Strands of Genius: What the Push to Celebrate Juneteenth Conceals, How Verzuz is Bridging the Musical Generation Gap, Chasing TikTok Dreams in the 'New Black Hollywood'
Strands of Genius: What the Push to Celebrate Juneteenth Conceals, How Verzuz is Bridging the Musical Generation Gap, Chasing TikTok Dreams in the 'New Black Hollywood'
Guest curated by Marcus Andrew
Each year we’re aiming to highlight 50 creative thinkers that have inspired us, by giving them the opportunity to guest curate this newsletter, Strands of Genius. This edition is guest curated by Marcus Andrew, as part of our collaboration with 600 & Rising.
:: A BIT MORE ABOUT GUEST CURATOR, MARCUS ANDREW ::
LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA
PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT: Apple
Hey everyone, I'm Marcus. If I were to sum up my career, I'd say this: In 2009, I realized streaming and online video was the future of marketing and entertainment and I haven’t really looked back since. I started my career at a traditional ad agency (where I helped start a video strategy practice) before jumping into the publishing/news world (VICE, CNN) and later the streaming/entertainment space (Netflix, Apple TV+). Content, culture and unexpected creative ideas are the primary things that pique my interest.
Editor’s Note (Genius Steals Team): This edition of Strands is part of our ongoing partnership with 600 & Rising, an advocacy group for Black talent in advertising and PR. Thanks so much for being here, Marcus, and for sharing the links below!
:: THE LINKS ::
WHAT THE PUSH TO CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH CONCEALS
On this Juneteenth, we’re grappling with two conflicting realities as a nation. While the day has just officially (and finally) been recognized as a federal holiday, there is a conservative movement coalescing to block critical race theory from being taught in America’s schools. We can’t allow the creation of this national holiday to distract us from aggressive and widespread efforts to deny the history behind it. (The Atlantic)
HOW VERZUZ IS BRIDGING THE MUSICAL GENERATION GAP
Verzuz has evolved from a novel form of quarantine entertainment to one of the leading ways for a younger generation to discover the Black legacy acts of yesteryear. I can personally attest to this – although I was familiar with Earth, Wind & Fire as well as the Isley Brothers, going 20 songs deep into each of their catalogues offered me a renewed appreciation and a greater understanding of their cultural impact. (The Undefeated)
CHASING TIKTOK DREAMS IN THE ‘NEW BLACK HOLLYWOOD’
Black creators are often shut out of the popular “collab houses” for TikTok, Instagram and YouTube influencers that have sprouted up in Los Angeles in recent years. However, a group of ambitious teens and 20-somethings in Atlanta are actively challenging the status quo while using their collective as a launching pad for Hollywood dreams, major sponsorships and financial independence. (New York Times)
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:: AND NOW… SOME FAST FAVORITES ::
:: Game :: Connect Four
:: City :: Washington, D.C.
:: Book :: James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time
:: Podcast :: The Daily / No Skips
:: Album :: Good Kid, M.A.A.D City
:: EARTH, WIND & FIRE ::
Just one of the 'Reasons' why Earth, Wind & Fire is legendary.
Marcus Andrew
marcusjandrew@gmail.com
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