Holidays gift-giving doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to be able to afford the best gift for your loved one. Obtaining flashy gifts like the newest gadgets, video games, or the latest style trends is a thing of the past. What’s better than to gift your favorite geek a book they will enjoy reading? Books can make a great gift for any gift-giver on a budget. Even if you choose to gift a book to a non-reader who doesn’t typically enjoy reading a novel, there are plenty of how-to books geared toward crafty or artistic individuals.  Check out our gift guide!

So, whether you like mystery, romance, or any lengthy book to dedicate your time to, check out this savvy guide for the best books the geek in your life is sure to love. 

Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon

For all the romance geeks and young adult literature fans, this one is for you. New York Times bestselling novel Instructions for Dancing by Nicola Yoon is about young love and the ability to learn how to love again after losing faith in true love. Protagonist Evie Thomas no longer believes in love after she sees a couple kissing and is later struck by visions depicting the exact moments when the couple gets together and drifts apart. As Evie tries to figure out her newfound ability, she finds herself learning to dance with a boy named X, whom she slowly begins to fall for. The last thing Evie wants is to fall in love when all she knows about love is it never ends without heartbreak.

Gaslight by Femi Kayode

True crime goes international in this next installment in Femi Kayode’s Philip Taiwo crime series, which debuted with Lightseekers in 2021. Gaslight picks up when investigative psychologist Philip Taiwo returns from the United States to Nigeria along with his family. His investigation begins at a Nigerian megachurch where Taiwo’s sister asks him to investigate a case involving the bishop of the church and the wife he is accused of having murdered. Although a body has yet to be found and the mystery is on, all the fingers point to Bishop Dawodu.    

The Remarried Empress Vol. 1 from Alphatart

You’re not an official geek until you’ve added manga to your reading list. Whether you’re a dedicated manga fan or new to the genre, you should know that manga is filled with creative animation designed to tell a story primarily through graphic expression.

Listed as one of the best books of 2022 by Barnes & Noble, The Remarried Empress follows Empress Navier and Emperor Sovieshu, who are perfect for each other. Serving as the pillars of the land, the public believes the two share a ride-or-die relationship. This relationship appears as strong as can be until the emperor stumbles upon a woman in the forest and ends up developing feelings of attraction. With the determination to not be broken in spirit, Empress Navier makes it her life mission to remarry a man of her liking.

Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook by Elena Craig and Kristen Mulrooney

Gilmore Girls fans everywhere, rejoice! If you want to whip up something quick and crafty, look no further. Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook is your answer. A USA Today Bestseller and named one of People‘s 50 Food Faves of 2022, Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook features recipes inspired by the hit 2000s series, Gilmore Girls. Do Stars Hollow, Luke’s Diner, and the DragonFly Inn sound familiar? Filled with more than 50 recipes, this cookbook holds scrumptious and iconic recipes straight from the set of Gilmore Girls. 

How to Draw Anime Characters from Fluffels House

If you thought crafty books were just limited to cookbooks, think again. If you’re not the type of reader to dedicate time to reading a longer narrative and prefer novellas and other short reads, you can find the same enjoyment in a how-to book. Many manga readers are just as fascinated by the graphics as they are with the story itself. With only a few words and killer animation, they can be vividly creative. Ever wonder how animation starts?

A how-to draw book can take you through the process. How to Draw Anime Characters: Step-by-Step Guide to Draw Your Own Original Characters from Simple Templates removes the complexity behind professional illustration with a step-by-step process. With How to Draw Anime Characters, aspiring artists will learn techniques like choosing the right colors and gaining an artistic perspective on facial features. Released in early 2023, this book is ideal for teens and adults.

Divine Rivals: A Novel by Rebecca Ross

Finally, we can’t end an official gift guide for geeks without adding fantasy fiction to the list. With a large number of engaging fantasy fiction and sci-fi books on the market, choosing the right type of story can often feel overwhelming. Sci-fi books are often filled with complex themes that can be difficult to grasp. This is when fantasy novels come into play. Whether you’re a novice fantasy reader or have an avid interest in the genre, Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals is a must-read. A first in a newly developed series, Divine Rivals: A Novel focuses on two young journalists finding love through a magical connection. While fighting for this love, protagonist Iris must fight for her brother and ultimately the fate of all humanity.

Add or give one or more of these trending reads to your bookshelf this holiday season. All books are available at Barnes & Noble or where major books are sold.

The post Gift Guide: Best Books for the Geek in Your Life appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Meet Noma Dumezweni

Two-time Olivier Award winner and Tony Award nominee Noma Dumezweni plays Murderbot’s closest human friend, Dr. Mensah. Black Girl Nerds got the inside scoop on the production experience straight from the star. Dumezweni discussed preparing for the role, her excitement for fans to watch the series, and the pressures of acting in a series based on a bestseller. 

Without revealing too much, what are you most excited for fans to see in Murderbot? 

