Gin Hammond Thoughts -

Parda in Brazil Part 2: Understanding Racial Identity and History

September 25, 2025

Brazil has one of the most complex racial classification systems in the world. At its center is the term Parda — a census category that reflects centuries of colonization, migration, and cultural blending. But what does “Parda” mean, and why does it matter today?

In this article, Gin explores the origins of Parda identity in Brazil, highlights unusual descriptors like Cordicuia (“gourd-colored”), Cardau (“thistle”), and Marinha (“sailor woman colored”), and shows how these words reveal Brazil’s past. Gin also points to modern art, like Fancy Dancer, that keeps conversations on race and identity alive.

If you want to understand how race, history, and language shape Brazil, this video is for you.

Unique Descriptors: Cordicuia, Cardau, and Marinha

Beyond official census terms, Brazilians use hundreds of color descriptors. A few stand out:

Cordicuia — “gourd-colored,” tied to rural imagery.
Cardau — “thistle,” a shade linked to nature’s complexity.
Marinha — “sailor woman colored,” rooted in Brazil’s maritime past.

Gin highlights that these poetic words describe more than skin tone. They carry history, social meaning, and the influence of colonization.

Join the Conversation

The story of Parda in Brazil shows how race is shaped by history, language, and lived experience. Terms like Parda, Cordicuia, and Marinha reveal the complexity of Brazilian identity.

Gin invites readers — especially Brazilians — to share: What does Parda mean to you today? Join the conversation and help expand the dialogue around race and heritage.

My Current Acting Obsessions: From Netflix to Live Theater

September 22, 2025

My Current Acting Obsessions: From Netflix to Live Theater

Are you passionate about storytelling and performance? Gin shares the current acting obsessions shaping her creative journey — from binge-worthy Netflix characters to unforgettable moments onstage. Whether it’s a therapist with a secret life, a doctor wrestling with impossible ethical decisions, or the demands of a multi-character solo show, Gin explores the kinds of roles that ignite her imagination as both an actor and a coach.

Along the way, Gin reflects on a unique experience working as a dialect coach on Brigadoon at Village Theatre and how inspiration can come from unexpected places — like a Scottish actress in Netflix’s Department Q. These roles and performances fuel Gin’s creative fire and highlight what makes acting such a powerful exploration of humanity.

The Power of Complex Characters

What makes a character unforgettable? For Gin, it’s complexity. Characters who live double lives, who must navigate moral gray areas, or who face extraordinary pressures feel the most authentic on screen and stage.

Think of a therapist hiding a secret past or a doctor confronted with a choice that defies easy answers. These roles reveal vulnerability, courage, and contradiction — the essence of human drama.

Why Multi-Character Solo Shows Inspire Gin

Solo performance demands incredible skill. Taking on multiple characters in one show requires sharp physicality, vocal versatility, and emotional depth. Gin is particularly inspired by artists who can create entire worlds on their own, shifting from character to character seamlessly.

These shows remind actors — and audiences — that storytelling at its best is intimate, raw, and deeply connected. For Gin as a coach, solo work offers lessons in stamina, imagination, and trust in one’s craft.

Dialect Coaching and the Spark of Inspiration

While coaching dialects for Brigadoon at Village Theatre, Gin found herself reflecting on the precision and passion required to embody a role. Dialect work is about more than accuracy; it’s about unlocking authenticity.

This experience dovetailed with Gin’s latest screen inspiration: a Scottish actress in Netflix’s Department Q. Her performance showcased how accent, character, and emotional truth can merge to create something magnetic.

It’s a reminder that inspiration often comes from unexpected sources — and that a single performance can reignite an actor’s creative drive.

Casting Directors: Here’s How I Would Hope to Be Introduced in the Room

September 18, 2025

Casting Directors: Here’s How I Would Hope to Be Introduced in the Room

Stepping into an audition room can feel intimidating. First impressions matter — and how an actor is introduced can set the tone for the entire audition.

