Merwomanist Podcast: Show Notes
It’s MerMay! - Episode 7
Hey there, merfolk! I'm Mami Melusine, but you might know me as Dr. Jalondra A. Davis. In this episode, I invite you to join me on an unexpected adventure that took me through the bustling streets of New York and Philadelphia. I share my own tales of triumph and challenge as I juggled the relaunch of this very podcast and celebrated the publication of a feature story about my research at my university. We'll dive deep into the murky online waters where I experienced trolling and surfaced stronger, with a reinforced belief in the importance of staying true to oneself and pursuing passions, even when facing criticism.
You'll join me as we journey further into the fascinating world of mermaid narratives, exploring their power in opening up conversations about history, race, gender, and colonialism in the classroom. I'll share my belief in the value of these narratives, putting them on par with teaching classics like Shakespeare, and underscoring their deep educational worth. We'll peek ahead at exciting events on the horizon, such as Black Mermay Day and the California Mermaid Convention, and highlight the beautiful diversity in our mermaid community. So, come on in, the water's fine! Let's dive deep into the mesmerizing world of mermaids and explore their profound impact on academia and popular culture together.
Podcast references:
Movies: The Little Mermaid (2023)
Black Mermay Day: May 26th, 2023
Black Mermay Facebook Group Owner: Anita Riggs
Black MerMay Day Founder: Cosplayer, Anita Riggs Tranquil Ashes, @tranquil_ashes
Black MerMay Day Ambassador: Clover Jene Mermaid @Cloverj_mermaid
California Mermaid Convention - Sacramento, 5/19 - 5/21
Celebrating Black Mermaids from Africa to America at City Gallery - Charleston, South Carolina, 5/26 - 7/9
Music: Lemonade (2016)
MerMay Illustration Challenge Creator: Tom Bancroft
Celebrating Black Mermaids Exhibit Opening Film Screenings:
Nijla mu’min, Deluge
Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
Gabrielle Tesfaye, The Water Will Carry us Home
Judith Aidoo, Untitled
Exhibit: WANGECHI MUTU: INTERTWINED Open until 6/3/23
Film: Directed by Nikyatu Jusu, Nanny (2022)
Exhibit: Kenyan visual artist Wangechi Mutu's "Sirens & Serpants" exhibit, 'Nguva na Nyoka' (2014)
News feature: Black Mermaids, History, & Spirituality (2023)
Exhibit: Celebrating Mermaids from Africa to America
Dr. Jalondra A. Davis Mermaid Research: https://jalondradavis.com/#scholar
Virtual Assistance & Podcast Production: Hella High Magic Media