I’m just excited for fans to see Murderbot the series and half our episodes on AppleTV+. For me, I have to say, I had to watch the first couple of episodes a couple of times because I hadn’t seen this before. A comedy, dramedy, sci-fi thing with a lot of the world represented in it. This is extraordinary. We’ve got Alexander Skarsgård and this construct robot being brilliant and very funny. I’m excited just to see that because it’s unlike anything I’ve seen, and I’m very excited to be part of it. 

How did you prepare for your role as Dr. Mensah?

That’s always the funny answer for an actor, and for me, it always depends on the room. You learn what you need to do in the room that you’re based in, for me. I have to be open to how the creators are working. I have to be open from theater to TV. For this one, I met the brothers Paul Weitz and Chris Weitz, who created the show. The source material is already there. Like Harry Potter, the source material was already there when I got to play Hermione. So you trust the source material, and Martha Wells has created this beautiful thing. I remember starting to listen to Kevin R. Free’s audiobook just to have a sense of the world, because I love reading, but I also like the sensory when I’m working on something. I remember thinking, his Mensah is not my Mensah, as I’m creating her, so I stopped quite soon after listening to the book. It’s a beautiful read, but I’m not taking that away. What I was creating with Mensah, my intuition was different, if that makes sense. So you just trust what’s on the paper, you trust the directors, you trust the book that’s already there. 

Did you feel any pressure in this role since Murderbot is based on Martha Wells’ bestselling and award-winning science fiction series, the Murderbot Diaries? 

My shame and my joy: meeting the brothers Paul and Chris, and then they’re creating this story, and then I get the gig, and then I realize it’s based on a book. I’d better read the book now. That was joyous because I didn’t feel that pressure. The pressure begins when you start to stand in front of a camera, you’re there with costume, hair, and makeup. How are we going to create this human? A Black woman in charge of the hair department and the difference that makes when you work in the morning, someone knows how to do your hair, that was amazing. 

What is your favorite part about playing Dr. Mensah?

My favorite part of playing Dr. Mensah, and I’ll keep saying it all day today, is the cast. I adore those human beings.

A Journey to Success 

There is nothing that the talented South African-British actress can’t do. Talent and success are quite natural to her. In addition to acting in a show based on an award-winning book series, Dumezweni has received a few accolades herself. Dumezweni won an Olivier Award and a Tony Award nomination for portraying Hermione in the Harry Potter and The Cursed Child play. 

So what’s next for the Murderbot star? 

Dumezweni is set to star alongside Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, and Constance Wu in Bleeker Street’s upcoming rom-com, The Friend. In this romantic comedy, Dumezweni will play Bill Murray’s wife. 

So whether she’s on stage or the big screen, Dumezweni is sure to turn heads with her range of character, acting abilities, and spark. Catch her Murderbot debut this month on AppleTV+.

Murderbot is set to premiere Friday, May 16, 2025, on AppleTV+.

The post The ‘Murderbot’ Experience with Noma Dumezweni appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Attention anime fans and Adult Swim viewers. A new action-packed series premiering April 5th is coming to Adult Swim. Picture this. It’s the year 2052, and the experiments and theories surrounding medicine are no different from 2025. However, in the year 2052, healthcare officials are experimenting with medicine to build a potent treatment to save mankind. How effective can a painkiller drug be that neuroscientists claim will free humanity from pain? Viewers are sure to find out when watching Lazarus. 

In the year 2052, a painkiller drug called Hapna was created by the neuroscientist Dr. Skinner (voiced by David Matranga). This drug seems to work wonders, with promises of eliminating all pain from humanity with absolutely no side effects. The concept of a potent drug with no side effects seems like a miracle until the creator, Dr. Skinner, suddenly disappears from Earth. It’s not until three years later that Dr. Skinner appears once again, but this time as a prophet.

If Dr. Skinner reemerges as a prophet, then things have to get better, right? Unbeknownst to viewers, Dr. Skinner becomes a prophet who brings death and ultimately the end of life. A miracle painkiller like Hapna was too good to be true because it was designed with a fatal effect that appears three years after ingestion. With 30 days remaining until all of humanity is doomed, there is only one way to save humanity, and that is through Dr. Skinner. 

Lazarus is centered on five agents from around the world who come together to ultimately save all of humanity. 

Creating Lazarus 

This series is well-crafted. Watanabe has done it again! It was genius to center an animated series on a topic related to current events to draw people to watch the show. In a time where prioritizing health has been a continuous topic in the media, it was sensible to make the focal point of this series on health and the scares that come with managing good health. I admire the approach Watanbe took with Lazarus. Watanbe allows the series to take several unexpected turns. At some point in the series, viewers will have their minds set that Hapna is a God’s send, only to realize that it was simply too good to be true.

