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10K80 March 13, 2020
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From prom to the psych ward: Meet bipolar blogger Hannah D. Blum

Imagine you’re 17-years-old, getting ready for prom season. You know that you have prom queen in the bag, but can’t even pull up to get your crown because you’re experiencing a mental breakdown.

Head up princess, because this was the real-life of Hannah Blum, a bipolar blogger and mental health advocate based in Los Angeles, California.

In 2019 she published her first book, The Truth About Broken: The Unfixed Version of Self Love, a book about more than just surviving with a mental illness. It’s a not so typical story by a not so typical person and in it, Hannah bears all of her struggles. 

 

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Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 20, Hannah was involuntarily admitted into a mental health hospital two years after graduating high school.

She went to her normal doctor for a check-up because she felt unwell mentally, where she was sedated and woke up in handcuffs as a ward of the state.

Cheers to gap years, what’d you do after graduation? 


She says her motivation is knowing that people face the same issues as her. Whether it be depression or heartbreak, she wanted to speak up for those struggling in life and let them know it was okay for them to speak up as well. 

On all of Hannah’s platforms she emphasizes how she went from prom queen to a mental patient in the blink of an eye, during her interview with Kulture Hub we asked her to tell us a little more about that:

“In high school, I was what you see in movies as your typical popular girl. I was the athlete that had it all together. I almost won the best smile in school and it was the most depressed I had ever been in my life. On the night of prom when I was nominated, I didn’t even make it because I had a breakdown.”

She uses her social platforms to spread her messages quicker and as a safe place for her audience to not be okay. 

bipolar mental health
@hannahdblum

As well as being an established author, Hannah also advocates for mental health through her blog, Halfway2Hannah. The blog has had some success and was awarded Top 10 bipolar blogs by Feedspot in 2019.

In her blog posts, she mentions a lot of topics around self-love, and when asked what those words meant to her she responded:

“Self-love is loving yourself, which is the hardest thing to do with a mental illness. I saw the damage done when self-love wasn’t present.”

In her blog, Hannah offers a range of content for her viewers, from resources for avid readers living with a mental illness to suicide prevention lines and fire blog posts about her own personal experiences. 

She speaks on how to live with a mental illness in her blog posts, If You Live With A Mental Illness These Resources Are For You. As well as inspiring others to voice their stories with her useful post, Tips for Starting and Creating Content for a Mental Health Blog.

Hannah is raw and gritty in the most elegant way. It’s beautiful how she allows herself to be exposed to the world. Quoted straight from her book, she wrote:

“It’s okay not to be okay. Know that you are not alone. Know that even in the dark, I can still see your light.”

 

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Such simple language that holds so much weight, Hannah is a force to be reckoned with in the field of mental health. 

When asked about her inspiration to write a book she revealed that she always wanted to and that when she started sharing her writing through social media she saw a need for the content she provides. 

At the end of her interview, Hannah offered a little advice towards creatives struggling with mental illness. She spoke about what she believes what might be holding them back:

“The only thing holding you back is the thought that your mental illness is holding you back. Put a little out there every day, don’t be afraid to dip your toes in the water.”

 

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In a time where mental health is quickly becoming more and more acknowledged and talked about, Hannah has sure dipped more than just her toes in the water.

Thus far, she has shared more than she ever needed to and helped more than she believed she ever could.

Hannah is living proof that mental illness is not a weakness, it is simply an imperfection. Make sure to stay in tune with her blog posts, everyone can use a little oomph every once in a while.

aaron hernandez February 13, 2020
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From trophies to set backs: Why an athlete’s mental stability is important

From Michael Jordan and LeBron James to Marshawn Lynch and Tom Brady, the world is in awe of most athletes. Still, there’s one thing we don’t take into consideration — an athlete’s mental stability.

When it comes to pro sports players in any league, they’re often perceived as superhumans due to their athletic abilities that allow them to play the sport they love at such a high level.

We watch these amazing athletes give their all to their respective sports from our couches, beds, classrooms, and sometimes even in person. Betting on what teams will win, lose, and make it to the finals is all part of the game.

But there’s more to sports. Athletes are people too and often deal with anxiety, depression, and mental illnesses. A week after the Aaron Hernandez documentary hit Netflix, footages were released of former NBA player Delonte West sitting in the street looking mentally distraught.

