Dear Diary,
In the course of this month, I delved into the profound Combahee River Collective statement while immersing myself in the rhythmic embrace of amapiano and afrobeats. Striving for a diary that intertwines personal reflections, informative tidbits, and brevity, I've devised a monthly blueprint. Expect entries to showcase my cultural consumption (be it literature, music, or exploration), my take on the top 3-5 news stories, updates on ongoing projects, celebrations of black femme excellence, and a curated collection of artist tools discovered. (And I absolutely positively will be talking in GIFS.)
Feel free to reciprocate the vibes in the comments section. Wishing you a jubilant 2024, and a reverent DR MLK DAY!!!! A salute to the indomitable force, leader, and powerhouse, Mrs Coretta Scott King ✊🏾.
L is for Love,
Fay <3
Journal aka Tea Time (This is my take on the news y'all- but a more shorter, punchier version.)
“It’s not the note you play that’s the wrong note – it’s the note you play afterwards that makes it right or wrong.”- Miles Davis
I’ve found that music is a wonderful metaphor for lessons in life. For my friends and allies who may find it hard to grasp a modern day Salem Witch Trial occuring before their eyes in a land where “cancel culture” is conveniently never applied to Black Women- I offered that miles Davis analogy.
In the face of racism, classism, sexism, zionism, or patriarchy, the insidious nature of bigotry extends beyond the initial transgression to encompass the subsequent actions taken. For Black women navigating academic, corporate, and professional realms, far too familiar are the labels thrusted upon us – "difficult," "angry," "loud," "problematic," and their favorite qualm “incompetence” - ultimately accompany our decision to boldly challenge the status quo. Watching President Gay’s academic lynching in the public eye has been gut wrenching. We send her healing, power and continue courage as she prepares for that which is bigger and better.
Speaking of the “note” after, here was her “temporary” replacement
Home of Apartheid
More Brave than Land of the Free
The Irony Here
Every woman needs a Shug!!!!
And God bless Taraji!
I've been lucky enough to see the original Color Purple, Color Purple on Broadway and now Color Purple the Musical Film directed by the amazing Blitz Bazawule aka Blitz the Ambassador. Definitely see the film and take the family (I'd recommend 16 and up). And read the book!!! :)
Yes, I literally mean Defund & Abolish the Police
Police are still lynching legally Black People.
Instead of ropes, they use guns and unnecessary force. A single mom called the police after her boyfriend attacked her and her daughter. The cops came and shot her as she held him off using a knife. There is no room for reform. DEFUND!
Dry January by Queerency
I'm doing Dry January and if you are doing the same, you may be looking for some liquid options outside of water, seltzer or coffee. My #GlaadBQCS sibling Trev has listed several dry January options that are great for the season OR a lifetime. I'm definitely going to try a few
Art (This is where the magic happens- new projects, journals, upcoming events, tour dates and mixes are all here.)
Fka LiKWUiD 🎤
After 20 years, I am retiring my nickname Likwuid. She will always and forever be a part of me, but I am ready to express myself creatively by other means.
If I am truly honest with myself, I’ve always been a writer. My sister told me recently that she can remember me as a kid writing all the time and filling up so many books. She pointed out how I would write across the lines, upside down, on the fronts and backs of the pages leaving absolutely no white space- it’s true. Writing has always been my solice. I think LiKWUiD projected Fay's voice and protected her for so many years. I will always be LiKWUiD and she will always be me- but it's time that I grow into who I'm supposed to become.
Who knows what’s next? As I relinquish control, I am just grateful for the next journey. However, there are some poems, albums and music already in the works- so I’m not gone forever from the mic! 💕❣️🫶🏾 In the meantime, I hope that you will download my latest offering, my 9th project (and 7th album) Likwuidation II: L is for Love.
Likwuidation II (2003-2023)- COMPILATION OUT NOW (VIA EMPIRE DISTRIBUTION)
This album is the culmination of my career as LiKWUiD Stylez. It contains 42 tracks that I’ve released, contributed to, or have been featured. I am very proud of this album, which contains songs from my 7 of my albums, 2 EPs and a few unreleased tracks. Also, thank you to everyone who contributed or allowed me to re-release a lot of these records from the vault. Full track listing and credits below. Oh and zoom in for some surprises. <3
With Love. L is for Love,
LiKWUiD Stylez 4 Eva <3
W4RP
This past week, I was in New York with one of my favorite bands W4RP (formerly Warp Trio)!!! I’m super stoked to be a part of another one of their albums 😆 and I’m so excited for you all to hear it. I don’t know how much we can disclose, but follow the W4RP page and look out for updates soon.
Mt. Vernon, NY 2024
Afrofusion ATL JANUARY 27, 2024 IN ATLANTA, GA
I’m djing my 1st official party in Atlanta!!! I’ve never dj’d in Atlanta before, so I’m beyond excited. If you’re in the area, come thru. This spot is black and woman owned and the vibes are on the echelon of Black Excellence in Buckhead. There’s an elevated open bar plus food. I hope to see you there- afrobeats, amapiano and world music all night- so it’s Harlem vibes in the A!!!
Banjee Boombox Artist Tools
Every month, I'll share fun tips, tricks and info for indie artists that I've found in my searches. <3
NewFest is New York’s largest presenter of LGBTQ+ film & media and the largest convener of queer audiences in the city. Our mission is to give voice and visibility to the wide scope of LGBTQ+ experiences through films and programs that entertain, educate, and empower. | |
StartHER is a microfund investing in women and underrepresented founders of all ages, life stages, ethnicities and sexual orientations who strive to make a positive impact on society, healthcare or the environment. We will write checks of up to $50,000 and we'll likely be one of your first. | |
Untold Stories is a multi-year, multi-tier alliance between AT&T and Tribeca Festival that awards $1 million dollars, mentorship, and comprehensive support to systemically underrepresented filmmakers to produce their films. | |
If you are a singer, musician or a band that would like to be considered for Big Love 2024 next July, you have the month of September to apply! We’ll consider most genres of music – we’re after quality and originality (no covers acts please). We’re particularly to keen to hear from female acts. |
A little Black Femme Excellence before you go
<3 FAY