A sudden change of events is what keeps viewers captivated in any series. In addition to a sudden change of events, there are multiple twists and turns in the plot. The storyline continues with Dr. Skinner’s disappearance, his reemergence as a Prophet, and the five agents gearing towards their effort to save humanity.  

The Importance of Plot Development 

Creating each character and allowing them to serve a relevant part of a storyline is crucial to creating an entertaining and action-packed series. In Lazarus, viewers are immediately drawn into the plot by illustrating the aftermath of a prison escape. Instead of jumping into the main plot with Hapna as a source of medicine, the viewer is glued to a high-speed criminal chase that doesn’t end as expected. After the chase, the viewer is introduced to the importance of finding Dr. Skinner and what it means to their fate. At this point, the characters are given an ultimatum to continue being imprisoned or find Dr. Skinner. They appear to choose the latter. 

Stay Tuned!

The pilot episode is just the beginning, literally! Whether you are new to the anime world and are looking to explore what this genre offers, or are a seasoned anime viewer, you are in for an action-fueled adventure. Lazarus delivers all elements of anime in a small Adult Swim series. What makes a compelling anime is unique styling, bold imagery, and detailed characters. This is what Lazarus provides for fans.  

Each episode will keep your curiosity piqued and will lure you into becoming an overall anime fan. This series delivers. Watanabe does an excellent job showcasing a diverse cast with every member serving an integral part of the plot. As the series starts, you’ll most likely have your mind set on which characters you believe are working for good, and those who are working for evil. As the series progresses, viewers will have their preconceived notions tested. It’s a surprise what will happen next in each episode, when the first episode begins with a prisoner given the opportunity to escape both physically and mentally. 

It would be an understatement to say that Lazarus is an Adult Swim series with potential. Lazarus 

Lazarus premiered Saturday, April 5 2025, at midnight on Adult Swim.

The post ‘Lazarus’: Action-Packed Escape from Reality appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Hope may soon come Pia’s way when a spiritual guide at her sister’s engagement party has a strong prediction about Pia meeting the love of her life on her next five dates. Just when you thought Pia’s life was chaotic enough, life begins to get a little bit nutty. Amid her sister’s upcoming wedding, managing a photography business, and her ex, Charlie (Fiennes Tiffin), coming back into her life, each day brings a new twist. 

What makes this movie work?

In Picture This, the actors have chemistry that works from all angles given. From the beginning of the film, the audience sees a robust cultural dynamic. In certain cultures, marriage is sacred and an expectation among young adults by their parents. The audience sees this in Pia’s relationship with her mother. Laxmi, Pia’s mother, has already prepared jewelry for her daughter’s wedding day. Viewers are automatically introduced to the cultural traditions of a family celebrating Indian heritage.

For many cultures, marriage is an expectation for young adults, so this part of the film gives off a familiar vibe to viewers, thus making the film more personal. This is a very effective approach to use when making a film. This technique makes the film relatable to many viewers, and adds a sense of realism to the movie. In addition to the strategic family dynamic, the overall chemistry amongst the actors is brilliant. From her friendship with Jay bringing in humor to the spiritual guru who gives her hope and something to believe in, all characters merge well comedically in this film.

Amongst Pia’s interactions with potential suitors, there are many characters the audience is led to believe she may have chemistry with. Once the chemistry is present, the element of comedy comes to play and drifts any romantic chemistry away between Pia and her not so good suitors. This element of surprise gives the film twists and helps stray away from the obvious. This is a technique many romcoms fail to do. In Picture This, this strategy happens to work well.   

Not your typical romcom

Viewers will be lucky to learn that Picture This is not your typical romcom. Many romcoms tend to fall into the cliche of starting the film with two opposite characters who are usually male and female and don’t quite see eye-to-eye. This film rises above that narrative by bringing in a mixture of humor, romance, and heritage, thus eliminating any predictability viewers might get from other popular romcoms. Serious moments in this film are followed by humorous twists.   

Importance of theme

In this film, the theme is an important aspect of what sets this movie apart from others. As the film begins, viewers might have a disdain for Pia’s mother and the pressure she puts on her daughter to marry. By the end of the film, viewers may realize that even an independent woman like Pia can have a change of heart and understand the value of love. It’s almost like her chaotic life with her family, career, and love contributes to her growth as a character once the film concludes. At the beginning of the movie, Pia is very standoffish on the idea of marriage. She even defines it as a “social construct.”

With her mind set on possibly having no marriage or children, the chaos that ensues in her life allows her to become confident in life’s challenges and what life may overall bring. Each character serves an important role in making the film thematic. The negative experiences Pia faces with her peers help her gain the clarity to understand what she wants. Every close male relationship Pia forms makes her realize who she should be with. As the film concludes, Pia chooses to embrace life and realizes that sometimes the unexpected is what one might need. Sometimes what‘s good for you is already there.       

Worth the watch?

