Aiesha Turman
filmmaker + educator + writer + super hero
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Bio
Educator. Writer. Filmmaker. Advocate. Artist. Parent.
Aiesha is a lot of things, but what holds them all together is her passion for stories and histories, particularly those of women from marginalized backgrounds.
The granddaughter of a master storyteller, who wove South Carolina low country folktales with scenes from his real life growing up in the pre-Depression era south, Aiesha’s love of true-life tales has led her to work with and learn from institutions such as: The Museum for African Art, The New-York Historical Society, the Queens Library Gallery, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage: A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.
She's also taught English at CUNY New York City College of Technology and Writing, Gender and Cultural Studies at SUNY Empire State College.
Aiesha has combined her practical knowledge with her interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degrees in order to help create and interpret programming which speaks to creating knowledge and presenting memory to and with youth.
Aiesha is also the owner of Super Hussy Media, a niche production company that uses a variety of media (film, print, internet) as tools for investigation into the lives of one of the most marginalized groups in America. Aiesha uses the tools to engage in frank dialogue surrounding the intersectionality of race, class, gender, spirituality and sexual orientation and the roles they play in the lives of Black communities, particularly, but not limited to Black women and girls and whose stories continue to be pushed to the margins in lieu of narratives considered more mainstream.
Her first film, The Black Girl Project, was completed in August 2010. The educational outreach for the film has spawned a non-profit organization which seeks to help empower girls take to take control of their lives and become the architects of their own destiny.
As an emerging filmmaker, Aiesha seeks to make films that explore the diversity of Black life. While particularly interested in the lives of women, Aiesha’s work will illuminate the lives of those who are often discouraged from being seen and heard.
Traditional media continues to have a problem with realistic, multi-faceted portrayals of Black women and girls, and for that matter, all females of color. It is our hope that the film adds to the discussions about Black women and girls across the country and that it will contribute to a paradigm shift in how they are seen by others and how they see themselves.
Check out this interview, conducted by Society HAE, of Aiesha just before the premier screening:
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On Teaching
“I entered the classroom with the conviction that it was crucial for me and every other student to be an active participant, not a passive consumer…[a conception of] education as the practice of freedom…. education that connects the will to know with the will to become. Learning is a place where paradise can be created. +bell hooks, Teaching to Transgress, NY: Routledge, 1994.”
I teach because I have been called to do so and as an educator, I follow this model set out by bell hooks. I do not enter the classroom as the “knower of all things”. It is my job to guide students to their own higher understanding and to assist them to critique information, whether it comes from a book, film, or their lived experiences, in a way that transforms their understanding.
I work with students to help them understand that their backgrounds, who they are, and where they come from are vital to knowledge construction. While most of them have been taught that they are not central to their education, I dismantle that by working with them and showing them that who they are is central to their understanding, dissecting, and ultimately remixing what they have learned.
Teaching both in the classroom and in informal community settings allows me to use my interdisciplinary degrees, as well as my formal training as a museum educator, to challenge conventional notions of race, representation, place and creativity.
This helps students to become independent thinkers; critical thinkers who can then go on to question the words, actions, and mindsets of those who create cultures and institutions where disenfranchisement and marginalization are par for the course.
My effectiveness has been illustrated based not only on traditional evaluative methods by both students and colleagues, but also by the connections forged with my students and the work they go on to do academically and within their communities.
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Posts
Solitude is the soil in which genius is planted, creativity grows, and legends bloom; faith in oneself is the rain that cultivates a hero to endure the storm, and bare the genesis of a new world, a new forest.
Mike Norton, White Mountain (via monamade)Wouldn’t it be powerful if you fell in love with yourself so deeply that you would do just about anything if you knew it would make you happy? This is precisely how much life loves you and wants you to nurture yourself. The deeper you love yourself, the more the universe will affirm your worth. Then you can enjoy a lifelong love affair that brings you the richest fulfillment from inside out.