Award-winning actress Gin Hammond shares how she would love to be introduced to casting directors. With a unique background as a multiracial performer, a graduate of the American Repertory Theater (ART), and a specialist in accents, dialects, and multi-character solo shows, Gin brings depth, craft, and versatility to every project.

This article is for actors looking for audition advice and for casting directors who want to make talent feel valued from the first moment.

Why Introductions Matter in the Audition Room

The audition begins long before the first line is spoken. A thoughtful introduction can instantly establish confidence, clarity, and connection. For casting directors, it’s also a chance to highlight what makes an actor unique.

Gin Hammond’s Ideal Introduction

If Gin could be introduced to casting directors in the room, it would sound something like this:

Award-winning actress with recognition for excellence in performance.
Graduate of the American Repertory Theater (ART), one of the nation’s top training programs.
Multiracial performer whose identity informs nuanced, layered roles.
Specialist in accents, dialects, and multi-character solo shows, with expertise in storytelling across cultures.
Recognized through Best Ensemble and Best Lead Actor nominations at respected local theater awards.

This introduction blends actor branding with credibility — giving casting directors a clear picture of artistry, skills, and achievements.

Beyond Acting: Dialect Coaching and Creative Expertise

Gin’s work extends beyond acting into dialect coaching, helping other performers bring authenticity to their roles. This dual perspective as both an actor and a coach enriches her creative process and adds value to every production.

It also signals versatility to casting directors — proof that Gin can move seamlessly between performance and behind-the-scenes expertise.

Lessons for Actors Preparing Auditions

Actors can take inspiration from Gin’s approach by preparing their own ideal introduction:

Highlight training — share schools, programs, or mentors.
Showcase achievements — awards, nominations, or standout performances.
Spotlight specialties — accents, physical theater, musical ability, etc.
Keep it concise — 2–3 sentences that spark curiosity.

An intentional introduction helps casting directors understand not only what you can do, but who you are.

A Strong Start Builds Lasting Impressions

Casting directors want actors to succeed. A clear, respectful introduction is the first step toward that success.

Gin Hammond’s story shows how preparation, artistry, and personal branding can transform those first few moments in the room. Whether you’re an actor walking into auditions or a casting director welcoming talent, remember: a strong start leads to a stronger performance.

Actress Life: I Just Booked a Big Role in Hollywood… And You Won’t Believe How It Happened

September 11, 2025

Actress Life: I Just Booked a Big Role in Hollywood… And You Won’t Believe How It Happened

Every actor dreams of their next break. For Gin Hammond, it came in the most unexpected way — through a last-minute audition. What started as a surprise opportunity turned into booking a principal role in a major Hollywood film, alongside a well-known actress (yes, the same one who was recently spotted singing with the Go-Go’s at a party!).

In this video, Gin shares the behind-the-scenes story of how it all unfolded — the lessons learned, the importance of kindness, and why supporting others can create life-changing moments. Plus, Gin teases a brand-new comedic horror project that’s sure to grab attention: Lawyers Meet Bigfoot.

If you’re an actor, a creative, or just love Hollywood stories, this one is packed with inspiration and career takeaways.

The Audition That Almost Didn’t Happen

When Gin first heard about the role, she hesitated. It wasn’t written for her age range, and the notice came in at the last minute. But in acting, the golden rule is simple: always be ready to step up.

That decision to audition changed everything. By showing up prepared, flexible, and confident, Gin proved that the role could be interpreted in new and exciting ways.

The Power of Kindness and Support

Hollywood can be competitive, but Gin emphasizes that collaboration and kindness are just as important as talent. During the audition process, supporting others and being generous in the room set the stage for positive connections.

Casting directors and producers notice when actors bring professionalism, warmth, and respect. That energy often tips the scales in your favor — especially in high-stakes environments like major film auditions.