Picture This brings together laughter, chaos, and spontaneity to viewers. Fans of romantic comedies should prepare themselves to experience a movie built unlike the others. With Picture This, there’s no overused storyline. When watching this film, viewers won’t be sure what will happen next. The film is loaded with unexpected humor and innuendos, viewers are sure to be grinning from ear to ear. Viewers may believe the movie is going in one direction, only to be surprised by a humorous plot twist worth seeing.    

Picture This is now available on Prime Video.

The post Review: Why ‘Picture This’ Redefines Romantic Comedy appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Starring Natasha Rothwell as Melissa, How to Die Alone is centered on a broke, fat, Black JFK airport employee who’s never had the privilege of being in love. Melissa has forgotten how to dream and has low aspirations. So what is the meaning of life? Luckily, Melissa may soon find the answer when an accidental brush with death starts her on a journey to finally take flight and start living life by any means necessary. 

This series is funny, didactic, and truly riveting. It’s not every day you watch a comedy that opens your eyes to appreciating the value and meaning of life. Rothwell does an excellent job of playing the vulnerable but comical character, Melissa. Every time Melissa is down and out in spirit, her friends’ and colleagues’ dialogue uplifts the moment by bringing out Melissa’s humorous side. She uses humor to cope with her pessimistic attitude about life and throughout every misfortune she encounters. Her friends feed off of her humor.

Implementing this type of tactic is very strategic and shows a well-written script. Even as she lays in her hospital bed, viewers can get a whiff of Melissa’s consistent humor. The show has an even balance of realism and comedy. Even the most despondent moments in the series depicting death, relationship fallout, and pain are followed by comedic dialogue to lighten the moment. The makers of this series take a light-hearted approach to addressing death, and it works well. How to Die Alone addresses death but uses humor during the most sensitive moments without offending the viewer. 

Life is short and sometimes it takes a near-death encounter to appreciate living. This series was skillfully created to be a didactic comedy. Almost encountering death allows Melissa to look back on everything she has, make the most of it, and value life. Her life may not be going in the direction in which she wants it to go, but Melissa holds the keys to driving change. Many shows that depict a protagonist who experiences a death encounter or near-death encounter take the Charles Dickens route or one similar.

Many shows dive into the cliché storyline where the spirit of the deceased protagonist who doesn’t value life or carries a pessimistic attitude towards life gets the chance to view life from a what-if perspective. If the protagonist no longer existed, then how would the family, friends, and peers of the protagonist continue through life? This type of storyline normally consists of the protagonist viewing how everyone would generally suffer if the protagonist were no longer there or allows the protagonist to view the present from outside their consciousness. While viewing themselves from outside their consciousness, the protagonist can see their negative outlook on life and how it impacts those around them. How to Die Alone avoids this cliché, but still allows for the message to get across that a second chance at life is what Melissa needs to kickstart a positive attitude and get her life going.   

This series has far from a predictable storyline. One might think that a show with a straightforward plotline that’s simple to interpret has no room for growth and development, but for this series, that is not the case. Each episode takes viewers deeper into Melissa’s attempt to find herself and the obstacles that prevent that from happening. As she attempts to find herself, the antics she gets into grow with her, thickening the plot. Comedy is strategically incorporated into multiple scenes. It’s comedic how every time Melissa seems to be figuring out her way in life and it appears to get better, outside influences appear out of nowhere and make life worse.       

What makes a good comedy is one where the jokes are subtle, strategically placed in the script, and not overdone. How to Die Alone is filled with jokes in multiple scenes but the jokes are subtle and not overdone. The comedic aspects are part of Melissa’s everyday conversations with her co-workers and peers, so it works. Viewers won’t get the feeling that the actors are forcing laughs because the jokes are authentic in each scene. How to Die Alone is the type of series that will have the viewers thinking. Just when you think you’ve figured out Melissa, life throws another curveball in her direction. 

You may have seen comedies with a similar vibe to How to Die Alone, but you haven’t seen a show like this before. Rothwell is an excellent actor with a good range. We’ve seen this in some of her past and current projects. Her co-stars feed off her energy and the chemistry is very much present. Watching How to Die Alone is like watching the everyday struggles of a dissatisfied individual wanting change but with a comedic spin. You get the casual work conversations, workplace power dynamics, and a bit of lighthearted comedy to ease the scenes containing sensitive topics. Anyone who appreciates sitcoms of all forms will enjoy this Hulu series and should give it a chance. This series has great potential; just watch and you’ll see. 

Catch Hulu’s How to Die Alone coming September 13, 2024. 

The post Review: The Comedic Masterpiece of Hulu’s ‘How to Die Alone’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Is there anyone Zora and her mother can trust? Perhaps that question will soon be answered when a mysterious couple claiming to have ties with Zora’s father Darius appears. Do they have good intentions? Viewers will find out soon.

Black Girl Nerds spoke with actor Qvenzhané Wallis, who spilled the tea on the movie’s plot, working with a star-studded cast, and what viewers can expect to see in this new exciting thriller.

