Monthly Notes: October '24
A few of my favorite memories and discoveries from October 2024.
Introducing Monthly Notes, a once-a-month issue where I share my favorite discoveries and more of the month. Other issues of Blaxplaining will be released every other Friday around 9 AM EST. If you like this newsletter, make sure you subscribe and share it with your friends!
Hello everyone, and happy Halloween!
You’re not reading your calendar wrong—today is Thursday, not Friday. I’m sending this newsletter a week late because I was back in New York this past week and intended to log off and enjoy my vacation. I’ll be back on a regular biweekly schedule starting next week, though! I can’t believe this year is almost over. It seemed like I returned to the States yesterday, but I guess time flies when you’re having fun. Speaking of the illusion of time, we are only five days from the election (yikes)! I’m feeling a mixture of anxiety and antipathy, so I’ve been trying to keep myself grounded by touching grass and putting my parasocial relationships with MSNBC hosts on hold until next Tuesday. Despite my antipathic feelings, the stakes of this election are high, and I live in a swing state, so I’m making a plan to vote early this week. If you’re reading this, I assume you also have a plan, but if you don’t, you have until November 5th to vote!
Regarding a much lower-stakes headline this month, the theme for the Met Gala has been released: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. After watching the films “Boomerang” and “Mahogany,” I’ve become obsessed with images of Black glamour and costuming lately. I’m excited to see how the attendees (respectfully) interpret and incorporate the theme and which archival pulls we (hopefully) see from Black designers.
Last but not least, today is Halloween! I’m putting on my adult boots and giving out candy to the little ones, and honestly, it’s what I’ve been looking forward to the most this week. I would love to know your plans for the holiday—or, heck, even your coping methods for Tuesday. Leave a comment below to share your ideas with the rest of us! Have a great Halloween, and keep reading to check out what I’ve enjoyed this month!
READING: “The Source of Self Regard” by Toni Morrison. I’ve been reading this book for over a month now due to its format and somewhat repetitive subject matter. Still, this collection of speeches and essays is such an essential read, especially in this election year. Divided into three sections (The Foreigner’s Home, Black Matters, and God’s Language), this book explores identity, representation, and globalization. Although I am more of a fiction girl, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading a few essays, such as “Black Matters” and “Unspeakable Things Unspoken.” I wouldn’t necessarily recommend reading this in one sitting, but the variety of essays makes it easy to pick and choose based on your interests.
WATCHING: Do you know that up until this month, I’ve never seen a Stephen King film? In the spirit of Halloween, my parents and I have started watching his film adaptations. So far, I’ve seen IT Chapters One and Two, The Shining, and Doctor Sleep. I’ve enjoyed watching them all, but the IT series takes the cake.
STREAMING: I loved this Korean drama, Love in the Big City, which might be my favorite watch of the year. This is one of the two adaptations of the novel by Park Sang-Young (one of which is a film also released this month). The story focuses on Go Young, a gay man navigating life and love in Seoul. The release has caused much controversy in South Korea due to its focus on a gay lead, but it’s a beautiful story of love and friendship, and the characters were complex and represented beautifully on screen. You can stream it on Viki!
LISTENING: Despite her dubious remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris, Janet Jackson is that girl! This October marks the 27th anniversary of Janet Jackson’s magnum opus, The Velvet Rope. I was around four years old when the album first came out - and I had no business listening to the album at that age - but I remember the videos vividly. From “Don’t Know What till You Got till it’s Gone,” to ‘Go Deep,” to “I Get Lonely,” to “Together Again,” there was hit after hit. Don’t get me started on the album photos shot by Ellen Von Unwerth and Mario Testino. One word: Iconic.
SHOPPING: I haven’t left the house much since I’ve been home, so I’ve been windowshopping lately. However, the Christopher John Rogers x J. Crew collaboration might convince me to spend some money. Known for his bold pattern and color play, CJR’s collaboration incorporates his whimsical and modern designs with J.Crew’s preppy timelessness. It’s a cohesive collection that’s easy to mix and match. I especially love this satin-sculpted dress and this metallic jacquard set (pictured above).
WISHING: To see Pharell and Lego’s (two of my favorite things) collaboration for his biopic, Piece by Piece. I’ve been a fan of Pharrell since I first heard SWV’s Human Nature remix. Also, I love a good musical movie, so I’m excited to see this film soon. I haven’t been to the movies since May’s “Challengers,” but I think this one might be worth the visit.
That’s it for this month! As always, thanks for reading, and see you next time!
xT.H.