A Visit To Black Wall Street
A Visit To Black Wall Street

One of the highlights of 2018 for me has been attending Breakout in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve never been to Oklahoma but was really intrigued by the idea of visiting Black Wall Street and learning about this illustrious history. I also wanted to see what the area is like currently, and how our legacy is being preserved and transformed for the present day. I had the opportunity to connect with brilliant artists, activists and historians such as Dr. Ricco Wright, the Artistic Director of the Black Wall Street Gallery. Check out this video of him explaining what set off the Black Wall Street Massacre, as well as the connection between Black and Indigenous communities in Tulsa.

Read More
Janna ZinziAfrican-American history, black history, art, culture, Black art, Black history, American history
On Remembering Prince, ‘Baby Dolls’ Breaking Sexual Barriers and a New Orleans Second Line
On Remembering Prince, ‘Baby Dolls’ Breaking Sexual Barriers and a New Orleans Second Line

I shared my experience attending Prince’s second line celebration in New Orleans a few days after his death in 2016. It was a convergence of Black music and culture history dancing with the Legendary Baby Doll Ladies through Treme. Read more at The Root and check the video of the festivities!

Read More
arts and cultureJanna Zinziprince, music, African-American history, culture, New Orleans, travel
The Modern Dance Community Thrives on Crenshaw
The Modern Dance Community Thrives on Crenshaw

Lula Washington Dance Theatre is a family affair. The company and school was founded by Lula Washington and her husband Erwin, and is co-managed by their daughter Tamica; all of whom grew up in South Los Angeles. Their mission is twofold: to build a world-class contemporary modern dance company that travels worldwide with work that reflects African-American history and culture, and to create a school in the inner city where young people can learn the art of dance. The Washingtons use dance to “motivate, educate, inspire, challenge and enrich young people so they can become successful and productive citizens” because they know firsthand the transformative power of this art form.

Read More
Janna Zinzidance, Los Angeles, arts, African-American history, culture
Bawdy Politic: The Best Burlesque in New York City
Bawdy Politic: The Best Burlesque in New York City

While most people think of Dita Von Teese or that lackluster Christina Aguilera movie when they hear the word “burlesque,” women of color have a rich history and presence in the art form. Since the late 19th century, women of color in the United States have been creating burlesque variety shows that offer satirical commentary on American racism and gender roles. (The word “burlesque” comes from the Italian word burla, which means “joke.”) 

Read More
Janna Zinziburlesque, New York City, travel, dance, theater, women of color
#Crystal Bliss and Radical Self-Care When Stress is Literally Making Us Sick
#Crystal Bliss and Radical Self-Care When Stress is Literally Making Us Sick

Healers of color are emerging and connecting via social media. Folks who previously were skeptical of alternative healing modalities outside of Western medicine or Christian beliefs are integrating metaphysical elements into their self-care practices because, frankly, shit is real.

Crystal healing is now on trend and receiving a lot of attention. Like many ancient healing methods, it’s becoming commercialized and commodified. I’m encouraged, however, to see many women of color like author Devi Brownreclaiming this knowledge and empowering others to squad up and and step into healing roles.

Read More
Janna Zinzihealth, spirituality, women of color, crystals, healing