Sharing the Screen with a Hollywood Icon

The icing on the cake? Gin’s new role pairs her with a well-known actress who’s making headlines both on-screen and off. (Yes, the Go-Go’s party performance was just one of her recent highlights!)

Acting alongside such talent is both exhilarating and humbling. It’s a reminder that every step in the journey — from theater to dialect coaching to indie projects — prepares you for these bigger moments.

Lessons for Actors and Creatives

Gin’s Hollywood story isn’t just about luck. It’s about preparation, persistence, and saying “yes” even when the odds seem slim.

Here are a few takeaways for fellow actors:

Be ready for last-minute opportunities. They can change everything.
Don’t box yourself in. Roles outside your “type” may be exactly where you shine.
Lead with kindness. Supportive energy makes you memorable.
Stay flexible. Auditions are unpredictable, but adaptability is an asset.

Lessons for Actors and Creatives

Gin’s Hollywood story isn’t just about luck. It’s about preparation, persistence, and saying “yes” even when the odds seem slim.

Here are a few takeaways for fellow actors:

Be ready for last-minute opportunities. They can change everything.
Don’t box yourself in. Roles outside your “type” may be exactly where you shine.
Lead with kindness. Supportive energy makes you memorable.
Stay flexible. Auditions are unpredictable, but adaptability is an asset.

Are You Ready for Football? From SoCal Sunshine to Seahawks Nation

September 8, 2025

Are You Ready for Football? From SoCal Sunshine to Seahawks Nation

For some people, the seasons are defined by the weather. For Gin Hammond, they were defined by football. Growing up in sunny San Diego, autumn didn’t bring orange leaves or chilly nights — it brought Chargers game days, touchdowns, and the sound of cheering crowds.

Now life has taken Gin north to Seattle, where the rhythm of fall is all about the Seahawks. From SoCal sunshine to Seahawks Nation, football has remained a constant — a tradition that creates belonging, nostalgia, and joy.

Whether you’ve been tailgating since childhood or are just discovering the game, football has a way of bringing people together and marking the passage of time.

Football as a Childhood Season

While classmates marked fall with back-to-school supplies and Halloween decorations, Gin measured the year by the NFL schedule.

“Fall” in San Diego meant Chargers gear, TV blaring on Sundays, and family rituals around the game. Even without crisp air or changing leaves, football gave the season its meaning.

For many fans, those early memories create a lifelong bond — one that continues no matter where life leads.

Why Football Creates Belonging

Football is more than a game. It’s tradition, connection, and nostalgia rolled into one. For Gin, it has always provided:

A rhythm of life — fall feels incomplete without kickoff.
A sense of community — cheering side by side with fellow fans.
A link to the past — memories of childhood game days in San Diego.

Whether rooting for the Chargers, the Seahawks, or any other team, the game binds people together across cities, generations, and backgrounds.

Football as a Life Season

For Gin Hammond, football has always marked time. From San Diego Chargers Sundays to Seahawks Nation game days, the sport has provided continuity, community, and joy.

So here’s the real question: Are you ready for football? Drop a comment and share what the game means in your life.

Go Hawks! 🏈💚💙

Exploring Brazil’s Bizarre People Labels — You Have to Hear These!

September 4, 2025

Exploring Brazil’s Bizarre People Labels — You Have to Hear These!

After surgery, Gin has had plenty of time to sit, think, and dive into fascinating cultural topics. One that stands out? Brazil’s unusual racial classifications, known as pardas.

Since the 1940s, Brazilians have been able to describe their race in their own words on the national census. The result: more than 100 unique terms — some thoughtful, others downright hilarious. From Amarela (“yellow”) to Burro-cuando-poje (yes, that translates to “disappearing donkey”), these labels reveal the deep complexity of Brazilian identity, history, and diversity.

In this video, Gin shares a few favorites from these classifications and invites readers to help decode them. If you’re Brazilian — or simply fascinated by cultural identity — this is a journey into language you won’t want to miss.