Alan Cohen (via we-are-meant-to-thrive)Cher said some very unflattering and nasty things about Governor Romney, and I think it was inappropriate, what she said, frankly. […] I’ve watched her over the years, I knew her a little bit, and, you know, she reminds me of Rosie [O’Donnell] with slightly more talent. Not much more talent, but slightly more talent.
Yeah, I mean she has only been active in the music industry since 1963, produces records and films, and is a fashion designer. Who has also won many awards for that non-talent.
That is totally no comparison to the master of bankruptcy, bad hair, objectification of women and reality TV that spends his life doing anything he possibly can to get on the news.
You know what, I don’t even like her music, but fuck Donald Trump. Cher is a beautiful, strong, intelligent, and undoubtedly talented woman.
(via tinfoilandtea)
I fucking LOVE Cher’s music and Trump can suck it so hard.
-Jess
(via stfuconservatives)
Next: Trumpy’s thoughts on Neil deGrasse Tyson.
(via annlarimer)
I’ve despised Donald Trump since I was a child growing up in Brooklyn. If not for “reality TV,” he’d still be a regional inside joke.
(via seanpadilla)And his “buildings” are ugly as shit.
To diffuse self-prejudice, women must take control of and have pride in the sensuality of their own bodies and create a sensuality in their own terms, without referring to the concepts degenerated by culture… to touch, to smile, to feel, to flirt, to state, to insist on the feelings of the flesh, its inspiration, its advice, its warning, its mystery, its necessity for the survival and regeneration of the universe.
Hannah Wilke, from Visual Prejudice (via fernsandmoss)http://www.edgeonthenet.com/?132917
Gay Minn. Teen Commits Suicide After Relentless Bullying
Jay ’Corey’ JonesA Minnesota teenager allegedly took his own life after being bullied for being gay, the ABC news…
This makes me so sad for this baby and those who loved him. It also makes me sad for the students who taunted and teased him for so long. I hope something, anything, good can come from this. Kudos to dad for doing what a good parent does—loves their child unconditionally.
Most importantly, if you can at all avoid it, don’t be normal. Strive, burn and do everything you can to avoid being the industry standard. Even the highest industry standard. Be greater than anything anyone else has ever dreamed of you. Don’t settle for pats on the back, salary increases, a nod-and-a-smile. Instead, rage against the tepidness of the mundane with every fiber of whatever makes you, you. Change this place.
- Day 342
There are some things I really just don’t care about anymore. Actually, there are lots of things I don’t care about; lots of people too. I’m not sure if I’ve “outgrown” stuff or if I’ve become apathetic. I do know that I want to give a big assed shrug to the world on most days.
I’ve ALWAYS been one of those people who wanted to do what I want, when I want—just ask my mom—and I’ve ALWAYS been told-scorned-reminded that the world doesn’t work like that. These reprimands barely phased me, but I’ve known from day one that I’d never really fit into any type of “traditional” or corporate culture. Trust me, I’ve tried.
Even my parenting isn’t the norm—whatever that means.
There are so many things that speak to my heart and spirit—things that I’ve started, want to continue and do better at, things I want to complete—but living here, trying to squeeze myself into the “norm”, having a day job literally sucks the life out of me. I’ve become a cog in a wheel—a broken wheel at that.
Most folks would say that I should rejoice that I have a job and that I’m being selfish. Hell yes, I am being selfish. I have a much higher calling and there’s so much going on, which is retarding the process of self-actualization. I was close at one point, but then fell back into the trap and I know it’s because somewhere inside of me, I didn’t feel worthy enough.
So now what?
Today feels like ground zero and I’m fine with that, sort of. It’s time for me to set a plan in motion, write it all down, and get at it. Change is difficult, but necessary. Growing into my SELF has been very hard, and although I KNOW there is a reason for all of this, I’m a bit weary.
There’s nothing left to do, but allow my inner Voltron to form, take charge, get on my mission and do it. When I was pregnant with Tiny Smalls I made a promise to her that she’d experience a mama who loved herself; a mama who’d model love and freedom and truth; a mama who made great choices, based on what’s right and good; a mama that she could take pride in and I’m determined to really be that, not just for her, but for me—we both deserve it.
