Rashid Darden

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Archives for July 2015

Trainwreck: There Are Black People In It

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I try to only support those films and television shows that have black characters, preferably in leading roles. I don’t dislike white people.  I just really make a conscious effort to support art, culture, and media that is reflective of my experience and that of my people.  I think something happens to the souls of people of color when they don’t see themselves.

So when I signed up for MoviePass, the service which allows you to see as many movies as there are days in the month for a small monthly fee, I knew I was going to have to see “white” films if I was going to get my money’s worth.

The first film I saw was Trainwreck with Amy Schumer.  I had wanted to see Dope, but that had already left my local theater.  Gallows was also on my list, but it got terrible reviews.  So Trainwreck it was.  I literally knew nothing about the movie except it was supposed to be some sort of bawdy romantic comedy with some familiar faces from Saturday Night Live and some cameos and walk-ons from other celebrities I was familiar with.

Since you can get full reviews elsewhere, I will just share the three most important things:

  • I really did enjoy the movie!
  • Bill Hader is like really cute to me.
  • There really were black people in it!

No, it wasn’t a predominately black cast, but I enjoyed not only the portrayal of the black people who were present, but the real (if not awkward) discussions of race among the white people in the movie.  There were a few jokes that were related to black folks/hip-hop/urban culture that clearly flew over the heads of many in my theater, but earned hearty guffaws from the people of color sitting near me.

Look out for LeBron James, Method Man, Leslie Jones, Tim Meadows, Amar’e Stoudemire, and a few others making notable appearances.

Again, it was a great movie and I am glad it kicked off my MoviePass experience.  (And if you want to try MoviePass, please click on the link to use my referral code.)

Where in the World is Rashid Darden?

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Pictured above:  Me and my buddy Doug in Philadelphia.

A lot has happened since I last wrote.

But first of all, hey!  How y’all doing?  That’s good.

My life has been busy, eventful, and largely fulfilled.

In January, I made my first vision board.  We actually did them as part of the rush activities for my chapter of Gamma Xi Phi Professional Arts Fraternity – both members and prospective members did them.  On my board was several things, and I’m happy to say that by the mid-point of 2015, many of the things on my vision board have manifest.

First and foremost, I have broken through much of my depression and anxiety.  Not cured–never cured, perhaps–but less sad and less anxious.  Definitely grateful for that.

I got two part-time jobs.  One is as Outreach Manager for the DC Recovery Community Alliance, where I am doing communications and development work like I am accustomed to.  The other is a temporary assignment at the Life Skills Center of DC, where I will be doing operations and other things over the next few months.

I’m also still doing photography!  I had a gig a few weekends ago and another in a few weeks.

I have some much-needed leisure travel planned for the fall!  In fact, counting some fraternal travel, I may very well be in three different states in less than seven days!  More on that in a future entry.

Speaking of fraternalism, I got a national committee appointment in Alpha Phi Omega.  I am the Alumni Relations Chairman, which means I help Alumni Associations in the fraternity, among other policy issues.

And perhaps most excitingly I was elected National President of Gamma Xi Phi!  Our National Convention was in Philadelphia in mid-June and although it was a lot of work, it was also very fun.

I’m not dating anyone, but I’m committing myself to going out more so that I can actually meet new people in the flesh from time to time.  We’ll see how that works.

And as far as the writing goes, I suppose it’s official — I’m on hiatus.  I would surely like to continue work on Blood of a Dark Nation or Yours in the Bond, but the truth is a lot of other things are more important than that to me right now, not the least of which is living life and pursuing happiness.  I am always going to be a writer and I will complete my projects.  But perhaps not in 2015.  Maybe when I get more settled into my new positions.

I do appreciate all of your support and your patience!  Please stay in touch with me via social media–I’d love to hear from you.