8 Reasons We're Hyped For 'Dear White People' Vol. 2
Last spring, everyone was glued to their respective tablets, TVs, and laptops watching the new Netflix series Dear White People. Based on the 2014 indie hit film of the same name, the show picked up where the movie left off and gave viewers everything they were hoping for and more.
The first season was such a runaway hit that a second season was quickly picked up. Now, after waiting for over a year, on May 4, it all comes to an end because the complete second season drops in all its highly-anticipated glory. If you're like us and can't wait to catch up with the gang at Winchester University, led by Sam, Reggie, Troy, Coco, Joelle and Lionel, you're in luck because the new season promises to be even better than the first.
To get you hyped up for the season premiere, we compiled a list of reasons why you should cancel your plans the weekend of May 4 and make Dear White People season two mandatory viewing. So, if you need to renew your Netflix membership or borrow someone else's password…you better hurry up!
Joelle + Reggie = Jeggie?
One of the most simmering, unrequited relationships on the first season of Dear White People was the "will they or won't they" dynamic between Joelle (Ashley Blaine Featherson) and Reggie (Marque Richardson). While Reggie was longing to be #CoupleGoals with Sam (Logan Browning), Joelle was secretly wishing to be his boo and he didn't even realize it. Since we have been promised with much more Joelle screen time this season, we are crossing our fingers that these two finally get together and become the couple to root for—especially after Reggie's season finale confession that he was totally over Sam.
Ashley Blaine Featherson Had 22 Survival Jobs Before Landing 'Dear White People'
Troy's Wokeness
Arguably, the character who had the most transformation throughout the course of season one of Dear White People was the Dean's son and super privileged and popular Troy. But as the season went on, he really began to shed that image. If you remember the gripping season finale, the last images are of Troy (Brandon P. Bell) facing the police with guns drawn and being arrested. Surely, this incident will set the stage for him to not only look at life totally differently, but perhaps push him to become more of a campus radical.
Sam, Sam, Sam
As the series' central character, Sam (Logan Browning) is in the middle of practically every storyline on the show—and she has also created her fair share of mess. From her messy love triangle with boyfriend Gabe and friend Reggie, to her tangling with BFF Coco and being totally self-centered to others, Sam has a lot of growing to do. However, her heart is generally in the right place, but it will be interesting to see how she handles all of the drama that is no doubt coming her way this season.
Actress Logan Browning Gets Real On Privilege, Stereotypes & Navigating Her Darkest Moments
Lena Waithe's On Campus
It was recently revealed that the amazing Lena Waithe will be appearing this season as a fictional character that sounds too good to be true. She will have a recurring role as P. Ninny, an MC who stars on an outrageous Love and Hip Hop-esque reality show called Trap-House Tricks. We can't wait!
Alt-Right Call-Out
While much of season two has been kept tightly under wraps, there are a few details that have been made available, such as the show's discussion of the alt-right movement. When season one was filming, Trump has just been elected, so that means that there is a lot to discuss in terms of white supremacy and the alt-right movement that has unfortunately dominated the country since #45's been in office. In true Dear White People fashion, expect the critique to be biting and enlightening with a dash of humor.
Lionel's Rise
While everyone was looking elsewhere, Lionel (DeRon Horton) quickly became the MVP at Winchester. He exposed and broke major stories on campus, kept some of the biggest secrets of the major characters, and went from a shy nerd to the guy you want on your team when stuff goes down. He's in a prime position to become one of the most popular students on campus, but will he see it through? Also, what about his lingering crush on Troy?
Coco Finds Coco
Caught between embracing her blackness and fitting in with the white students on campus, Coco (Antoinette Robertson) was a ball of confusion in season one as she tried to find where she truly belonged and who she really wanted to be. At the end of the season, one of the first signs that we will see a new Coco in season two, is that she finally shed her wig and wore her natural hair loud and proud. This could set the stage for her abandoning much of the superficial rhetoric she spewed last season and make her a notable voice on campus.
Pop Culture References & Parodies
Dear White People did a lot of things right in its freshman season, and one of the best were the use of references from pop culture and their accompanying parodies. The most popular of course, was the fictional show Defamation, which was a parody of the recently ended ABC hit series Scandal. There was also the spoof of the OWN network hit Iyanla, Fix My Life called Dereca: Set Me Straight. Both of these were brilliantly funny, so what's in store for season two? Well based on the teaser trailer, look for pop culture references on salty vs. sugar grits, the Sunken Place, cultural appropriation, and fake news. Oh boy, it's gonna be quite a season!
What are you most excited about for season two of DWP?
If you haven't already, watch the teaser below.