What was the experience like to film something futuristic in an alternate reality? 

Completely new to me, but thankfully the set and the weather helped put me in that world almost immediately. Also, spending so much time with Stefan [Director Stefon Bristol], with the script, and watching it all develop and grow, and trying on masks. One hundred percent the process helped everything, the atmosphere, the cast, everything.

This film puts you in a hypothetical situation, almost like an alternate universe allowing you to see the world differently. How did you prepare for this role?

Like I said, being on set, also trying to do the research when I was reading the script and trying to see how that information aligns with what is going on now. Like global warming, like trying to see how that would align and how that would work. I know that there are also very smart people in the world who would be like, “That’s not how that works, that’s not how that goes,” when they watch the movie. I was just trying to avoid that at all costs as much as I could and learn as much as I could. I’m still not Zora. I’m still not the smartest one in the bunch, but I did learn enough to be like, “Okay, I get it.” 

What do you love about your character Zora?

I love how smart she is. I also love how strong she is. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, she’s not afraid to speak up, and she’s always two steps ahead of what you would normally think about. I just admire her for that.

Were there any challenges you faced with this sci-fi role?

The costumes, the guns, the props, and stuff like that. We had a love-hate relationship with the masks. It was hot and annoying, but by the end, I was kind of attached to the mask and didn’t want to leave it. It just all was new to me. 

Without giving too much away for the people who haven’t seen the movie, what was your favorite scene to shoot?

The scene where me and Jennifer Hudson are doing my hair. That was my favorite because there were no real lines for that scene. There was like one or two [lines]. Stefon was like, “Just talk and we’re going to film you. Just wash her hair and oil her scalp.” We started bantering, just joking and roasting people left and right. It was so much fun. Also, my locs got wet that night so when I left the set, I had a towel wrapped around my head.   

This isn’t your first time working with noteworthy actors. What was working with a star-studded cast with stars like Jennifer Hudson and Mila Jovovich like?

It was insane. I felt starstruck in the beginning meeting them and not knowing them as people, but once I knew them and got to know them and laughed and joked with them, it felt like humans, people just getting along working together. I definitely bonded with Jennifer a lot because of the mother-daughter relationship. It was kind of hard to do that with Mila and Sam [Worthington], being their position as characters in the film. The times when we weren’t anywhere near set and we were just talking and chatting, we laughed and talked and had as much fun as we could without destroying the tension in the film.   

Seeing your talent on-screen, is thriller-dystopia a film genre you’d like to explore again?

I think so; I had so much fun on set. If I did it again, I don’t think I could do a movie that was all green screen. I think that would be extremely challenging for me. That probably wouldn’t be something I’d do over and over again. If I could be on a set that puts you in a little world, I love that. That was fun. 

Breathe is in theaters and on Digital. 

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This week Campbell is back in her element and expanding her comedic roots by guest starring on the hit NBC sitcom Lopez vs Lopez. If you’re a fan of this hit NBC sitcom, you’re likely aware of the show’s premise. Lopez vs Lopez is centered on the real-life father-daughter duo George Lopez and Mayan Lopez. In this family comedy, George and his daughter Mayan are living under one roof while attempting to salvage their relationship. With a rocky father-daughter relationship, mending personal and family issues can be a challenge. It’s only fitting to have Campbell make her appearance by playing none other than Mayan’s trusted psychologist. 

In an interview with Black Girl Nerds, Campbell gushed about working with famous comedian and actor George Lopez, her career in the comedy space, and her experience as a guest star on season two of Lopez vs Lopez.  

You’ve been on many sitcoms, from My Wife and Kids to Martin, what was your experience like being a guest star on Lopez vs Lopez season 2? 

I had a chance to work with George [Lopez] on a show called Real Husbands. George and I didn’t have a scene together but we did work together the same day. This is my first time being able to be in a scene with George, and his work was so good. It’s so nice to be in front of an audience, a live audience too. I love doing sitcoms. Mayan [Lopez] and George and the rest of the amazing cast, it’s a pleasure to be in their company because it’s just a fun show to work on.

Since you’re not new to the comedy space, was this character different from other characters you’ve played?

So this character was different from other characters I’ve played because I’ve never played a therapist before. Which, to my dismay, my real therapist was laughing so hard that I was playing a psychologist. It was funny.

What was your experience like preparing for this role?

You know what, I didn’t really have to prepare any more than I normally do. I did do a couple of group family sessions before. It didn’t turn out as well as this particular show. As much as I could in real life, I guess I could just relate.

How is this character anything like yourself or different?

I put myself into most of my characters. That’s why every time I do a new character it’ll be my favorite. So it’s no different than any of the others right now because that’s the last one I did. It’s one of my favorite characters.

If you could guest star again as the same character, what would you want for your character?

I would love for my character to really make amends with the rest of the family, for the entire family to become whole — not too whole then there’s no reason to have a show. I would love to be able to be a healer. 