I’m going to blame all of this on Venus being retrograde, however, I’m grateful for the challenge of being me, all of me.
“I respect myself, so I know that nobody can call me a ho.” ” I let my husband be the man in our house, so he never says that mess to me [about being too bossy]. He knows he is my man and God made him the head of our home.” ” I never have been on welfare. I worked two jobs,but I have never been on welfare.”
These narratives reveal the ways that black women attempt to stand upright in a room made crooked by the stereotypes about black women as a group.
Sister Citizen by Melissa Harris-Perry (via brazenbitch)I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.
your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.
rumi (via lily-calla)sho’ ‘nuff!
- Just because a person doesn't love you like you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they've got.
True.
I have always, I think opposed the stereotypic definitions of “masculine” and “feminine”, not only because I thought it was a lot of merchandising nonsense, but rather because I always found the either/ or implicit in those definitions antithetical to what I was all about - the whole person. And I am beginning to see, especially lately- that the way those terms are generally defined and acted upon in this part of the world is a hindrance to full development. And that is a shame, for a revolutionary must be capable of, above all, total self-autonomy.
Toni Cade Bambara (via thistr3reads)And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
Anais Nin (via kameelahwrites)Because we have banished the gods of our ancestors, our children cannot pray.
Maya Angelou (via erikangstrom)
- 10 plays
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In The Media
Here are some links to where Aiesha and/or her work have been featured:
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Shop
- Visit my awesome Skreened shops where there are some pretty dope designs that happen to also be on the positive tip. All proceeds from The Black Girl Project Shop go towards keeping the organization able to serve!
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Status
- Today turned out to be great, that is all.
- Just realized that Dr. Seuss' "Sneetches" is the kiddie version of George Schuyler's "Black No More," one of my favorite books. Mmm hmm!
- Something is afoot! Tiny Smalls keeps offering me massages and telling me I look like I lost a few pounds. Sherlock Mama is on the case!
- Now is as good a time as any for a digital detox.
- This child just said Mary Mary's "God In Me" is the gospel equivalent of "Niggas in Paris." The people in my life...
- Great dinner with my mom and Tiny Smalls. I think this was my first time ordering an alcoholic beverage while with her. With the exception of my first, this was the best Mama's Day ever!
- Spent most of the afternoon hunting down the perfect Brooklyn Nets gear for my mom. Now, time to eat!
- Happy Mother's Day! I know my mom is happy that I've progressed from making wretched breakfasts, but she sure did smile in my face while eating it! :)
- The dawn of Mother's Day and I'm at home with a snoring Tiny Smalls while my mom is at the club. She lives that life.
- Just enjoyed some tasty and healthy street snacks with my mom -- mango slices with hot sauce. Yum!
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Tweets
- so sad. RT @reelsistas: "Bad Girl" on repeat #RIPDonnaSummer
- @goddessangelika I've been "eh" for a bit. Retreating, taking care of myself. You?
- @goddessangelika the Alexander O'Neal and Cherelle duet?
- so true. RT @seanpadilla: RT @lauthechef: Don't mistake bitterness for maturity.
- @Smooth_Bo mmm hmm.
- @jalylah you can get the tee in a more body conscious style. the cuts and colors are customizable! enjoy! http://t.co/5D4maoLU
- love that @fdncenter shouted out @blackgirlproj today. winding down programming+planning for 2012-2013. summer programming is informal.
- that last tweet is in support of @blackgirlproj!
- If you're looking for a way to support, be cool, cute and send a message, grab one of our customizable tees. http://t.co/5D4maoLU
- eh, but you have to back it up. words+action. RT @ZodiacFacts: With a #Leo, flattery will get you everywhere.
- Call my mom and what's playing in the background... @STASandCAT Queens. Up here talking about it's her jam. :)
- @mamitamala that's right! and happy belated.