Danielle Jennings is an Atlanta-based Style Writer/Editor, Tastemaker, Girl About Town, Fashion & Music Obsessed Long-Lost Huxtable Kid who is coming for everything they told her she couldn't have...one article at a time. Twitter: @daniellej416 IG: @prettyaries16
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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If you’re like many other people who are prioritizing wellness these days, then attending a wellness retreat might be something to consider. Wellness retreats are a cool way to get the relaxation you’ve been missing in a space with like-minded people who share a common goal. I descended upon my first wellness retreat, the Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat, a couple of weeks ago at the Zoëtry Agua Punta Cana Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Zoëtry Agua is part of the Inclusive Collection for the World of Hyatt. It is nestled on a secluded part of Uvero Alto beach, which has crystal blue waters. The resort itself is picturesque, with its thatched roofs and lazy rivers that make you feel like you’re in a cute little village.
Mindy, Body, + Sol Retreat was hosted by Koya Webb, holistic health and wellness coach and yoga instructor, and it also featured other wellness practitioners who combined provided the ultimate gift of relaxation and getting back to oneself.
The first night was a Welcome Dinner that featured a five-course meal and an opportunity to meet our companions for the next three days. The food was impeccable and the only downside was that I wasn’t able to finish it all. The next day, however, was the official start of the classes, and I was ready to dive in.
Aura and Chakra Reading
Aura and chakra reading
Photo courtesy
My first class was an aura and chakra reading led by Laura McCann and James Levinson, an Asheville, NC couple. I’ve had chakra readings before, but never like this. There was a computer, a camera, and a scanner, which I placed my hand on for the reading. After two minutes, I received a 15-page report explaining my aura and chakra reading.
It breaks down what the colors of your aura are and what your chakras say. My main colors were green and yellow, which were defined by a variety of things. The top of my aura was green, meaning I have a social mental state and I’m a natural healer. My aura on my left side was yellow meaning my energy flowing is optimistic and light and so on.
After James discussed the findings with me, I then met with Laura, who gave me aromatherapy oils from their ADORAtherapy line that represented each chakra. She further explained the results of my chakra reading and shared how each oil can assist. Chakras are the energy centers in our body, and there is a total of seven: root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. All of my chakras were high except for my heart chakra, which I have since been working on. I may follow up about that in another article.
Sound Bath
Sound bath class
Photo courtesy
Next was the sound bath class. It was located in the spa, which was indoor/ outdoor and the perfect setting for this kind of experience. Andrew Francis and Carrie Bailey of Zenden Meditation were the co-pilots in transporting attendees into a place of tranquility. I laid down, closed my eyes, and allowed the sounds around me to bring me into a relaxing state. From the singing bowls to the wind chimes, I was in heaven. I even fell asleep and got some of the best rest I’ve had in a while. It was a beautiful experience. However, remember when I noted it was an indoor/ outdoor venue? I forgot to put on bug spray and woke up pretty itchy. But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the moment.
Tea Party
Art of Tea Ritual Tea Party
Photo courtesy
The last event of the day was the Art of Tea Ritual located in the resort’s tea garden. It was everything you could want in a tea party. Delectable treats such as cookies, cakes, and white chocolate-covered strawberries, which are my fave. And, of course, tea. While I got to sip tea, I also got to make my own tea blend. There were many different teas to choose from, like hibiscus to your regular black tea. I decided to mix rose and mint and I called it RoseMint. I didn’t get to try my tea blend until I got home, and I’ll be honest, it’s probably the best tea I ever had. The tea herbs taste so fresh, and I love how fragrant it smells.
Breathwork
Breathwork Class
Photo Courtesy
The next morning was all about breathwork. If you exercise regularly, then you probably know the importance of breathing. But there’s more to it besides remembering to breathe during your workout. Margaret Townsend is a breathwork facilitator who helps people achieve wellness by consciously changing their breathing patterns. In her class, I learned to change my breathing pattern for energy as well as for relaxation. While I know that breathing is a relaxation tool, I was blown away to learn that it can also energize you. Because it was a different breathing pattern, I was also able to stay present and keep a steady pace.
Yoga
Koya Webb's yoga class
Photo courtesy
The final class of the retreat was evening yoga with Koya Webb, who, as I mentioned earlier, was the host. Her class was held beside the beautiful Uvero Alto beach, which made for a stunning backdrop and the perfect way to end the retreat. It was important for me to get back into my body after not doing yoga for a few weeks, so I was really focused on nailing the moves. However, Koya kept the energy light and fun, evening cracking a few jokes throughout, which made it easy for me to relax and enjoy the moment. She ended the class with a dance break and hugs from our classmates.
The Mind, Body, + Sol Retreat reminded me how important it is to take time to love on myself. Each class was an opportunity to be present and get reacquainted with oneself in the most loving way. Being surrounded by individuals who encouraged my journey was what I needed, and I am so honored to have had this experience.
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