Black Nerds Create

@blacknerdscreate.com

4434 Followers 444 Following

A collective that provides content through a lens of critical and creative fandom. 🔗 https://blacknerdscreate.com 🔗 https://patreon.com/BlackNerdsCreate

We appreciate y’all! Love, Bayana, Robyn, Porshèa, DJ, and Niq
Our website & YouTube will stay up as an archive, including Fandom Forward’s fan activist toolkits for y’all to access as a resource. www.blacknerdscreate.com
The Instagram Account will be repurposed by Porshèa to cover books & other media.
DJ will be taking over and rebranding BNC’s Twitch and BlueSky! If you’re following us there, make sure to stick around (and follow if you aren’t) Follow DJ for updates @talespinningDJ
The TARBIS will now be steered by Niq and Black Tardis! Listen, support, and follow: @niq.fury @black.tardis
A new season of Wizard Team is coming soon! Listen on your favorite app Follow @wizardteampod on IG & Tumblr Support on Patreon (repurposed from BNC)
Just because BNC is ending doesn’t mean our team will stop creating. Many of us will be resting & taking stock, but a few of us have projects and ideas in the works outside of the BNC umbrella...
However, due to changing priorities, responsibilities, and a bit of burnout, we’ve decided that it’s time for the BNC journey to end. This is a huge decision that we don’t take lightly—we’ve all built lasting friendships, created things that we’re really proud of, and we’ve done that in part because of you. We’ve appreciated all the support, engagement, partnerships, opportunities, and community over the last decade.
Black Nerds Create started out as two cousins who just wanted to nerd out together and blossomed into a community of nerdy, creative folks who have connected over multiple fandoms, projects, and more. So much has happened in the last ten years, and we’re so grateful for all we’ve been able to do and the connections and community we’ve been able to build.
A decorative announcement that reads: Some News from Black Nerds Create
Screenshot of the ESPN bracket challenge standing for the Black Nerds Create Women’s tournament group
A photo with the book covers for Legendborn, Bloodmarked, and Oathbound overlapping
Dark purple background with white text that says #BlackMagicalHistory. Golden title text that reads Thank You for the Magic followed by a black moon with stars and text that reads Let’s keep the magic going year round!
Photo of Missy Elliott in a gold frame with the phases of the moon on a dark purple background. Rapper, singer, producer, dancer, visionary, your favorite rap girlie’s favorite rap girlie. We couldn’t leave this month without showing love to the one, the only Missy Misdemeanor Elliot!
Watercolor portrait of James Baldwin by Morgan Overstreet on a dark purple background surrounded by golden moons and stars. The text reads "Writer and civil rights activist, James Baldwin, used the power of his words to highlight the intricacies and beauty of the Black American experience through his novels, essays, plays, and commentary. He is widely considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and his work endures and shines to this day."
Photo of the National Portrait Gallery portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama, with a photo of the artist Amy Sherald on a dark purple background with golden celestial decor. Text reads “Amy Sherald uses portraiture to document the contemporary African American experience in the United States. Her work is shown in some of the country's biggest galleries and museums, and her portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama has held a prominent place in the National Portrait Gallery since 2018.”
Photo of actor-musician Ethel Waters on a dark purple background with golden celestial decor. Text reads “Ethel Waters was a popular singer and a groundbreaking actress who succeeded on Broadway, in films, and on television. Waters was the second Black American woman nominated for an Academy Award, the first to star in her television show and the first to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.”
Photo of basketball player Napheesa Collier holding a turquoise and white basketball in a golden frame with stars and moons on a dark purple background. Text reads "Basketball superstar Napheesa Collier is a gold medalist, All-Star, and NCAA Champion. Phee is a leader on and off the court, serving as Vice President of the WNBA's Player Association and co-founder of the new professional women's league Unrivaled, which allows women to continue to play in the US during WNBA off-season while earning a significant salary."
Black and white photo of author Alex Haley on a dark purple background surrounded by golden rays and stars. The text reads "When you think of Roots, you think of Alex Haley, but the writer is also known for The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Though not without controversy, Haley’s work was instrumental in bringing Black American history into popular culture. "
Photo of author Celestine Martin on a dark purple background in a gold frame surrounded by stars and planets. Text reads: Author of romance in cozy fantasy settings, we love Celestine Martin’s Elemental Love series, which just wrapped up last year!
