A Message from BGH

“Black history is black horror.”

-Tananarive Due in Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror

The horror genre is both a place of catharsis and a mechanism through which we can talk about real world horrors. Like any cultural product it is the means for enforcing and questioning systems of power. As Robin R. Means Coleman illustrates in Horror Noire, the specter of systemic racism has haunted this country for centuries and horror is but one tributary of a much larger web.

We are incredibly saddened by the continued murder of people of color like Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbrey, and George Floyd. The deaths of these individuals are indicative of the large scale implicit and explicit violence of racism and white supremacy.

To say nothing is to be complicit. Black lives matter.

If you have the means, consider donating to a local or nearby bail fund or advocacy organizations. Seek out businesses owned by people of color and support them. Chances are a local guide or social media group exists. Consume art and criticism created by people of color. Assist in clean up efforts. If you have children and are looking for ways to talk to them about protesting check out this guide.

We all have work to do.

Sincerely,

BGH