Hi Fam,
Right. Before I continue, let me check in with you - especially if you’re in the United States.
You okay? Are you tired too? Everyone I’ve talked to in Ghana, the U.K., and the U.S. this week is weary of America’s Presidential Election. TIIIIRED. But let's not forget that November 6 is around the corner, and it's not just another day. It's a day that will shape our future. While I feel a sense of dread about election day, I want it to be OVER. We need to know what course of action we’re gonna take next.
*Deep breath.*
Now that’s off my chest, let’s return to this week’s happenings. I can’t promise I won’t talk about politics, especially since elections are happening throughout the diaspora.
Bold, ambitious women across the diaspora who don’t strike me as people who are — to quote U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, “aspiring to be humble” are taking center stage.
We have Vice President Harris, who could become the first Black and Asian woman president of the United States. Then there’s Kemi Badenoch, who is one day away from finding out if she will be the new leader of Britain’s Conservative Party. Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang could become the country’s first female vice president in Ghana if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) wins the general elections on December 7.
These women are breaking barriers in a field where they are severely underrepresented and taking up space in ways that make some people uncomfortable. Part of me loves that they’re challenging the establishment simply by being there - but is being in the room ever enough? Yes, I’m saying that I do have higher expectations of them.
I’d wager that this week’s guest, Shaznay Martin, is pondering a similar question. Her work focuses on creating space for complicated Black women by creating movies from a Black woman’s lens. Films that show characters who take up space, be silly, whimsical, or take up space in a world that wants them to stay small. In a creative way.
BONUS FOR PAID MEMBERS: Shaznay Martin has successfully raised funds to support her productions. She shares her top tips for crowdfunding.
Don’t forget to support the movement to support girls’ education in Ghana: Black Star Excellence.
I’m a proud diaspora Ghana girl and the non-profit Black Star Excellence founding member. Join our movement to support future leaders from our home community in completing their education. $30 can make all the difference, but
every contribution counts! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! ♥️ Donate here
Shaznay Martin Is Creating The World She Wants To See Using the Camera and the Pen.
In this week’s episode, we are joined by Shaznay Martin, a writer and filmmaker who is forging her path in the media world and creating space for Black women on both sides of the camera. As a writer, Shaznay dissects and celebrates movies with complex Black women who take up space. Now, she’s spreading her creative wings by producing her film, inspired by classic Hollywood movies called ‘Noir.’
As she shares her journey with Christabel, you’ll learn effective strategies for raising support and funding for independent projects, which is crucial for building a supportive community.
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I.G.: @christabelnsiahbuadi
Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com