Photo of Thomas Dorsey on a dark purple background with a golden celestial frame. Text reads "Thomas Dorsey was a composer and musician who left behind his success as a blues pianist and leader of Ma Rainey's band to devote his music to his Christian evangelism becoming a leading figure in gospel music's creation. In 1932, Dorsey founded the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses which remains active today."
White text on a dark purple background with a picture of Dr. Joy Buolamwini in a frame of golden shooting stars. Text reads "Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, Joy Buolamwini, challenges bias in software and brings awareness to artificial intelligence's social implications and harms. Buolamwini has studied and researched at Georgia Institute of Technology, Oxford College, and MIT. Her work has led to significant changes in technology and policy, she even advised President Biden on his executive order on AI."
An image of Mr. Popo from Dragon Ball, a character drawn with black skin, big red lips, and round wide eyes. The text reads: - The character is supposed to be a Djinn - The character is also in blackface - Mr. Popo proves “non-Black” characters can, in fact, be anti-Black
A graphic with images of the listed characters: Max, Goofy, Powerline, the four Ninja Turtles, Barney, Baby Bop, BJ, Riff, and a collage the leading Lions from Lion King 1 and 2
A graphic with images of the listed characters: Kurama, Sawyer, Sandy, Arthur, and Francine
A graphic with images of the listed characters: Elmo, Piccolo, and Marvin the Martian
Photo of dancer and choreographer Alvin Ailey on a stool in front of three Black ballet dancers on a dark purple background with a gold frame of moons and stars. Text reads "Dancer and choreographer who founded the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Ailey School are essential American arts institutions. Ailey’s modern dance Revelations is his best-known work, produced when Ailey was only 29 years old, has been performed at the White House and as a part of the 1968 Olympics Opening Ceremonies."
Photo of actor Laverne Cox in a golden starburst frame. The text reads "Actor and advocate, Laverne Cox became the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy in an acting category for her role in Orange is the New Black. She is currently starring in Clean Slate on Amazon Prime. Also known for her activism, Cox was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from The New School for her work on gender equality."
Photo of Dr Debi Thomas on a dark purple background with golden moons. Text reads “Two-time national champion, 1986 World Champion, and Olympic bronze medalist, Dr. Debi Thomas is not only the most famous Black American figure skater, she also graduated from medical school in 1997. In 2023, she competed in the World Figure and Fancy Skating Championships at the age of 56.”
Photograph of playwright August Wilson in front of a wall of printed pages on a dark purple background with golden stars. Text reads “August Wilson is a Pulitzer-prize and Tony Award winning playwright best known for his series of ten plays known as The Pittsburgh Cycle which showcased Black American life in the 20th Century in all its complexity. When Wilson passed away in 2005, the Virginia Theater was renamed the August Wilson Theater making it the first Broadway Theater to be named after a Black American.”
Writer and Distinguised Professor of English at USC, Percival Everett is a prolific writer who can often be found on the finalist lists of the most prestigious literary awards. He writes across genres, authoring poetry, children’s literature, and genre fiction to name a few. His latest work James, won the National Book Award and cemented his place as a literary icon.
Peggy Jones The Queen Mother of Guitar, Peggy Jones became the archetype of rock n roll’s female lead guitarist. Peggy Jones was a member of Bo Diddley’s band where she also earned the nickname “Lady Bo”. Peggy was married to Diddley’s bass player from 1968 until her death in 2015. Proving that a successful career and relationship in the music industry is possible.
Photo of Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein on a purple celestialChanda Prescod-Weinstein is a theoretical physicist and Black feminist who reminds us that Black people, like all people, are made of star stuff and intricately connected to the universe we’re a part of. Only the 54th Black American woman* to earn a Ph.D in physics, Dr. Prescod-Weinsten works to ensure that more underrepresented groups have the opportunity to participate in the study of the universe through physics." background with the text "
Portrait of artist HIlda Wilkinson Brown and her 1933 painting "Young man studying". Text reads "Her earliest work can be found in The Crisis magazine and The Brownies’ Book published by WEB DuBois. Artist and teacher, Hilda was born and lived in Washington DC, Hilda’s art portrayed the LeDroit Park community and people. Her work can be found in the nation’s most renowned museums from the Smithsonian to the Art Institute of Chicago."