During the Aaron Hernandez documentary, viewers are informed that after his death doctors reported he suffered from the worst case of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) they’ve ever seen.

While that is no excuse for the crimes he committed, it brings to question why he was only diagnosed after his death. How can such a closely watched athlete’s medical health fall under the ropes so easily?

The system fails again with former NBA player Delonte West who suffers from bipolar disorder. It’s publicly documented that West has suffered from mental issues in the past, yet the NBA has done nothing to shed light on his situation.

The heartbreaking video of Delonte West reveals that even heroes need rescuing sometimes, especially at the hands of mental illness. This issue brings to question a majorly unaddressed topic in the world of professional athletes.

What does the league need to do to help a player suffering from a mental illness?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPqb8Ebwvq4&has_verified=1

Cavs star Kevin Love spoke out on his own mental health recently and said,

“Call it a stigma or call it fear or insecurity — you can call it a number of things — but what I was worried about wasn’t just my own inner struggles but how difficult it was to talk about them. I didn’t want people to perceive me as somehow less reliable as a teammate, and it all went back to the playbook I’d learned growing up.”

Athletes worldwide suffer from mental illnesses that remain untreated due to a lack of care by their respective organizations. Dozens of players suffering in silence due to the same “playbook” they had all learned.

The NFL and NBA are not the only associations that have failed their players. Numerous well known and established athletes from all sports suffer from mental illnesses that the world is unaware of.

One of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson suffered from depression.

U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps suffered from depression while earning our nation over two dozen metals. Phelps said,

“For the longest time, I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness because that’s kind of what society teaches us. That’s especially true from an athlete’s perspective. If we ask for help, then we’re not this big macho athlete that people can look up to.”

Phelps continued:

“Well, you know what? If someone wants to call me weak for asking for help, that’s their problem. Because I’m saving my own life.”

Former NFL wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who suffered from borderline personality disorder and depression throughout his playing career, has been one of the most outspoken figures on mental health in sports for years now.

Roughly, 46.4 percent of Americans suffer from mental illnesses, yet none of these diagnoses are shown when you Google any of these athletes.

There’s no recognition or support from their respective leagues. Must a player be dead for them to be rightfully diagnosed?

Athletes give their all to the game, pushing their entire being to the limit every day to meet the demands of their fans and coaches. Yet when it’s our turn to take care of them, we ignore it. We treat it as if acknowledging it makes them less of an athlete.

A rolled ankle? Have it taped up and get back in the game. A jammed finger? Have it taped and get back in the game. A mental health disorder? We can only wonder what the diagnosis is.

After the video of Delonte was posted, his former roommates and former NBA player Jameer Nelson took to social media to voice his concerns for his friend.

People have begun to reach out to the NBA as well as West’s former teammates to help the obviously unwell former player.

After Aaron’s suicide and Delonte’s obvious unstable nature it brings to question just how well the league takes care of there own. In both cases, treatment could’ve been easily attained. Still, treatment was quickly ignored.

How many more athletes must suffer in silence until they either choose death or are beaten in the middle of a highway before we give them the help they need? This issue affects not only professional athletes but athletes at all levels.

Depression is not a weakness. Being bipolar doesn’t make you crazy. As humans we were all born with imperfections, however, some simply stand out more than others.

Still, what are our options? Is there a possible solution? Yes, we can start to focus on the bigger picture. Brands like UNINTERRUPTED are proving that there are avenues and other ways for athletes to prosper.

They’re proving that our sports heroes can be #MoreThanAnAthlete.

black directors January 17, 2020
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Numa Perrier’s ‘Jezebel’ is a deep dive into sex work and womanhood

“The word jezebel is used to shame women and I wanted to take it back and use it to empower them. I had loved it my whole life but was never able to use it, so when I worked, that was the name I chose for myself, ”  said Numa Perrier the director, producer, and visionary behind the new Netflix film, Jezebel.

Meaning an impudent, shameless, or morally unrestrained woman, the word jezebel has taken on a new definition in Numa Perrier’s debut film. Set out to re-define this once derogatory word the film dives deep into Perrier’s personal experience as a sex worker. 

