Thirty years ago I had no job, I was broke, and I was struggling to express myself creatively. I was trying to produce a documentary film on the history of blaxploitation, and it seemed to be going nowhere. With no clue as to how to do it, I decided to start making a ‘zine, BadAzz MoFo. I didn’t ask anyone for permission. I didn’t worry about it being perfect. And I never expected to get paid. I just wanted to make something — I needed to make something. The result was a little ‘zine that forever changed my life.
In less than two weeks my new book, BLACK FILM: A HISTORY OF BLACK REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPATION IN THE MOVIES comes out from @tenspeedpress — nearly thirty years to the day that the first issue of BadAzz MoFo came out. It feels surreal. It feels good. Honestly, I’ve dreamed of writing a book like BLACK FILM for three decades, but for most of that time it seemed impossible. And then one day it became possible.
I talk a lot about depression and anxiety and imposter syndrome, all three of which kick my ass nearly every single day. But I also talk about pushing through the darkness, and practicing Creative Well-Being, which is essential for the survival of the soul.