Photo of actor and producer Issa Rae on a purple background. Text reads "Issa Rae first found success on YouTube with Awkward Black Girl and hasn’t stopped producing hit after hit. Her work reminds us that though Black people share similarities, our magic is in our diversity, and that it is more than fine to loudly and proudly proclaim to be rooting for everybody Black."
Picture of tennis pro, Naomi Osaka in a white face mask that has Emmett Till's name on it. Text reads "Naomi Osaka has won seven tennis singles titles, including 4 major titles, and was the first Asian player to be ranked 1 in the world. Beyond the tennis court though Osaka has been outspoken in advocating for mental health and against racial violence. Named Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year and included in the Times 100 Most Influential People in 2020, Osaka stands out on and off the court."
Photo of poet Nikki Gionanni in a golden sunflower frame. The text reads "A world-renowned poet and pillar of the Black Arts Movement, Nikki Giovanni authored more than 30 books and reflected the beauty and complexities of Black queer womanhood. Also a distinguished professor Giovanni mentored and encouraged future generations of Black literary talent."
Photo of author Tracy Deonn on a purple background with stars and moons. The text reads "Tracy Deonn, author of the Legendborn Cycle, this fantasy series is beloved for its Black girl magic, ancestral power, and exploration of the realities of being a “first.” Inflicting pain on her readers fuels Tracy’s literary brilliance and brings her as much joy as it brings her readers emotional damage."
Photo of rapper Kendrick Lamar holding 5 Grammy awards in a golden half-moon frame on a dark purple background. The text reads: "A Pulitzer prize-winning master of words and maestro of hate, we’re ready for Kendrick Lamar to Squabble Up this weekend at the Super Bowl!"
A photo of professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in a golden star frame on a dark purple background. The text reads "Henry Louis Gates, Jr is a professor and filmmaker whose work mostly focuses on the Black American experience. While Gates is most well known for combining genealogy and genetic DNA research in Finding Your Roots on PBS, he has published numerous books and produced several documentary programs that have chronicled the Black Church, Gospel music, and The Great Migration."
A picture of costume designer Ruth E. Carter holding an Academy Award in a gold celestial frame on a purple background. The text reads: "Ruth E. Carter is the only Black woman to win two Academy Awards for Best Costume Design for both Black Panther films. She has done masterful work throughout her 30+ year career, with projects spanning genres and including many Black classics like Do The Right Thing and Love and Basketball."
Photo of actor Cree Summers in a celestial frame of golden stars on a purple background. The text reads "The voice of our childhoods has been in the game since before some of us were even alive. Before she was Freddie Brooks in A Different World, Cree was voicing the symbol of Black excellence, Susie Carmichael in Rugrats."
In a starry frame on a purple background there is a black and white picture of Wilma Rudolph in a white tracksuit holding up two gold medals with a third gold medal around her neck. The text reads "For day 3 of #BlackMagicalHistory month, we want to uplift Wilma Rudolph. Overcoming childhood polio, Wilma Rudolph became the first American woman to win 3 gold medals in track & field during a single Olympic Games, paving the way for many of our current track faves."
Photo of author Octavia E. Butler surrounded by planets and stars on a purple background. The text reads "A master of throwing the reader into the story and letting them make meaning alongside the characters on the page. Butler wrote poignant and (unfortunately) prescient stories, and reminds us that if you want to be a writer you have to “Write whether you feel like writing or not.”
Photo of author B.B. Alston, a black man in a blue shirt with a newboy cap with a purple background and text that reads "The writer who brought us Amari and the whole Supernatural Investigations crew. B.B. Alston reminds us that magic doesn’t need to happen in far away castles. There’s Black magical kids in Atlanta!
Decorative graphic promoting a Writing Critique Group on Saturday March 1st at 12:00pm PT/3:00pm ET.
A promotional graphic for the Who’s That Black* Character? Game night. It includes an outline of a certain Dragon Ball Z Character in a Polaroid frame over a purple faded background. The text reads “A Black Nerds Create Twitch event exploring those characters we weren’t given but claimed.” The event is Wednesday, February 12th, at 6pm PT/9pm ET.
A promotional image for the The Amen Corner Discord Discussion on February 27th. An image of Baldwin in a round frame surrounded by a moon and a photo of the cover of the book over a purple faded background.