As sex trafficking increases nationwide at alarming rates, Numa could not have chosen a better time to release this movie. In this seductive, raunchy, bear-all drama, viewers are brought into the world of Tiffany, and her journey into the world of womanhood and family. 

Set in a small, Las Vegas, one-bedroom apartment with her elder sister Sabrina, her boyfriend David, and two other siblings, Tiffany is trying her best to take care of her dying mother in the hospital.

In search of more, 19-year-old Tiffany is introduced to the world of sex work through her sister, Sabrina who works as a phone sex operator.

Sabrina shows Tiffany an advertisement for a company looking for fetish cam girls and tells her all she has to do is “show a little skin.”

The main character’s name, Tiffany, comes from one of the two names Numa was given after she was adopted. Throughout the movie, viewers are taken through the personal development of Tiffany and experience her growth in confidence and self-esteem.

We follow her from the moment she walks into her interview with a training bra and granny panties to her wearing latex boots and lingerie at the end. 

There’s a feeling of tension and discomfort as Tiffany navigates this new world. One of the stand-out-scenes features Tiffany’s face during her interview where she had to undress for the eyes of her boss, Chuck.

The scene was so well constructed it’ll have you crossing your arms over your chest in discomfort too.  

The outline of Tiffany’s job was simple, she would be paid $15/hr and given an extra dollar per minute for private sessions. She was trained by the companies co-owner Vicky, Chuck’s sister who introduced her as ‘Jezebel’ to the companies audience.

Vicky taught her that the bulk of her money would come from her private sessions and to stride towards securing as many of those as possible. 

As the movie progressed we see noticeable growth in Tiffany and the development of her character as a woman. After discovering that one of her coworkers is getting paid the most due to a loyal customer paying for private sessions, Tiffany sets out to gain her own loyal follower.

“Bobby” is Tiffany’s choice in a minion and she tells him he isn’t allowed to have private sessions with anyone but her. Ballsy huh? 

Tensions rise during a slow night when Tiffany is called a “nigger” from one of the customers on the site. She storms out the group chat room and demands Chuck ban the man from the site where he simply tells her to “get a thicker skin” and sends her home for the day with her first check. 

Say what?

The drama continues as Jezebel quickly becomes the best worker with her exclusive client, Bobby. Yet as she gets closer to Bobby, Tiffany’s comfortableness within the relationship ultimately gets her fired from her job as a camera girl.

Still, in the end, viewers are able to see the significant change in Tiffany as she begins to fully embrace Jezebel.

Numa alway’s shares personal stories in her work, and she chose to share this piece of herself because it was “uniquely hers.”  When asked about the message she was trying to convey to women Numa responded,

“ I feel a lot of women will feel reflected and seen in this movie.”

We also had the chance to ask Jezebel star Tiffany Tenille how she felt playing the role based on Numa’s life. She responded,

“Playing Numa was a dream come true. Numa is a goddess. An artist who bears it all.”

 

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As for critics on the movie simply being about sex, Numa makes sure to correct those misconceptions…

“It’s really, ultimately a story between sisters taking care of each other.”

The drama explores women’s relationships with their bodies and completely shatters the misconception that women must suppress their sexual desires. 

The overhanging message shows that Perrier is coming up. The young director has already broken barriers with her coming of age drama. Thus far, the multidisciplinary artist has received Best Director and Best Narrative Feature awards at the American Black Film Festival.

Plus there’s nothing like an ARRAY cosign.

Not to mention her successful world premiere at SXSW 2019 and winning The Craig Brewer Emerging Filmmaker Award at the 2019 Indie Memphis Film Festival.

 

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During our interview, Numa said the most difficult part of making her film was the post-production. She was, after all on a tight budget and schedule. The independent feature, shot by a team of female African American producers and department heads, was completed in 10 days. 

“Post-production was definitely the hardest because it raises all your insecurities. You start to question is the film even gonna be any good, as well as constantly falling in and out of love with the movie.”

