CR 025: Shirley Neal on Celebrating Blackness in Pop Culture
The author-producer discusses her new book, “AfroCentric Style.”
Shirley Neal has spent her career amplifying Black history and its influence on pop culture. Through her work as an award-winning television producer, documentarian, journalist, ghostwriter, and television executive, Neal has brought stories of entertainment, Africa, and Black culture to the page and screen. Her latest project is AfroCentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture—a gorgeous collection of photos and text that reflect on the Black individuals, movements, and moments that have impacted mainstream media.
“Pop culture and Black culture are passions of mine,” Neal says. “Pop culture is around us so much now, and it’s so popular and so infused with Blackness. I wanted people to not just read about Beyoncé or read about a fashion designer, and not appreciate that there’s more to gain from it about our Black history.”
Neal adds that the project was a learning experience for her, as well. “It was fun to find trending pop cultu…
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