Since much of your work is in the comedy space, you must feel like an expert in making people laugh. Do you ever come across challenges in comedy anymore?

I did a show called Uncoupled and it was just a different rhythm to the way that the writers wrote everything. I loved the way that they wrote. It was just different. It’s hard to explain comedy when you break it down like that. It was a different rhythm. It was very challenging for me. I just jumped in and tried to do my best with it.

From starring in comedies to animation, you have a great range of work in the entertainment industry. Is there a type or genre of work you’d like to delve into in the future? 

That’s really an interesting question. A lot of people are asking me that so it must be the right time for you guys to ask me that question. I actually write a lot. During COVID isolation, there was nobody in my ear to tell me I couldn’t or shouldn’t. So for the first time, I got a chance to write. I sold five shows, and I’m writing now and producing. Being behind the scenes gives me a different type of artistic high. I really wanted to give a lot of women roles and people of color roles that you haven’t seen before. What comes out of my camp here is very different.   

Catch new episodes of Lopez vs Lopez on NBC, Tuesdays at 8pm.

The post Television Star Tisha Campbell Makes Appearance on Season 2 of Sitcom ‘Lopez vs Lopez’  appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Despite the lack of diversity remaining present in entertainment, many television shows are slowly opening the door to equal opportunity for actors of color by expanding on-screen representation. This is an aspect of television that must continue to expand. In recent years, the Emmy-winning soap opera Days of Our Lives has welcomed several new Black actors to its cast, including Raven Bowens, Jackee Harry, and Elia Cantu.

Shifts like this aim to change the trajectory of television. Days of Our Lives actor Raven Bowens, who plays Chanel Dupree, spoke to Black Girl Nerds about representation on the show, the significance of Black voices on television, and what this means for future Black actors.   

The diversity in Days of Our Lives has continued to evolve since its original airing in 1965. How have you seen this play out in the show?  

Our family has just expanded. We have Jackee [Harry] who is an icon, and we have Marla Gibbs, who is also an icon. We have Abe (James Reynolds), who’s been on the show forever and we have his son Theo (Cameron Johnson) and my sister Lani (Sal Stowers). Our family is so big. We did the Juneteenth wedding episode, and that was a great experience to be a part of. There were just so many beautiful brown faces in all different hues. It was incredible. So Days of Our Lives has done a really good job in expanding our voice and always making sure that there was a presence in Salem.

How do you think that the presence of Black actors on the show has provided a platform to help their stories be told?

We have a very diverse audience that watches the show. So I think that it’s nice. I love BET, but BET is mostly a Black audience. We have a more diverse audience so I feel like with that representation, people get to hear our stories, our point of view, and see our families, who aren’t tuned into BET and channels where it’s a primarily Black cast.

Can you talk about the importance of having Black voices on the show?

It’s so important. The thing I love about the Black community is we are small. I wish we were bigger, but we make up about 13% of the population and we are loud. If we have a problem, you’re going to know about it; if we love something you’re going to know about it; if we hate it you’re going to know about it. There is an authenticity to the Black voice. It’s very important because we express things that a lot of other people think. When we’re speaking, we are speaking from a Black perspective but we are not just speaking for Black people. We are speaking for the human condition as a whole, and we’re saying things that other people may be afraid to say.

How do you think this evolution of diversity has opened doors for Black actors in soap operas?

I think that it opened doors in soap operas. For instance, I play a sexually fluid woman who owns a bakery. So I’m a businesswoman. I’m open and out with sexuality, fearless. She has a lot of really great qualities that she expresses that I think at a different time wouldn’t be as welcomed on the platform. It’s a beautiful thing because the expansion is showing that there are so many different walks of life that Black people choose and experience. We’re starting to show more and more but as time goes on it’s going to be as fluid as my character. Theo is autistic, my character is sexually fluid, and my sister is a cop. There are so many different stories that we’re telling that show that the possibilities are endless.

Do you think this rise in diversity will influence other shows that may lack diversity?

Definitely in the daytime space for sure because if we are doing it then everyone should be doing it. I think that it opens up those doors. I love social media especially Twitter (now X), soap Twitter. A lot of the pages that share things about Chanel share things about the other Black actresses on other soap operas. I think that we have a good amount of diversity in soap operas. When I go to events I see a lot of Black women who are doing it and I’m so proud of them and I feel like there’s a shared sense of sisterhood. I think we need to get another Black man on Days of Our Lives. We have my stepfather, and that’s all we have right now.

In previous interviews, you talked about how landing the role of Chanel Dupree was like an omen. You also talked about the significance of your grandmother in your career. Can you tell us a little bit about that?

