What The Reclaim read, watched and listened to in 2019

We don’t know about y’all, but here at The Reclaim we are mind-boggled that the year is winding down! 2019 has been pretty incredible for us, from our launch event to being featured in The Washingtonian.

Years are also memorable in the moments we share with one another and the content we consume. Both of us love being tapped into what’s going on culturally and from journalism to fashion, this year was one to remember! It’s so hard to narrow down all the incredible things we read, watched and listened to this year, but here are some of our faves.

Lizzo, Cuz I Love You (Chanda)

I think this goes without saying, but Lizzo has been on fire this year. She is a champion for self love, care, and respect while being unapologetically herself. She breaks down barriers, redefines who can be sexy or a cover girl, plus who doesn't love someone who can twerk while playing the flute? I had this album on repeat this year to give me the girl power boost I needed and to remind myself that you can just be you, and that's enough. 

The Limit Does Not Exist (Ellen)

This is, hands down, my absolute favorite podcast of all time. TLDNE refers to how you don’t have to choose just ONE THING but can have many passions in life. Many of the guests work and create at the intersection of STEM and the arts. I’ve been listening since it originally came out and this past year gave me a chance to catch up since they have been on hiatus. I could not be more excited that there will be new episodes in 2020!

Schitt's Creek (Chanda)

I definitely came late to the game on this show, but wow, I'm glad I showed up. From a seemingly superficial premise, an ultra rich family having to move to a small town after losing their fortune, comes the most touching story about growing as a family and learning about who you are without the pressures of what everyone around you thinks you should be. I've laughed hysterically and watched these characters become incredible versions of themselves. It helps me remember that at the end of the day, love, family, and friends matter more than whatever's in your bank account. The last season comes out in 2020 and I'm already lost without it. 

The Poet X (Ellen)

The Poet X (and Elizabeth Acevedo) had a huge year in 2019 with a lot of accolades, but she made it on to my to-read list because I asked a friend (shout out Sandra Godina!) for recommendations of books written by women of color and she highly recommended this one (and others). One of my 2019 goals was to read more from people who don’t look like me and who have different lived experiences than myself, so I intentionally sought out recommendations to make it on my to-read list for the year. The Poet X is powerful, memorable, and I couldn’t put it down - you won’t be able to either!

1619 Project (Chanda)

This series is journalism at its finest. Tracing back the roots of slavery in this country to the year 1619, it tells the story around slavery we definately didn't get in high school. As a black person, I've always had a checkered relationship with the US, and through this multimedia piece, I feel like I have been seen and fully represented for the first time in my life. I learned, I sobbed, I was angry, but at the end I felt at peace, because finally a narrative about america surrounding my community whose been here since the beginning was at the forefront. Also, Nikole Hannah-Jones is a boss. 

Exit West (Ellen)

I just finished this haunting, lyrical book. While it delves a bit into magical realism (or just magic? I’m not up to date on my literary jargon), it isn’t immediate, and I was already so immersed in the story that I almost didn’t even notice it; I had thought that the story was based in a current world situation and was trying to figure out where it was set. Sad but also hopeful, it’s very timely to the world we live in today.

Knock the House Down (Chanda)

I think no matter what side of the aisle you're on, I think we can all agree that politics should fully reflect all communities, especially with all that's happening currently in government. This documentary gives an incredible behind the scenes look into what it takes to run a campaign, especially as a woman who is going against the status quo. From a mother fighting for healthcare reform after losing a child, to a daughter of a coal miner championing for workers rights, it shows a candid and inspiring look into taking a chance to improve the country. Be prepared with some tissues, but you'll leave feeling inspired and ready to start 2020 off strong.

Homegoing (Ellen)

If you only read one book in 2020, this one should be it. Homegoing has been on my to-read list for several years and it was absolutely worth the wait. Beautiful prose, and a story that stretches over decades without feeling manufactured. It’s one that I keep reflecting back on. When you read a lot, sometimes books can blur together, but this one sticks out in my mind and I know I’ll return to it in the future.

Savage x Fenty Show (Chanda)

If you were ever to watch a fashion special, this should be the one. While there's no surprise that I love Rihanna, I think her work around this show has been revolutionary. Beyond just a visually stunning performance, she breaks down the norms that we expect to see in a fashion show. Inclusivity? Check. Intersectionality? Check. Helping women reclaim beauty standards? Check. The documentary shows how much intentionality she has behind all of her work, and it shows as a viewer.

The Ann Friedman Weekly (Ellen)

Listicle newsletters and articles that are a series of links are all the rage right now, but no one does it better than Ann Friedman. It’s evident the care and time she invests in selecting a variety of short and long-form journalism pieces to go into her newsletter. I always find something to learn more about or begin learning about. While I don’t read every article (that would be a big time investment!) it has definitely broadened the scope of my reading. Also - do yourself a favor and pay the $5 a year to get the hand-drawn pie charts every week. It’s 100% worth it!

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What did you read/ watch/ listen to in 2019? What’s on your 2020 list?