EDITORS NOTE: This is one of the first articles by Obsidian Tea from before it was even named that. With the shift over to the new site, it had been lost to time. Besides some light edits enjoy some vintage Obsidian Tea about Ma Rainey and keep learning about her. I’m honored to be starting
Ma Rainey- One of the Famous Blues Women Read More »
After shout I can’t help but noticed the difference between cultural spaces. As the Black community within the blues dance community find each other, the thing I’ve always felt, becomes overwhelmingly apparent. The difference is stark. Also it’s about more than just bringing in people of a different culture: it’s also about understanding the implicit
Black Spaces Vs White spaces in America Read More »
Once upon a time a group of young adults met the new kid at school and his name was DeShawn. To welcome him into their group they wanted to go out to the movies. In this group of friends everyone had permission except for DeShawn. But DeShawn really wanted to go and he tells his
The Hierarchy of Black Culture Read More »
Are you confused about this new term you’ve heard in the community? IDIOM DANCE?! Well, today we’re going to break down what exactly that means and how it fits into blues dancing, how the term has come about, and what the future looks like. Right now, there are a lot of debates in the community
Idiom dances- a break down Read More »
Occasionally I’m told I’m arrogant. That always makes me chuckle because I have literally no self confidence and it’s all a facade. That’s why it only takes a few tough days, some people’s anxiety causing me to feel imposter syndrome and being called names/misunderstood for me to totally collapse. I’m self conscious about my own
Who do you think you are?! [about the main author] Read More »
During the last year I’ve noticed a trend within the Blues community that’s been happening on the back end of things. As we focus so much on all the things that we wish to see within the world, within ourselves, and within our community in general, we seem to have lost sight of the love
#For the Love of Blues! Read More »
When I was a child I heard a lot of mixed ideas about Africa and our heritage. On the one hand Black Americans understood the fact that we’re stuck here, regardless of if we wanted to be here or not. We accepted that we would never really know much about of families and heritage and
Black Panther and Why it Matters: back to Africa Read More »
I feel like I’m constantly promoting this book but I can’t suggest it enough. Are you a non- Black person hoping to understand Black folks more? Do you want to make a Black friend without embarrassing yourself? are you doing dances from Black culture and don’t know no Black people? You wanna know why Black
Black and White Styles in Conflict Read More »
Do you know the name James Baldwin? I sure didn’t until about a year ago when me and the best friend went to watch this movie in a nearly empty theater. All the few guests were Black. After that night, several debate videos, and readings of his later and I was shocked that such a
I am not your Negro Read More »