My grandmother passed away in January of 2021, and I had already screened-tested for the show. I didn’t get the role. I went on to do another show in New York. I was gone and I was out there filming. In that show, my grandmother was in hospice, and I came home to shoot the audition for that show while she was in hospice. I posted a picture of myself, and then someone commented, ‘Oh my God, you look just like your grandma here.’ That was such a funny thing. Then right after my grandmother passed away, I found out that I got that job.

I went to New York and was filming, and then on my birthday Days of Our Lives reached out to me. They asked me to audition for the show again. I looked at the material and was like, they already tested me, why do they need to see me do this again? My manager was like, “You know what, you’re right; I’m going to tell them that.” They said, “You’re right; we want to offer it to you.” That was my birthday.

I didn’t even know that it was a recasting for the same role. I looked at it and was like it looks very similar. My grandmother’s birthday is April 9th, and that was the day I started filming. So that’s when I said that it felt like an omen. When I started my production company, I named it after my grandma. I named it Pearly Mae Productions. My grandmother wanted to be an entertainer back in her day. She had kids, and it was harder at those times. So she never really got to go after it. She was always very encouraging to me and inspiring. My career was a bonding source for my grandmother and me.

Can you give fans any hints of where you would like to see your character Chanel Dupree go in future episodes? 

I think you guys already know that somebody is going to put a ring on it. So there’s some fun wedding stuff coming up. It’s not going to be the wedding we expect. There is a turn that happens.

Catch Raven Bowens on new episodes of Days of Our Lives streaming weekdays on Peacock.

The post ‘Days of Our Lives’ Raven Bowens Discusses the Significance of Black Actors in Daytime Drama  appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Throughout this book, Fumudoh combines her perspective, pop culture, and commentary with her misunderstandings around Black identity. In Black Friend Essays, Fumudoh lets readers see the social interactions of the average Black woman in today’s society. She takes readers through eye-opening situations she experiences as a Black woman and learning moments she hopes for non-Black individuals to absorb. 

The Relatable Black Woman

Throughout her story, Fumudoh paints herself as a relatable young Black woman. The social issues she faces are issues many Black women are no strangers to. With the intent of showing readers the experiences many Black women share, Fumudoh recalls specific racial interactions that occur between her and her peers. She describes instances in which her peers would mispronounce her name or question her ethnicity based on the uniqueness of her name as a Nigerian American.

Although she is used to the mispronunciation of her name, Fumudoh hints that the occurrence does annoy her. Having issues pronouncing her name would often open up secondary conversations about Fumudoh’s cultural identity and heritage. It’s almost as if she’s expected to retell her whole life story with the introduction of her name.

She also recalls her experience of being in a white neighborhood and being in a private school versus a public school. She would often find herself alternating her vernacular based on those around her. These interactions demonstrate what navigating life is like for a young Black woman with an African cultural background.

Fumudoh reflects on experiences in her life in which she became subject to microaggressions and other uncomfortable situations she endured. Fumudoh, like many people of color, feels the need to code-switch or update her speech based on her surroundings to gain respect. It is the way she handles these situations that is truly amazing. Her use of comedy is significant to her story as an individual. She slowly introduces comedy as a coping mechanism.

The Topics of Race and Comedy Combined

With a growing number of books centered on race and the individual experience surrounding racism in America, what makes Fumudoh’s novel distinct?

For one, Fumudoh uses witty banter to capture her readers’ attention and poke fun at the racial complexities in her life. Although she uses humor, she doesn’t appear offensive to her Black audience. Instead, she amuses them. She amuses them by poking fun at racial situations she presumes other Black individuals experience. Her sense of humor is distinct. Fumudoh makes an awkward moment lighthearted. The way she deals with situations involving race is to incorporate light humor. She shows readers that she has a thick skin because she can counteract racism with humor.

This isn’t to be mistaken as saying Fumudoh accepts racism, which she pokes fun at in the introduction of her book. Instead, readers can say with certainty that she understands racism and relies on satire to poke fun at those who don’t. She not only focuses on the Black perspective but also shifts her focus to reference other minorities during her discussions on implicit racism.

If you are reading from the perspective of being Black, reading her book will speak to you. She uses comic relief to downplay high-intensity interactions where her race may be questioned. In doing so, she gets people to listen.

It may be challenging for white people to read a book about the racism Black individuals face; however, her humorous responses to non-Black individuals in her book ease any possibility of racial tension. Ultimately, her book promotes anti-racism because she draws attention to the issues Black individuals regularly face. 

What Purpose Do These Interviews Serve?

One plan of action that Fumudoh excels in is her ability to make a name for herself. Her presence in the comedy world is thriving. Her emergence in pop culture began with her asking simple questions to notable stars like actors Alyssa Milano and Chet Hanks. She can get stars to comment on sensitive matters like race.

In her book, Fumudoh is shown interviewing celebrities for her Instagram livestreams. She is an expert in creating questions that fuel debates and getting stars to discuss sensitive subjects they might otherwise avoid altogether. The measures she takes to approach conversations about race are significant. She discusses race with influential figures who have a voice. In doing so, she publicizes Black issues and highlights disparities. Fumudoh is able to get her livestream guests to respond to uneasy questions. She is strategic with her approach in addressing how race affects people of color. 

