Dec 4, 2022The Storm Is Over Now in ‘Queen Sugar’ Series FinaleEpisode 713 — “For They Existed” | Written & Directed by: Ava DuVernay Six years of the critically acclaimed series and longest-running Black family drama in television history, Queen Sugar viewers have witnessed the trials, triumphs, battles, and awakenings of the Bordelon family. Ava DuVernay beautifully ended the show as…Queen Sugar10 min readQueen Sugar10 min read
Aug 27, 2021Oh, that wisdom! :-)21Mario López-GoicoecheaI'm grateful for all the wisdom that my elders have poured into me all of my life.I'm grateful for all the wisdom that my elders have poured into me all of my life.1 min read1 min read
Aug 26, 2021Aaliyah: Remembering Our Forever Fly GirlThe Princess of R&B inspired a generation of Black girls with her edgy swagger and musical influence that’s still felt 20 years after her tragic passing. “Right now, it’s hard to say what I want my legacy to be. You know, what I want people to say when I’m long…Aaliyah3 min readAaliyah3 min read
Aug 25, 2021The Fruits of Labor and Its GuiltHere’s the tale of a girl who often overworks and rarely enjoys the moments. “Don’t work yourself to death,” is my father’s way of telling me that my scales are tipping too far in one direction. My relationship with work is a complicated one in the past few years that…Mwc Work5 min readMwc Work5 min read
Jun 24, 2021The Allure of Toni Braxton’s “Secrets”A sultry declaration and an undeniable iconic R&B album Every musical era brings a reintroduction of an artists’ evolution and no one was as smooth as R&B legend Toni Braxton. “Can you keep a secret?” Draped in a form-fitting white catsuit against a blue background in the “You’re Makin’ Me…Toni Braxton4 min readToni Braxton4 min read
Published inASH LEMONADE·Apr 30, 2021Sam Wilson Stands In Glory | The Falcon and The Winter SoldierS1E6: One World, One People | Written By: Malcolm Spellman & Jeff Sawyer The season finale of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier was a powerful demonstration of redemption as Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) courageously takes on the arc of Captain America. (And now we’re getting a Captain America 4…Anthony Mackie4 min readAnthony Mackie4 min read
Published inASH LEMONADE·Aug 6, 2020Interview: MTV’s ‘Daria’ Co-Creator Susie Lewis on Its Legacy | Ash LemonadeIf you go on Susie Lewis’ Instagram page, you’ll see the snapshots of Daria appreciation peppered in fans in cosplay, Saturday Night Live’s Game of Thrones “Arya” spoof, and the appreciation of fandom she helped to create with Glenn Eichler. Daria premiered on MTV March 3, 1997, and ended January…Susie Lewis6 min readSusie Lewis6 min read
Mar 19, 201930th Anniversary: The Women of Brewster Place’ & Its Authentic Portrayal of Black Women on TVIn honor of Women’s History Month, I honor how the 1989 ABC miniseries was progressive in showcasing the facets of black women on television. — When I’m on a nostalgic trip, I can hear the sound of the late Vesta Williams’ vocal runs from the theme of The Women of Brewster Place that turns into me falling into a rabbit hole watching clips on YouTube. “Go on Jessie.” “I’m making meatloaf! You old bat! Meatloaf…Black Women6 min readBlack Women6 min read
Aug 23, 2018Wrapping Your Heart Around the Good in Queen Sugar’s Season FinaleSeason 3, Episode 13 | Grade: 9.4/10 Writer(s):Anthony Sparks, Erika L. Johnson, and Kat Candler| Director: Kat Candler Disclaimer: To the writers of this episode, please DM me your addresses so I can ship you each a small bottle of my tears to place on your mantles. “From On The…Television10 min readTelevision10 min read
Aug 21, 2018Queen Sugar’s Dawn-Lyen Gardner on the Resilience of Charley BordelonThe actress reflects on the tumultuous journey of her character in season three. — Season three of Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed series Queen Sugar — which has been renewed for a fourth season — has been emotionally introspective with shocking revelations, growing pains, vulnerability and uncovering truths. (Read episodic reviews here). Before tomorrow’s season finale, actress Dawn-Lyen Gardner, who plays the fierce Charley Bordelon…Dawn Lyen Gardner11 min readDawn Lyen Gardner11 min read