish)

Also, I heard its made for IMAX so this is yoour official warning: YOU MUST SEE THIS IN THEATRES IN THE IMAX. Now, there are a handful of issues that people have been discussing but I honestly can't take part in that because it's not my fight (trying to stay in my lane and not get in the middle of that). However I will say that this is A MOSTLY ALL BLACK BLOCKBUSTER and I believe its a step in the right direction. Do we want it to stop there? No, but If I go to this film and don't see white people I will be shocked and maybe a little bit angry. We need to support this and honor it. Its okay to have black heroes. Its okay to look up to black women and see them in a variety of complex roles and mannerisms.

Passing Film 2: I Will Overlook the Girl Fights in Lieu of BLACK GIRL MAGIC

Next up, a recent fave, is Justin Simiens, "Dear White People". I loved this film for many reasons, not limited to the poignant and often hilarious writing, or the fantastic work of Mx Tessa Thompson as Samantha White. I also love Coco (Teyonah Paris) because its a great opportunity to see the multiple sides of both of these women. I love that Samantha and Coco used to be friends and became two different people with two totally different approaches to dealing with life as a black female college student. While it barely passes the bechdel test (yay hallway convo about the elections) and isn't going as FAR to really highlight great black minds from lower classes (being an ivy league school and seeing that most of the people never struggle with money or fashion or .. classwork...). SUprisingly I felt that the TV series went further but some others felt it had even more problems

_{I also want to highlight that i double checked if this film passed and found this great site feministelizabethan}

_{There really is nothing more inspiring for me than women being rebellious and intelligent-- love when it's on screen. I hope my thievery of this image is forgiven due to sheer fandom. Also, checkout http://www.justinsimien.com}

Passing Film 3: All Hail Gabourey Sidibe

Third up is a tough one. Look,the Lee Daniels film, "Precious" (based on the novel PUSH by SAPPHIRE) is hard to watch at times because damn, struggle. When women talk to each other its not always healthy and supportive (see abusive mother) but it shows an array of young and old women in the city dealing with life and all surrounding what Precious thinks and does. There are soo many women talking to each other. Sometimes heroes aren't obvious and they come from horrific, traumatizing circumstances. Sometimes they don't start out educated because they were born into these situations and the systems weren't prepared to give them what they needed until they could break glass ceilings. Sometimes they are a quiet storm. I love Gabourey Sidebe, Precious, and this film. I love Gabourey because she's beautiful and i have seen her in two very different roles so far. Go see how oppression in the city is real AF and how so many women have to become stone cold survivors. This is a worse case and not everyone struggles this hard but its something to think of when asking women , especially black women, to not be so angry.
btw. she has a book!

https://www.amazon.com/This-Just-My-Face-Stare/dp/0544786769

Passing Film 4: Tomboys and Femmes Wrecking Sht n Takin $$

Next, I'd like to highlight, "Set It Off" by Takashi Bufford. Starring 3 of my favorites Queen Latifah, Jada Pinket, and Vivica Fox this film is a no-brainer. There is plenty of robbery talk and the like. The ending sucks but I sometimes wish I had the ability and ingenuity to do such a thing as a bank heist. I would probably have an anxiety attack and die on site. These characters are inspiring in their back stories, their insights, and in the way they utilize their skills to make such a daunting task happen. It also sort of highlights how normal, good people can end up in crime because of oppression through sexism or racism ( in this case, both).

_{note: It sucks that in these films these women need to scream in the face of struggle}

Passing Film 5: Just Ignore the Damned Love Story

After watching Free Angela and All Political Prisoners I heard that she had said that she was mad at (FEMALE) Director, Shola Lynch for highlighting her relationship. I guess everyone has to pay a toll to break out of the masses and everyone loves a love story. Its too bad that its at the expense of Angela's own experience. Honestly, I didn't find any proof that this film passes except that she gives numerous speeches and one of the judges were bound to be in there somewhere. I dont knw and I dont care!! This is our history and although if I was born then I probably wouldn't be appreciating Professor Davis as I do now but I am so very proud of her as a woman and an American activist. This-to me- is the true essence of American tradition and patriotism. When people say things like "why don't you just leave then?" I am always prepared to tell them about this America. The America that fights and uses their words to make positive change. I hope that some day I can friend the strength and skill to follow in an shadow of her footsteps.

Its because of films like this that we say the "test" is broken. But the truth is that it was never meant to be a test truely. It was meant to be social commentary. It sounds ridiculous! Of course there is.. uhhh... wait.. wtf? Seriously. Its everywhere and we need to keep pushing for more. Here are some mors:

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/next-bechdel/

Until the FREE Future My sistas Keep on Pushin

become of fan of this woman too https://www.reverbnation.com/letialarok

Thats all for meowz. This is @limabeing aka Queen Supreme Grrl Bitch Powa

_{linebreak brought to you by @atravelers.life}