Afromexican article that you must read!

 Check out this amazing article from Black Girl Nerds on AfroLatinx people and history!!

https://blackgirlnerds.com/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-afro-mexicans/?fbclid=IwAR0B0-V1U2MsKn3xNSkoGdBscw9hX-35CTT2eClp8Q-W46Dn3pRawdQZgc4&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

 Sometimes the media or history books won’t tell you everything, and you have to have some experiences and get out to know and learn of new things. 

Growing up, telemundo was my initial liaison into some Spanish media/pop culture. They never (or at least rarely , it’s been YEARS since I was an active tv watcher in general, and I am not fond of making generalizations) showcased darker skinned Latinx people, let alone historical figures.

It seemed at the time for me, that Latinx people were only of light complexion since that was what I could see. As a kid, I don’t think I can even recall any celebs that were AfroLatinx, compared to when I had switched over into all the jpop stuff and being acquainted with Crystal Kay and some of her songs. 

I wonder how I would have felt if, even as a black American, how I’d react knowing that Spaniards, Mexicans etc were darker or had Afro decent than just what happened on plantations, or in places where the people are obviously Black from the Slave trade (the places that were covered mainly in the books I read) 

So, I am pretty grateful to be able to come across this article and learn new things about this world and the people on it. Things that have been kept hidden due to what schools WANT and being paid for us to know. I am sure that AfroLatinx kids can feel more included and special with info like this around too! ✨

Changes

 Currently revamping things for this new year so old posts and such aren’t available at this time. 

YouTube videos have followed suit as well, but I appreciate the comments and views that I received over the years when embarking on a journey of self discovery. That included my own fashion adventures and mishaps, as well as meeting people and coordinating events and learning about what it takes to be a gyaru or be in a group, let alone becoming a leader and group manager/coordinator and understanding what that entails from the ground up. It’s a lot of work and not just super kawaii sparklyness when you want to surpass just hanging out, to something that can be self sustainable and long lasting for ourselves and the community at large.   

This has tested me in ways that I would have never known it would, as I saw the fun clothes and sparklyness and happy fun times and just had that at the forefront of my mind than just studying and making grades. 

I am grateful for the lessons learned throughout all this, even when I didn’t understand it all at the time. 

Thank you

Maxwell band night (to be re-edited.... with photos...)

  

At Elastic Arts Maxwell-Thomas had a show. It was my first time hearing about them.

The played closer, paradise, and Hollywood. They did a cover of a good fighters song as well as A little info I found to read with to you:

 About the band

Maxwell-Thomas

Maxwell-Thomas is a post-grunge, alternative rock collective led by songwriter, Stephen Mortensen. From its debut release in 2010, the 6-song EP, “The Ghosts I’ve Touched” to 2021’s full album, “Daisuki Baby,” Maxwell-Thomas has had numerous friends and collaborators touch its music. In 2022, the band finds its current line up energized by the eclectic drum stylings of Jun Takanarita, the dirty guitar slinging of Quinn Dean, and the pounding, pulsating rhythms of bassist, Tim Schiltz. Motivated by one passion, the desire to rock, Maxwell-Thomas finds itself at a career-peak as the group perfects an all killer, no filler set list. Taking inspiration from artists like Foo Fighters, the Pillows, and even iconic video game soundtracks such as “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” and “Persona 5,” Maxwell-Thomas is intent on delivering a performance that is tight, polished, and brimming with electricity. Stream Maxwell-Thomas anywhere you find digital music. Search “Mistreat Me” or “Scattered” to hear fan favorites.

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The opener was Bass-, one of their songs had me envisioning a high speed car chase for all the wrong reasons set in the 70’s with a slight sepia tone tinge. 

Miyavi 20year Anniversary Tour

Photo Credit AXS.com

My YouTube channel wasn’t the only anniversary celebration to be had this year as Miyavi, a well known Japanese-Korean rockstar from Japan, was celebrating his 20 years as a guitarist and entertainer this year. People who may not be familiar with Jrock or the Visual Kei scene may recognize him in movies such as Maleficent, Unbroken, or the show Arcane. I haven't seen any of these yet.. so don't spoil it too much! ;)

The concert was brought to us all by Dell and their campaign “ #Youniverse”.

On a blustery October 17th, I went to his concert held at Cobra Lounge for the first time in my life and it was a splendid treat to experience his stage presence IRL. In the middle of the show, he asked a fan "What the fuck took you so long?!" Even though it wasn't directed at me, it was an extremely good and valid question. How does someone that had listened to his music and almost went to his concert years ago NEVER go to one of their favorite Jrocker's events? Ever?

Baffling. I know. 

I was hoping that he’d play a few of my all time favorites like Girls be Ambitious… and he did! I was elated as I thought that maybe he would only play current songs and may not go that far back in his discography. It was one of the songs my brother got for me that I enjoyed with my little sister sometime before high school. (My brother helped us get started and the hook up on some Jpop culture bits here and there...) 

Feeling the music start up and his husky voice reverberating throughout my being, the tears that welled up in my eyes whilst recording the song, a knot in my throat choking up my words as so many memories of being with my little sister and fawning over Jrockers and Jfashion and punk/metal aesthetics came flooding back to me. 

To be in the moment, being overtaken by the waves of Miyavi's music, and being bathed in soft, colourful lights, it felt like being revived from an earlier checkpoint in life. It felt a little lonely being there, as I would have loved to rock out with LicaMica... but it felt good to be around such energetic and vibrant people and being able to enjoy a Jrock moment with them. Maybe... I entered Jrock heaven again.... 

Thank you Miyavi Ishihara for an amazing night. I am glad I made an effort to come out the house and see you live. I look forward to watching the films you're in as well as your next concert. Take care and enjoy your tour.

☆