With movies like Do the Right Thing, School Daze, and Crooklyn, Spike Lee boldly told the stories of people of color in a way that no one had before. The widely acclaimed director brought his talents to Netflix in 2017, and now, after an 18-month hiatus, the series adaption of his 1986 film She's Gotta Have It has returned to the streaming platform for a second season that did not disappoint.
The first season ended with the polyamorous, afrocentric, Brooklyn-born shero Nola Darling making peace with her chaotic romantic life and taking a step forward in her creative career. Season 2 picks up two years later, with Nola trying to find her balance in her newfound stardom while giving monogamy a shot with her former lover Opal.
Just like the first season, the latest installment of She's Gotta Have It is jam-packed with steamy sex scenes, and a whole troth of hot tea. If you haven't had time to binge the new season just yet, here's a no-spoiler roundup of everything you have to look forward to:
Season 2 Is An Ode To Spike Lee
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Along with a cameo from Rosie Perez (Do The Right Thing), there are a number of scenes that pay homage to the original king of Black filmmaking. In the first episode, you'll see Nola and Opal's daughter, Skylar, recreate a nostalgic scene from Crooklyn that will take you all the way back to 1994.
Nola Gives Monogomy A Try
Netflix
At the end of Season One, Nola is awakened from her sleep by a knock on the door. To her surprise, she's met by an old flame who will inspire her to give up her life of polyamory to be a one-woman woman. In the second season, we see Nola give both monogamy and parenting a try when she settles down with single mom Opal. But is Nola ready to give up her multi-lover lifestyle to be a kept woman?
The World Of Mars
Netflix
Mars is Nola's funny, free-spirited, Jordan-rocking lover who never seems to have a bad day. In season two, we learn that Mars is a more complicated being than we previously assumed. Faced with issues like homelessness, unemployment, and fatherhood, we see Mars in a new, more serious light that proves that he's more than just a funny bike mechanic with a fetish for Jordans.
Shamekka's Got A New Man…. And A New Hustle
Netflix
After Shamekka had a horrifying experience with her botched butt injections at the Hot-N-Trot last season, we get to see Nola's bestie heal both internally and externally. After giving up her dreams of being a big booty burlesque dancer, Shemekka has a new career and a new relationship, both of which take form in the second season.
Best friends Forever Or Nah?
Netflix
In 2017, we got a glimpse into some of Nola's loving yet dysfunctional relationships with her female friends, Shamekka and Clorinda. While Shamekka is healing from her unfortunate plastic surgery accident, Clorinda and Nola work to mend their fractured relationship. Season one revealed that Nola broke the number one rule of the Girl Code when she slept with Clorinda's boyfriend, Mars, and Season two reveals that there's a lot more to the story.
This season, we not only get to dive deeper into Nola's romantic relationships, but we get an in-depth look at how our female friendships can be the most heartbreaking relationships in our lives.
Nola Abroad
Netflix
Nola makes a historic escape from Brooklyn in Season 2, where she will travel to Martha's Vineyard for a black artist retreat as well as to the hometown of her homie Mars in Puerto Rico to help with relief after Hurricane Maria. Most of She's Gotta Have It is set in Brooklyn, but will Nola be able to rediscover her inspiration to create during her time away from Fort Greene?
Consequences & Repercussions
Netflix
Sleeping with and accepting money from a married man isn't an ideal situation to be in, but Nola ain't perfect, and she never claims to be. In the most recent episodes, Nola takes an introspective look at her choices and is finally forced to face the consequences.
It took me all of two days to watch the entire season, so what are you waiting for, sis?! Get to binging so we can discuss all the tea over a freshly rolled doobie and a cup of wine, Nola Darling-style. You can watch Nola and her castmates conquer the perils of adulthood and success in the second season of She's Gotta Have It, streaming now on Netflix.
Featured image by Netflix.
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Having a community of people who I can share memories with, lean on in times of need, and inspire each other is something I always valued. I took a moment to truly center in on what I desired from the new friends I would make. Then I realized it all would have to start with me. I had to be centered and confident in who I was to attract who I desired to be aligned with. As someone who moved to a new city and established quality friendships, I gathered these six tips that helped me feel grounded and create community in hopes that it will help you, too.
6 tips to start building community and making new friends in a new city:
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Be true to yourself
Do you know who you are? If someone asked you to describe yourself in three words, what words would you use? In order to develop deep friendships, you must be a friend to yourself first. Know what refuels you and what zaps your energy. Self-study your habits and why you do the things you do. All this will be important to keep in mind when looking to create bonds with others. Every day there’s all kinds of people telling you who you should be, how you should act, or what you should wear. At the end of the day, the only opinion about yourself that truly matters is your own. Spend some alone time with yourself indoors or out at an event you like to truly discover who you are in this season of your life.
Pray about it
Before you step out into the world and cross paths with all kinds of people, it’s important to pray about building your community. God outlines what true friendship looks like in numerous Bible verses such as "Iron sharpens iron." - Proverbs 27:17 and “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. If you desire friendships that last, pray about what you seek in friendship. I remember praying for mentally stable, happy, and whole women who moved through life with abundance mindsets. Take a moment to journal about the community you want to build and then pray on it.
Go to fun events to meet people who share your interests
Most metropolitan cities like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Atlanta are known to have strong young professional communities and events where you can connect with others. I highly encourage you to attend events in or near your community to see what the city is like and meet people. It’s likely that the people at the event have the same interests as you, which is a great way to start a conversation. You can start by searching for events on Eventbrite or following Instagram pages that highlight events happening in your city.
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Accept that you won’t be compatible with everyone you meet
While living in your new city, it’s likely you’ll meet a variety of people. Please know that everyone you meet will not bud into lasting friendships, and that’s okay! You are uniquely created and not made for everyone. Then you’ll meet people who are good for only surface-level connections, and then you’ll have your girls who you can get deep with. I think sometimes people can look down on surface-level friendships, but not everyone needs to fully know you. That’s a privilege to have and to accept within yourself. Continue to check in with yourself and be real about who you crave to spend more time with and who is nice to see for a monthly or quarterly catch-up.
Join Facebook groups & GroupMe chats
If you haven’t used Facebook in a couple of years, it’s time to dust your profile off. Facebook Groups is a great place to join online communities for people who just moved to a new city like you. Typically, you have to agree to the group’s guidelines, and then you can join. For example, you can search for groups in the Facebook app by using keywords like women, Black girl, or [the name of your city] foodies. With the GroupMe app, you’ll have to be invited to join an already existing group. While you’re out and about networking, don’t hesitate to ask if they’re in any online groups/communities they recommend you join too.
Be friendly to folks in your neighborhood
When I first moved to my new apartment, I spent the first week walking around the complex and working in the community spaces to get a better feel of it. I was able to meet people in my neighborhood, enjoy small talk, and learn more about what the community has to offer. Step outside of your comfort zone and work in your apartment’s community space or a local coffee shop to connect with others.
Overall, you may feel alone in your new city, but I guarantee you’re not. There are other people experiencing living in a new city too, and all you need to do is find each other. I hope these tips help ease the nervous feelings you have about building a new community and inspire you to make a new friend today!
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