What does Black History Month Mean to You?

     I lived in Australia for several years. My time there allowed me a taste of what it's like to not have a Black History month. To be perfectly honest, I forgot all about it.
In Australia, The Civil War, The Civil Rights Movement, and even Obama becoming the first Black President isn't "black history," it's all part of America's history. I look forward to the day when "Black History" is told and taught along with everyone else's history in America.

The presence of a "Black History Month" or any other  "Minority History Month" means that there is still an "us and them" type mentality in this country; so much so that minorities need their own history separate from the rest of America's History. 
This isn't as negative as it sounds, though. It also means that America as a nation agrees that minority contributions to America's history are important enough that  at least a month's recognition of them annually is necessary. 

That said, here's my final question for this year's Black History Month:

"What does Black History Month mean to you?"

Here is what some of them had to say:

Black History Month 2013: Role Models?

A cast of diverse characters allows for a diverse audience to have the opportunity to relate with any of those characters. Factors like the character's appearance and/or their situation or circumstances are among the most popular reasons someone would relate with a particular character.

This week's question is:

"What black toon do you most identify with?"

When I asked this weeks question, I couldn't help but think about how I'd answer. I struggled to settle on one. I have always been obsessed with the elements, so I've "identified" with most characters with elemental powers , regardless of their race. My lightning fetish would lead most to think that toons like Storm or Black Lightning would be an obvious choice, but in reality the toon I sincerely identify most with would be Foxy Love from Drawn Together. 
I can totally identify with how ghetto fabulous and slutty she can be! Haha!

Here's how some other black creatives answered the question...

Black History Month 2013: STEREOTYPES - The Good, The Bad, The Truth?

I once had a conversation with an Asian friend (who has a big dick) about stereotypes and asked him, "Which do you think is worse- being black and having a small penis or being Asian with a big dick?" 
The black man with a small penis will never live up to the expectations society has put on him and the Asian with a big dick will always have to prove it.

Regardless how false or exaggerated stereotypes may be, they exist for one reason or another. Some work in our favor, some do not.  I, myself, measure up to many of them and yet I'm still surprised when people are shocked that I don't really care for watermelon or fried chicken or that I can swim. 

This week's questions were:

What 3 stereotypes about blacks are actually true about you? 

and

What  stereotype about blacks is the most false about you?

Here is what some of the Erotic Arts black creatives had to say...

JezzLoads Q&A with LUCKY SANFORD

Valentine's day is approaching and this month's featured Creative is single. So, you'll excuse his Grindr-esque profile card. :P 
Seriously though, I learned of Lucky Sanford when we were both featured in Class Comic's Halloween special, Meaty #3. His work reveals a style that includes all of my favorite elements - cartoony, sexy, and colorful. 
Here's what I learned when I got to know him better...

JezzLoad Quickie: How does being black influence your art - or does it?

  

This year, as part of my blog celebration of Black History Month, I surveyed a variety of black creatives with an assortment of questions. I will be sharing what they had to say through out the month.

This week's question:

How does being black influence your art - or does it?

It's obvious that it influences my work, but not as heavily as you might think. 
When I made the commitment to become an erotic artist, I had a goal to showcase underdogs. I say underdogs because as a general category, I used the groups that tend to get dismissed more often on the online dating/hook up sites. You know - the groups covered in the "No Blacks, No Asians, No Fats, No Fems, and no one older than..." clause.

Here's how some other creatives answered today's question:

February 2013

Nothing says "I love you" like flowers and chocolate! 
Happy February, Everybody!

Here's this months Birthday Creatives:
Class Comics and DNA magazine's Leon De Leon will be 28 on the 7th
Writer, Justin Hall, turns 42 on Valentine's day (the 14th)
and blogger, Viktor Kerney aka Wonderman, will be 39 on the 16th

Ok. I have a got a MONTH of goodies in store for you! 

I interviewed some of the hottest talent among African-Americans in the erotic and/or geeky arts with questions about Black History Month. I will be posting their responses weekly in what I will be calling JezzLoad Quickies. 
I'll be sharing some experimental art pieces and fan art as well in celebration of the occasion.

I also have a Valentine's Day special in the works for you that you won't wanna miss.

AND - I have a JezzLoad interview with this month's spotlight creative, Lucky Sanford!

I'm packin a lot in a tight little...month. 
It's gonna be great and you're gonna love it.
Have a great February, Folks!
-Jezza