February 2023 Edition

Culture & News

Revealing The African Presence in Renaissance Europe

The European Renaissance (14th-17th century) was a time of literature, art, politics, and cultural exchange. Europeans had diplomatic relations with nations beyond their borders, such as those in Africa and Asia. However, the historical presence of Africans in Europe during the Renaissance has been vastly underrepresented. But times are changing. The Walters Art Museum exhibit and its accompanied book: Revealing The African Presence in Renaissance Europe (edited by Joaneath Spicer, 2013, 147 pages) is an invitation “to explore the varied roles and societal contributions of Africans and their descendants in Renaissance Europe…” (p. 7). The museum offers a free pdf copy of the book. To receive a courtesy copy, click here.

The Africans who lived or visited Renaissance Europe were of various backgrounds that included slaves, religious figures, freedmen, and diplomats. Dr. Spicer points out that Whites could also be found as slaves during this time period, especially those of Circassian or Slavic ethnic origins (p. 9-10). It is also well documented that the Roman Empire was known for enslavement practices of various hues of people. However, as time progressed the Transatlantic Slave Trade of Africans would become the dominant practice.

This book is a treasure trove of scholarly research and art work that includes paintings and sculptures. The writing is approachable and engaging, with topics such as: blackness in the visual arts, faces of the Moors, Ethiopian Christian pilgrims, and Congolese ambassadors in Europe. Throughout the book are well-chosen and beautiful images of Africans in various societal roles. At the end of the book is a checklist of the exhibition images. I highly recommend this book and posted Dr. Spicer’s lecture on the subject below! Happy Black History Month!

Art/Film/Literature News

Fempire

The age-old battle of the sexes takes new heights in the futuristic short film: Fempire (running time 15:30, February 2022). The film is written, directed, and produced by Honora Talbott, who self-describes her love for “dark humor” and classifies Fempire as a dramedy. The film takes place in the year 2070 and follows Skylar Grace a powerful politician, whose campaign warns she’s missing something important–a husband! So, the search is on for her to find a spouse.

This futuristic society has an interesting twist, in that women hold the power and men are considered second-class citizens. After World War 3, men were deemed violent and less intelligent compared to women. Therefore, women rule the new society. Men are judged based on their physical attractiveness and the ability to be submissive to women. Some women are so repulsed if they give birth to male babies that these infants are relinquished to the state. The society has an “Alumni Offspring Program” that provides the best genetics to support female procreation. However, the women’s rule over society encounters a growing threat in the form of the Men’s Rights Activist Movement (MRA). Will this new society survive?

This short film provides a satirical look at the battle of the sexes. It has lots of humor and a few serious moments that touch on important questions for both men and women.

Business/Non-Profit News

Chef Gone Mad

Chef Derek Robinson, Jr. is the creator of the Chef Gone Mad seasoning blend line and owner of the Mad Chef at 59th Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Chef Robinson is the son of a pastry chef whose family suffers from high blood pressure (hypertension). So, he decided to create a sodium free seasoning blend that makes food tasty without added salt. I recently purchased his Chicken & Fish Seasoning Blend from the grocery store and it has a good versatile flavor. Looking forward to trying it on vegetables!

Book Review

Christian Marriage

The book: Christian Marriage 101 Tips for a Healthy Marriage by Pastor Joey Bauer (123 pages, 2014, kindle edition) is a short and insightful look at the institution of marriage . The author provides biblical scriptures and personal examples to highlight topics such as, dating and forgiveness in marriage. This is a good book for married couples or those who are considering marriage.

On the topic of marriage please let me add my two cents. For believers, we must remember to not derive our self-worth from our martial status. Be it married, single, widow, or divorced. There are some people who will not marry due to the specific call on their lives and that’s okay (see Jeremiah 16:1-2 King James Version (KJV) Holy Bible). Or, the time-table you set for marriage may not be time-table the Lord has in mind (Consider Sarah in Genesis 18:12-15 King James Version (KJV) Holy Bible). The desire for marriage should not become an idol in your life. Instead, seek the Lord in prayer about your potential for marriage and ask for guidance. And educate yourself on marriage by reading this book!

Book Quotes:

“We cannot keep blaming each other in our marriages, we must take responsibility of our own actions and go from there.”
(kindle p. 34)

“Don’t stop dating each other in your marriage.”
(kindle p. 66)

“A listening ear is better than a mouth that flatters.”
(kindle p. 100)

Video (5)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JOAkYiftF8