A Must Read 

With Black Friend Essays, get ready to challenge your preconceived notions regarding racial relations. Fumudoh is talented with her words and strategic with her comedy.

If you are already familiar with Fumudoh as a comedian, then you know the work she is capable of delivering. She uses the right amount of humor at the right time. Her sense of comic relief turns an awkward situation into a learning experience for many.

Fumudoh may be writing about her life as a Black woman, but her novel is an encouraging read for all who desire to educate themselves on racial perception and what it means to be Black in America. Fumudoh’s book is a must read. Her words, humor, and wit allow readers to reflect on her everyday life as a Black woman. This is a read for anyone willing to learn, take in, and understand the Black experience. 

Black Friend Essays is available wherever books are sold.

The post Comedian Ziwe Fumudoh Takes On Racial Identity in ‘Black Friend Essays’  appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Who is Britney Spears?

Finally, the entertainment world gets an opportunity to hear Spears’s true story from the singer herself. For years, tabloids, paparazzi, and a controlling conservatorship have painted Spears as being manic and dependent on others. No more tabloids are narrating her story this time because this memoir gives Spears a voice to reveal her side of her highly publicized life, and ultimately reveal her truth. The Woman in Me gives a raw account of the pop star’s life from her childhood to the present day. Like many tell-alls, Spears begins her narrative by describing her childhood and family dynamics. Spears does an excellent job of painting her life as being perfectly imperfect. She recalls being raised by an alcoholic father but not becoming a product of her environment. We can describe Spears as a survivor. She was not influenced by her father’s negativity by adopting his qualities as a child. Instead, Spears took ownership of her life. From the Mickey Mouse Club to Star Search, Spears established a thriving career at a young age. She regularly auditioned for parts to put her name on the map. Ultimately, her burgeoning career allowed her to escape the demons of her past. 

Bombshell Revelations 

Being an international pop sensation, for most of her life Spears has become an easy target for tabloids. Many aspects of the singer’s life have been fictionalized to create gossip and establish attention-grabbing headlines. From how she lost her innocence, to her troubled relationship with her family, there has continuously been a false narrative created by the media that allowed Spears to put on a facade. Through her memoir, Spears finally sets the record straight. She shows the world her vulnerability as she recounts her experience terminating a pregnancy with an A-list celebrity. Unlike other tell-alls, Spears doesn’t shy away from the truth. Spears publicly names people throughout her book instead of referring to her friends, acquaintances, and those she encounters using pseudonyms. A tactic like this shows that the singer is relentless in the pursuit of having her story told. She is fearless. Spears’s memoir becomes highly personal by revealing the names of those who have wronged her and those who have been influential in her life. Detailing moments of truth such as revealing names allows the pop icon to capture the rawness of her story.

Free Britney

After being in a decade-long conservatorship, Spears is finally free. For years, Spears has lived under the control of her family. Her family and superiors directed every major aspect of her life. What she sang, what she wore, and the gigs she accepted were all decisions made for her rather than by her. Her memoir details a pivotal moment in her life known as “the “free Britney” movement; a movement Spears recalls first hearing about during rehab. During this movement, fans expressed concern over how the pop star was being managed by her family and team. This is a very vulnerable time in Spear’s life because she explains going through the heartache of losing everything close to her including her kids. Although she grew up in the public eye, the media prevented Spears from having a voice. Spears’s whole life has been under a microscope that allowed the tabloids to take control. Throughout her life, the media has had an obsession with her sexuality. In her book, Spears explains how she was falsely painted as being innocent and pure while also being labeled as promiscuous after her split from Timberlake. Without being overtly sexual she continued to be objectified. Without the “free Britney” movement, the star may have never found her voice. 

The Woman She Is 

To all the Britney Spears fans who want answers to questions like what happened during the infamous 2007 head-shaving incident, her relationship with Justin Timberlake, and the media’s alleged mistreatment of the star, then this book is for you. Spears does an excellent job removing her facade in The Woman I Am. For once, the world gets to see who Britney is, rather than who we think she is. Through her memoir, readers get to learn about Spears’s life from her perspective rather than the media’s. Readers learn how she responded to highly publicized incidences in her life. This memoir serves as a revelation. It not only tells the story of the woman Spears is but the woman she has now become. Since leaving her conservatorship, Spears has become vocal regarding who the real enemies and allies are in her life. For years, the public perceived Spears’s family as doing what was best for her through a conservatorship. What makes this memoir work is Spears’s ability to detail almost every aspect of her life that contributed to who she is. Spears is an excellent storyteller. She lets readers know exactly how she feels during each major moment of her life. She rejects the false image the media created for her by telling the world who she is.  

The Woman in Me is now available where major books are sold.

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