What Are Pardas?

In Brazil, “Parda” is one of the official racial categories used in the census. It generally refers to people of mixed African, Indigenous, and European descent. But unlike rigid racial labels used in other countries, the Brazilian census has historically allowed people to describe themselves in their own words.

This freedom has led to hundreds of self-identifiers, from poetic to puzzling, reflecting both personal identity and cultural imagination.

The 1970s Survey That Captured It All

In the 1970s, a government survey documented these self-identifications in detail. Instead of sticking to a handful of categories, people used hyper-specific — and sometimes humorous — terms to describe their skin tone and identity.

This catalog of terms became an extraordinary record of how Brazilians see themselves, shaped by centuries of colonization, migration, and cultural blending.

Gin’s Favorite Parda Descriptions

Some of the terms sound lyrical, others surprising, and a few completely absurd. Here are a couple that stood out to Gin:

Amarela (“yellow”) — A serious descriptor, often used for people of Asian descent.
Burro-cuando-poje (“disappearing donkey”) — A bizarrely specific phrase that raises more questions than answers.
Dozens more reflect food, nature, or metaphors tied to daily life.

These names show how identity in Brazil can be personal, playful, and layered with history.

Why Brazil’s Identity System Matters

While some terms may seem funny, they highlight serious truths about Brazil:

Identity is fluid. Labels shift based on perception, heritage, and context.
Language shapes belonging. The words chosen reflect pride, humor, or survival.
History lingers. Centuries of colonization and migration still echo in self-descriptions.

These unusual census terms remind us that identity is never simple — it’s a mix of history, culture, and personal expression.

What Surprised You Most?

Gin’s exploration of Brazil’s parda classifications is just one window into the country’s cultural complexity. Some terms are serious, others funny, but together they reveal a nation constantly negotiating what identity means.

Which label surprised you the most? Drop a comment below — especially if you’re Brazilian — and help expand this fascinating conversation.

Why NYC in the autumn Is Made for Gingers (+ My NYC Fall Obsession)

September 1, 2025

Why NYC in the autumn Is Made for Gingers (+ My NYC Fall Obsession)

Autumn just hits different. For Gin Hammond, fall isn’t just about cooler air and turning leaves — it’s the season where gingers glow. The warm golden sunlight of autumn makes red hair come alive, giving it a fiery brilliance that no summer sun can match. Pair that with New York City street style, and you’ve got the ultimate runway of the season.

And of course, what’s fall without a signature sip? Gin’s current obsession is the golden berry gin & tonic — a cozy, seasonal twist on the classic G&T. Crisp, refreshing, and subtly sweet, it’s the perfect companion for a night out in NYC or a quiet evening watching the leaves change.

If you’re into autumn fashion, city energy, and easy cocktails, this video is for you.

Why Gingers Shine in Autumn Light

Fall’s natural glow makes it the best season for redheads. Autumn sunlight is softer and warmer, casting a golden tone that highlights freckles, enhances skin tone, and makes auburn, copper, or strawberry-blonde shades pop.

For Gin, the magic of autumn is about feeling aligned with the season itself: fiery hair against fiery leaves, a living reflection of fall’s palette.

Sip of the Season: Golden Berry Gin & Tonic

A signature fall cocktail is the perfect finishing touch to seasonal style. Gin’s go-to? A golden berry gin & tonic.

It’s classic G&T vibes with a cozy twist:

Crisp gin base
Sparkling tonic water
Tart-sweet golden berries for warmth and color

Simple to mix, beautiful to look at, and deliciously seasonal — it’s the kind of drink that feels just as at home at a dinner party as it does during a quiet night in.

Fall, Fashion, and Flavor

Autumn is more than a season — it’s an experience. For Gin Hammond, fall means glowing ginger hair, NYC streets turned into runways, and a golden berry gin & tonic in hand.