- @Rejdaboss oh, it's true and you're still a mess. win-win situation.
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Photos
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Info
- SummaryWith nearly a decade of experience working with young people in New York, and at institutions such as, The Museum for African Art, The New-York Historical Society, Citizen's Advice Bureau, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Aiesha has combined her practical knowledge with her interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degrees in order to help create change for a segment of society she is passionate about -- black girls.
Aiesha has developed and implemented curriculum, given talks, personally mentored young women, created media, organized conferences, participated in roundtable discussions and is founding a non-profit organization all with a singular focus -- positively impacting the lives of black women and girls.
Aiesha is also the owner of SuperHussy Media, a niche company that seeks to explore the lives of young women and girls and show them as the more nuanced humans they are, not the stereotypes typically portrayed in mainstream culture, blogs about issues surrounding black women and is organizing a not-for-profit, The Black Girl Project, which springs from the issues explored in the film of the same name.
ABOUT SUPERHUSSY MEDIA
We are an independently operated outfit whose goal is to explore black life as it relates to women and girls, across place, class, time and sexuality. Our projects are intensely personal and through them, we hope to shed light on the contradictions, triumphs, perils, and beauty that is black womanhood. Super Hussy Media is dedicated to exploring the everyday within the black diaspora, particularly the true lives of young women, girls and families.
We utilize the lives of black women and families, both historic and contemporary as a tool for empowerment. By illuminating the hardships, triumphs, struggles and and complexities of black womanhood, we seek to change the paradigm through which black women are viewed and ultimately, how they view themselves.Specialties: Writing. Film. Public Speaking. Teaching.Experience- Jan 2010 - PresentDirector / The Black Girl ProjectThe Black Girl Project provides tools, guidance and support for girls to prepare themselves physically, socially, emotionally and culturally for the responsibilities of young adulthood. We confront the issues that most-impact girls head-on all within the context of being a Black female in an ever-changing world. We utilize literature, the arts, individual and group work, along with a host of interdisciplinary modes to help bolster self-esteem, critical thinking and leadership skills.
- Apr 2008 - PresentOwner / Super Hussy Media, LLCWe are an independently operated outfit whose goal is to explore black life as it relates to women and girls, across place, class, time and sexuality. Super Hussy Media is dedicated to exploring the everyday within the black diaspora, particularly the true lives of young women, girls and families. For far too long, black girlhood, black women and the black family have been dismissed, ignored or used as the canvas where society paints all of its ills. Black females have become the face of poverty; the face of promiscuity; and the face of all that is negative within the black community and society at large. We will use the lives of black women and families, both historic and contemporary as a tool for empowerment. By illuminating the hardships, triumphs, struggles and and complexities of black womanhood, we seek to change the paradigm through which black women are viewed and ultimately, how they view themselves.
- Aug 2009 - Jun 2011Lecturer / CUNY New York City College of Technology
- May 2008 - Jul 2009Lecturer / Empire State CollegeCourse instructor using an interdisciplinary/cultural studies model. Currently teaching -- Race, Class and Gender in Contemporary Culture, 19th Century Black Women's Narrative and NYC History Through Its Disasters. Advise students on degree planning and course selection.
- Apr 2007 - Jun 2008Museum Team Coordinator / Brooklyn Children's MuseumCoordinated a cultural arts and academic-based after school program for students in grades 9-12 where I both delivered content and managed a small staff of educators and artists in residence.
- Jul 2005 - Mar 2007Museum Team Educator / Brooklyn Children's Museum
- Jan 2003 - Sept 2003Education Assistant / Museum of Jewish HeritageAssisted with managing the docent/gallery educator training program.
Education-
2005 - 2007State University of New York Empire State CollegeMA in Liberal Studies
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2000 - 2005State University of New York Empire State CollegeBA in Cultural Studies
Additional Information-
Websites:
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Honors:SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship, Cave Canem Fellowship
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Interests:Filmmaking, Writing, Youth-Development, Self-Empowerment
