What We’re Reading, Watching, and Shopping in September
Every month we are putting the spotlight on the BIPOC creators catching our eye. We are watching, reading, shopping, listening to, and learning from vibrant designers, writers, educators, and more! Share who is inspiring your day in the comments.
READING
Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
This month, Yaa Gyasi dropped a stunning follow-up to her national bestseller ‘Homegoing’ in this stunning novel about a Ghanaian family in Alabama. A Ph.D. candidate in neuroscience at the Stanford University School of Medicine, Gifty is studying depression and addiction. Two subjects were particularly close to home. As she copes with her brother’s death, her mother’s suicidal tendencies, and the complications of her evangelical upbringing, she attempts to inch closer to answers.
“Poised to be the literary event of the fall.”
–Entertainment Weekly
“Absolutely transcendent. A gorgeously woven narrative about a woman trying to survive the grief of a brother lost to addiction and a mother trapped in depression while pursuing her ambitions. Not a word or idea out of place. Completely different from Homegoing. THE RANGE. I am quite angry this is so good.”
–Roxane Gay
SHOPPING
Creations for Continuity Knows what they are doing with gorgeous jewelry that marries modern taste and traditional appeal. Their rainbow series of jewelry harkens back to the intricate beauty of traditional indigenous jewelry making with stunning beadwork and vibrant colors that will be the centerpiece to any outfit.
“It’s an ancestral force rooted in the movements of nomadic people; the spirits of whales, porcupine and caribou; and the unyielding resilience of the Inuit people native to Canada’s arctic Northwest Territory. It’s also the tie that binds Blechert to the other artists she uplifts through Creations for Continuity, a home for her own jewelry designs and a collective featuring work and collaborations with other Indigenous makers.” Tiara Darnell for Travel Portland Magazine, 2019
LISTENING
Oh, how we miss travel. Our work in India brought us closer to this exceptionally special country and we’d love to be there now. So instead of hopping on a plane as we’d like, we’ll be hopping over to The Musafir Stories, a podcast of travel stories in India.
“Visual tour at best! – informative and indulging
Grasping narrative will make you daydream. The couple managed to find the best guest who has traveled to various destinations and describe the experience accurately.
Each episode is very informative; you will get a lot of details and get an insight into the places.
This podcast is an antidote for the commute.” – iTunes Listener, Jonyjt
WATCHING
October is just around the corner and we’re ready for cool weather, comfy blankets, and a slightly spooky story on-screen. Lovecraft Country on HBO, featuring an incredible cast including Jurnee Smollett, this terrifying tale of monsters with an even more haunting reflection on American history.
“In any era, this material would be potent; in the post-George Floyd reckoning, it couldn’t possibly feel timelier, even if the story takes place in the Fifties.” – Rolling Stone
LEARNING
The Spark School: Instruction for Entrepreneurs/Online Influencers is a program we thought our Sseko Fellows might be interested in! If you’re incorporating your Sseko business into an overall influencer method of growth, this program can help you learn how!
After joining The Spark School, influencers are seeing massive results with the program. Check out testimonials like these here:
“Sarah made over $68,000 after 6 weeks of working together. She’s worked with huge travel brands like the Marriott, secured TV appearances on Good Day LA, and has grown to over 100k followers.”
Share which business or creation is lighting your soul on fire this September below!