If you love autumn fashion, New York energy, and easy cocktails, this is your season too. Cheers to fall! 🍂✨🍸

The Shocking Romeo & Juliet Parallel You Missed in this Summer 2025 Blockbuster Movie

August 25, 2025

The Shocking Romeo & Juliet Parallel You Missed in this Summer 2025 Blockbuster Movie

When Gin watched Sinners, the tragedy of Mary and Stack hit with the same inevitability as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. They weren’t destined for a happy ending — not because of personal failure, but because of the cruel world they were born into.

Gin doesn’t argue they were true lovers, but the mechanism of doom was chillingly familiar. Just as Verona sealed Romeo and Juliet’s fate, the Jim Crow South scripted Mary and Stack’s downfall long before the first act began.

Romeo and Juliet: Who’s Really to Blame?

In classrooms, debates rage over who killed Shakespeare’s famous pair. Was it Friar Lawrence, too slow with the letter? The donkey that plodded? Mercutio or Tybalt?

But as Shakespeare makes clear, the culprit isn’t individual characters — it’s the parents, the culture of hate, the refusal to forgive.

In Sinners, Society Plays the Villain

In Sinners, the roles shift, but the force of tragedy remains. It’s not Mary or Stack’s choices that doom them. It’s the structural cruelty of Jim Crow — a society that withholds humanity and mercy.

The Tragic Inheritance

What makes the story so devastating is how little chance they ever had. Just like Romeo and Juliet, Mary and Stack inherit a world stacked against them. Their tragedy is less about doomed romance and more about a society that makes despair the default outcome.

This is why Sinners resonates: it reimagines a classic mechanism of tragedy within the brutal reality of American history.

Modern Tragedy, Ancient Pattern

Gin sees Sinners as a reminder that the timeless structure of tragedy still plays out — but with new faces and contexts. Romeo and Juliet may be names in Verona, but in the Jim Crow South, it’s Mary and Stack.

The story proves that until societies choose mercy, empathy, and humanity, the script of tragedy will keep repeating.

Making Art Under Fire: Stories from Conflict

August 20, 2025

Making Art Under Fire: Stories from Conflict

In times of crisis, art doesn’t disappear — it becomes even more essential. For Gin Hammond, recent conversations with friends from Iran have been a sobering reminder of how creativity becomes a survival skill under fire. These stories aren’t about distant headlines. They’re about courage, identity, and the determination to keep making art when the world seems to conspire against it.

Between Two Countries, Between Two Lives

One friend had just achieved a milestone many dream of: becoming an American citizen. Days later, she flew back to Iran to visit family — just before bombings shook the region.

Now she is caught between two countries. Her family is safe for the moment, but the path back to her new life in the U.S. feels uncertain. She is living in limbo, forced to navigate the weight of citizenship, belonging, and fear all at once.

Her story is a reminder: conflict reshapes not only physical safety but also identity and future.

An Acting Student’s Defiance

Another story comes from Gin’s fearless acting student in Iran — queer, short-haired, and constantly at risk simply for existing in public. Gin first met her through a Zoom audition, where she delivered a searing Medea monologue that left no doubt about her talent and power.

Now, even as bombings drive her to relocate to a northern village, she continues to create. She’s developing a film about a transgender punk artist in Iran — an act of defiance and resilience in a place where art can be dangerous.

Why Creativity Endures in Conflict

These stories highlight a truth artists know well: when the world tries to silence us, art becomes louder. Whether through film, theater, or personal storytelling, creative expression is often the only way to reclaim identity, hope, and humanity.

History shows that art born in conflict often carries unmatched urgency and honesty. It is protest, documentation, and a lifeline — all at once.

How You Can Support Artists at Risk

If these stories resonate, consider supporting organizations that uplift voices of artists in conflict zones, such as:

PEN America – defending freedom of expression worldwide
Artists at Risk – a global network protecting artists under threat
Freemuse – advocating for artistic freedom globally

Even simple acts — sharing these stories, amplifying their voices, and acknowledging their work — help create visibility and solidarity.

