Guest Blogger: Krystale' Conley
Intended Audience: General Public
When I was a little girl, I grew up watching movies in what we call the classics today. In particular, the genres or themes I was exposed to were sci-fi, action, supernatural, science fiction and fantasy. There was also a time when I got really into comic books, vigilanties, and superheroes. Of course, there were certain things I could not watch simply because it was not age appropriate, but as I got older the opportunities presented itself to sit and watch a movie as a family, whether at home or at the movie theaters.
Having been surrounded by such great entertainment, I seriously thought I wanted to be an actress, particularly a character that represented some supernatural super hero power. Anytime, I would see a group of 4 or 5 heroes walking around or saving people on a movie, I noticed that they were all really cool white characters. Maybe they would have had that one black male character with super smooth dark skin that no man can really compete with, and his attraction was with a white woman. “Cool”, I thought. Diversity in the 80’s and 90s. Yet, it still seemed rather disturbing that I didn’t see black female characters as super hereos. I mean occasionally, I would see a black woman who was an alien, a monster, or just out right a belligerent woman who ran her mouth.
I couldn’t relate to any of that. Like any other kid who enjoyed entertaining themselves by dressing up and playing outside, I would put a sheet around my neck like it was a cloak, run around kicking in the air because I was Superwoman. Occasionally, I would find something to jump off of and test my flying skills.
Everything was good until someone asked me what I was doing and who did I think I was supposed to be. Of course, I was Superwoman in my little heart and my big brain, yet when someone told me I could not be something because of the color of my skin, my perspective changed. I had questions. Lots of them. I could not be Superwoman because she was white and I was black. So what was I suppose to be? I had no other choice, but to make up character who was still a super hereo, yet all the kids would say, “That’s not a real hereo, you’re stupid”.
Looking back on these moments, I realized that at even at a young age we accept the stories and conditions given to us. Because a lot of my favorite heroes were created in the 50’s and 60’s by white males who typically created characters that reflected their ideology, morals, values and perspective on life and people. The characters were an extension of themselves and their larger audience that had access to mainstream media and entertainment, which was typically your elite families and your white American families. I suppose if someone was bold enough to create black women superheroes as much as they did their counter-parts, maybe there wouldn’t be so much backlash with major companies like Disney when they want to change white characters to fit the more modern narrative of inclusion and diversity. There’s two sides to that narrative.
As I got older, I took a liking to reading books and researching. Fantasy novels, short stories and comics seemed to be home. The problem I was facing, however, was the lack of representation of black characters, authors, and creators in those genres in the mainstream industry. But why? So in two industries was there really a shortage or black authors, creators, producers, writers, directors, comic illustrators on the mainstream entertainment? If I as a black woman could appreciate work from a white artists, why was it so difficult for the rest of the world to get on board and accept work and talent from people who weren’t white.
I didn’t just want go to black entertainment and just accept a space where there was an abundance of comedy, street life, singing and be limited as to what I could accomplish as a visionary and individual. I did my best to take color out the picture because that’s how I was conditioned to believe. Character matters over things you can’t change. Sounds great right? Truth is, I could only go so far until the world told me what they thought of me.
Because I was so eager to solve problems that I kept facing, not necessarily at my own hand, I decided to find solutions. I decided to be a grain against the sand. I decided to be a wrench in the engine. I decided to go over and beyond. I decided to do it with a smile and with love. I envisioned a story that I could one day write. I envisioned a story that included my favorite movie themes, book themes and created characters that would best serve the story. I decided to write a story with a leading character who would be a black woman.
I had gone through a good part of my life asking where the black characters or black women were. It didn’t matter if it was disney movie or a DC comic. What are the chances that other young black girls are asking themselves the same questions I asked growing up and even now. Where are the girls and women that look like me? Where are you black authors, writers, illustrators, producers, directors and creators? The world needs us and I need you.
Krystale’ Conley is an author, visionary, and entrepreneur who enjoys creating with an imagination that is unconventional. Krystale’ graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Humans Services and Psychology. After graduating, she moved to Greenville, SC in 2017 for a fresh new start in life. Soon after, she met an amazing man, that is now her beloved husband, Vince. Over the past few years, she has added real estate rental business owner, internet marketer, and volunteer mentor for high-risk youth to her list of accomplishments.
You can connect with Krystale' or purchase her book by clicking the following link:
The Breakaway
Vol 1 by: Krystale' Conley
"An astounding supernatural story of Amelia Carrie Robinson, where she unknowingly experiences the duality between the spiritual and physical worlds. When human beings need help with their life purpose, spiritual forces attempt to reconnect with their corresponding physical selves on Earth to lend aid while remaining invisible. Amelia struggles through life, facing opposition and dark forces trying to lead her away from her true purpose and mission on Earth. From using her free will against her, to keeping her ineffective for The Kingdom, Amelia is beset on all sides. While her higher self leads spiritual forces in a risky attempt to come to her aid, Amelia needs more than just invisible aid--she needs a guide and protector to keep her united with The Kingdom and lead her safely through trials and tribulations. She'll need all the help she can get to take on a dangerous bonded mission... one she already agreed to do before she became human."
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