 

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COUNTDOWN!!! 10 DAYS until #jezebelmovie lands on @netflix! This film was made with the love and care of Black Women — look at our producers and star of the film. Just— wow. It’s not enough for me to say I couldn’t have done it without them. Last night we watched the Golden Globes while celebrating our movie. These women did not have to step up and give their whole beings to this story but they did. We didn’t think about odds being against us— no, we are larger than odds! Left to right we have WINTER @itswinterdunn – when I tell you she put out fires before fires started — she handled everything like a boss and she’s hilarious and kept me sane! Then we have VICTORIA @vhamiltonofficial I should call her doctor – she healed – she was the anchor of our set and the first to arrive with me to Las Vegas for our one day of prep there. TIFFANY. @tiffanytenille you’ll all come to know her breath taking performance soon and what a treat she is. and FRANCES @franisart I think she had about 5 different jobs she’s an artist and applies a beautiful sensitivity to everything she touches. We haven’t all been in the same room together for some months so last night was the perfect kick off. Here comes Jezebel…. January 16. @netflix @strongblacklead @arraynow

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For sure, Jezebel is a must-see flick. The woman hours and creativity put-in prove that telling your own story is the best way to connect with the masses. Before she parted Numa left us with a message to women looking to break into the industry.

“Be selfish. Tell your personal story. Do not be afraid. You don’t have any competition. No one has your story.”

Make sure you watch Numa Perrier’s new joint Jezebel on Netflix or at select theatres.

 

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92nd Oscars January 13, 2020
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Who’s not watching the Oscars? A celebration of the snubbed performers

Welcome to the Oscars, where the most diversity you’ll see is the declaration of nominees by John Cho and Issa Rae.

As we venture further into the new decade, we’ve hit one of America’s most anticipated, yet criticized award ceremonies. So, who’s pulling up to the 92nd Annual Academy Awards ceremony, home of the rich, and well, richer?

 

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Since the unveiling of the list of nominees early Monday morning, the Oscars has been the No. 1 trending topic on Twitter, with a bunch of hashtags to commend the dropping of the nominee lists such as #DontWatchOscarsSoWhite,  #OscarsSoWhite, #OscarsSoWhiteMale.

Following tradition, April Reigns #OscarsSoWhiteAndWithMoreMen continued due to upset over this year’s list of nominees for Best Director. Notice a pattern anywhere?

To the untrained eye, the list seems normal, until you realize that in 92 years only five women have been nominated for this award, and only one has ever won it.

The internet is booming with controversy over the selected nominees and the lack of recognition for others. One of the biggest arguments is in outrage over Greta Gerwig’s lack of nomination for Best Director for Little Women even though the movie was nominated for Best Picture.

Oscars so “what?” Predominantly male? Filled with majority white actors/actresses.  The Joker alone leads all films with 11 nominations at the Oscars. Guess Greta didn’t make the cut for the male, male, and (oh yeah) male categories.

The concerning absence of actors such as Eddie Murphy who had just been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Critics Choice Awards for his role in Dolemite Is My Name.

On day one, it was easy to see that this year’s Oscars easily identified as white and male, the judges have obviously taken a page out of our nation’s government hiring list.

The drops of diversity sprinkled into the other categories included Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit) and Barack and Michelle Obama’s American Factory. The one black actor nominated in Best Actor/Actress and Best Supporting Actor/Actress combined.

Surprise, surprise on the Obamas’ nomination because honestly, who could ignore our former president’s anything? So, it stands, as of today, the only female director to win the award for best Director is Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker in 2010.

In total, three women were nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay combined.

“Congratulations to those men,” said Issa Rae after announcing this year’s Best Director nominees. So how exactly did Greta Gerwig’s Little Women not make the cut, after snagging six nominations this year? The world will never know.

Another overlooked film was Lulu Wang’s The Farewell, that scored numerous nominations at the Golden Globes and led to an acting award for star Awkwafina.

As well as Hustlers‘ Jennifer Lopez’ absence from the Best Supporting Actress category though she won multiple awards on her performance in the movie had heads turning as well.

Lopez earned nominations from the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and Screen Actor Guild Awards for this role, making her a for sure nominee. If only she had the manliness needed to win an Oscar.

Everyone is remembering Adam Sandler’s threat to “make the worst movie ever” if Uncut Gems was snubbed from the Oscars. We now lay in wait to see if he’ll stick by his words.

As for Jennifer Lopez, Greta Gerwig, Eddy Murphy, and Lulu Wang, the internet is loud enough they don’t have to voice their displeasure.