Courage in Creation

Gin’s friends remind us that even in the darkest moments, art endures. It is both rebellion and refuge, a way of saying: We are still here. We will still create.

If these stories move you, share them. Comment. Support artists working under threat. Because every voice that survives is a testament to courage — and to the power of creativity against all odds.

Morning in Belize: Coffee, Mosquitoes & Gecko Surprises

August 14, 2025

Morning in Belize: Coffee, Mosquitoes & Gecko Surprises

What’s a morning really like in coastal Lucencia, Belize? For Gin Hammond, it’s a mix of laid-back charm, unexpected wildlife encounters, and the kind of small travel mishaps that turn into great stories.

From coffee hunting to practicing a few words in Garifuna, mornings here offer a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery. Of course, no tropical morning would be complete without a few uninvited guests — mosquitoes buzzing and a surprise gecko making an appearance.

If you’re dreaming of a Belize vacation, curious about Garifuna culture, or just love casual, real-life travel moments, this glimpse into a Belize morning will make you feel like you’re right there with Gin.

A Small Mishap at 30,000 Feet

Travel isn’t perfect — and sometimes that’s what makes it memorable. On the flight into Belize, Gin discovered that a bottle of hair product had leaked inside her bag. A messy start? Maybe. But in true traveler spirit, it became just another story to laugh about.

Coffee Time in Lucencia

The heart of any Belize morning is coffee. Lucencia’s relaxed pace makes breakfast a slow, easy ritual — sipping rich local brews while soaking up sunshine and sea breeze.

For Gin, this simple moment of routine sets the tone for the day: unhurried, grounded, and full of possibility.

Learning Garifuna: A Cultural Connection

Belize is home to the Garifuna people, whose language, music, and traditions are a vital part of the nation’s identity. Gin shares a few Garifuna language basics — a beginner’s attempt to connect more deeply with the culture while traveling.

Even a handful of words can open doors to conversation, smiles, and connection.

Mosquito Battles in Paradise

Of course, tropical beauty comes with tropical challenges. Morning walks in Lucencia often mean a battle with mosquitoes. Repellent is a must — but even so, these tiny nuisances are part of the adventure.

Gecko Encounters and Morning Surprises

The highlight of the morning? A small gecko sighting — quick, curious, and unexpected. These little creatures are everywhere in Belize, a reminder that nature is always nearby.

For travelers, it’s part of the magic: never knowing whether the next moment will bring a beach breeze, a cultural lesson, or a gecko on the wall.

Belize Mornings Feel Different

What sets Lucencia apart isn’t just its coastline or wildlife — it’s the pace. Mornings here move slowly, inviting you to be present. From the first sip of coffee to the last gecko sighting, life feels more immediate, more alive.

It’s not about rushing to the next attraction. It’s about soaking in the rhythm of the day, one small discovery at a time.

A Slice of Belize Life

Gin’s morning in Lucencia, Belize was filled with small joys and quirks: coffee, language learning, mosquito battles, and gecko surprises. It’s these everyday moments that make travel unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip, remember: the magic of Belize isn’t only in the big sights. Sometimes, it’s in the little things — the coffee shop smile, the hum of insects, or a gecko crossing your path. 🌴☀️

I Went to Belize Part2 — What I Found Changed Everything

July 15, 2025

I Went to Belize to Invest in Real Estate — What I Found Changed Everything

Belize Part 2. Why’d I go? Mixed people and real estate. It’s hard for actors who survive off gig work to buy homes because mortgage lenders want to see a two-year employment history, even if you have the money. So, I thought if I can afford an investment property in another country where over half the population is mixed, that’d be cool.

What I discovered.

Now, there are some expats who are doing some incredible things there, but land owners were burning acres and basically selling their country. That’s what it looked like to me.

