Stable Is For Horses

An original piece by Rita Nicole Leslie

Stable Is For Horses

April 14, 2019 in Blog, Seeing Sounds

There are no more than three black people at a gun show, ever, at any given time, including security. There is a Gallup Poll somewhere that confirms my own beliefs.

This isn’t going to be about the NRA, war in the Middle East, gang violence, mass school shootings, or anything like that. What I have to say will be far more inane. You see, it’s not about ‘right wing’ or ‘left wing’ with me; truth be known I’m more chicken wing than anything else (lemon pepper, in case anyone was curious). However, having been born on the wrong side of capitalism means that I have a pre-existing condition; I’m deathly allergic to fuckery.

Society of Soul’s “Brainchild”

Yes, we love you too!

Society of Soul's "Brainchild" - A 90s Soul Gem Appreciated

April 14, 2019 in Music, Blog

It’s funny living in Atlanta today. In the popular music lexicon of the day, the city is most associated with Trap. Before that, however, by the late-1980s Atlanta had established itself as the new hub for Black music royalty. Perched at the top of that mountain sat the production team of Organized Noize.

Capture Better Pics & Video With Your Cell Phone At Concerts

Tips To Memorialize Better Moments

Capture Better Video With Your Cell Phone At Concerts

April 14, 2019 in Blog, Tutorial

I have news for you, cell phone cameras at concerts, and people taking random pictures on the dance floor at parties is distracting. Maybe no one’s ever mentioned it, but it just interrupts the flow of things. I can distinctly remember having to watch part of a concert on this dudes phone screen because he was right in front of me at a packed show, his phone right in my eyeline as I am trying to be in the moment. Sir, I'm in your phone, and I'm pissed.

I am glad I have been delivert from committing such an atrocity.

“In the Moonlight:”

A Stream of Consciousness

In The Moonlight: A Stream of Consciousness

April 06, 2019 in Blog, Art

This is a stream of consciousness ...

It’s late, and I’m up doing laundry for a business trip that I leave for tomorrow afternoon. There’s been a revolving thought since seeing Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight that I knew I’d need to get out at some point. I wasn’t sure when, but I guess it’s tonight.

This is a stream of consciousness ....

I often talk about the influence of the Black men who raised me. I was fortunate to have an attentive father in my house. I didn’t realize how important that was until my high school years began. Growing up queer, you study the intricacies and nuances of Black manhood attentively. You understand early that you’re different, and how to navigate that path accordingly.

Lemon Pepper Wings and a Prayer

The truth is I hate Lemon Pepper Wings, but I do like wings and I do like prayers. Which is just what I needed when I shot my first magazine cover.

Lemon Pepper Wings and a Prayer

September 20, 2018 in Blog

I got an email on July 9, 2018, and the subject was pretty interesting "photo shoot in ATL for HIV criminalization efforts for cover of TPAN?." I saw the email, but was so incredibly busy that Monday afternoon I didn't get to read it right away. Then, life got in the way, so I didn't actually read this email until July 11th. (Lesson, keep everything, even email reminders, on your task list. I haven't perfected this yet, but I am actively working on it.)