The reefs are suffering, too. Though, the nurse sharks are fat and happy. So, for me, it went against my druthers to buy anything, but I would go back to support the ecotourist economy.

The Only Time I Was Starstruck on Set. Who was the Actor?? …with Gin Hammond

June 11, 2025

The Only Time I Was Starstruck on Set. Who was the Actor?? …with Gin Hammond

There’s a lot of different stars I’d like to work with and when it comes to the movie, it’s use the right tool for the job situation. Right when you’re casting somebody, you’re like, “I love this actor, but this is the person who fits the best for whatever reason.”

But two people come to mind. I don’t know if he was ever in any movies. He must have been.

Ron Cephas Jones, may he rest in peace. He played William on This Is Us. I think he and his daughter got an Emmy the same year, which had never happened before in the history of the Emmys. But he and I did a show called Noonday Sun together, which was about a person who was passing. And I was nervous around him. I had an actor crush on him because it’s one of these situations where, and he couldn’t have been kinder, but you know the real deal when you see it. This person is not just an artist, he’s an Artiste. E at the end, capital A.

And he couldn’t be any other thing if he tried. To see how he was always so pure about the work, it inspired and intimidated me at the time. But I wanted to grow up and be like him.

Another person I adore is Keanu Reeves, one of my mixed idols. He’s just such a cool person. So I love him, and I’ll see him in anything.

Is the Government Quietly Killing Art? Why So Many Creatives Are Giving Up, Gin Hammond reveals

June 9, 2025

Is the Government Quietly Killing Art? Why So Many Creatives Are Giving Up, Gin Hammond reveals

Other cultural shifts that I’m seeing are how the government is making it harder and harder for artists to do their jobs, right, especially if our work is collaborative. And the less we’re in touch with each other, the more our ability to express things and express them well and profoundly and in a unified way, the more that’s weakened, you know. So many people, we have our echo chambers, right?

But instead of shifting the narrative, we need to look at the framework, the world in which the narrative is happening, right?

And I feel like one difficulty that a lot of artists and a lot of, you know, political artists too especially have is in finding where are these places where it’s worth it to give a little for the greater good. I am a person who believes in the greater good. I don’t associate the word compromise only with negativity, right?

The first time I ever came across somebody who thought the word compromise was a negative thing, it took me a while. I always thought it was a positive thing, it’s the way, you know, we find a way.

But yeah, it’s a lot of, I was talking with my agent, a lot of actors seem to be regarding acting or treating it more as a hobby because they’re juggling so many other survival jobs. And what does that do? That impairs their work. I mean, you know, there’s commercial stuff, but there’s also other things, right? So it’s interesting to see the direct impact that what’s going on now in our country is having.

That said, these things can be like a grit in an oyster shell, right?

There’s so many Soviet artists, you know, I studied in Russia for a bit. There’s so many artists who, once the wall fell and perestroika started to take place and all of that, they’re like, I don’t know what to write about anymore. There’s a great play at Seattle Rep. Mother Russia, where there was a singing star because she was singing against the government and oppression and the regime.

And then come perestroika, she’s like, now I’m just a school teacher because all this stuff that I was singing about is moot.

So it could be one of these never waste a good crisis moments, but we just have to get our brains there faster, I think, for our own survival.

☀️ Summer Skin, Curly Hair & Freckles: My Honest Glow-Up Survival Guide with Gin Hammond

June 6, 2025

☀️ Summer Skin, Curly Hair & Freckles: My Honest Glow-Up Survival Guide with Gin Hammond

So it’s summertime and things happen. One of the main things that happens is humidity. If you have curly hair, I would say, give into it. You know, we spend so much time, money trying to fight what is natural during the summertime. Especially if it’s hair, you can find something where you can let your hair be your hair and tell other people just to back off if they’re going to give you a hassle about it, right?

But if you want some more options, then I do love the Ouidad product.

Climate control, anti-humidity. Something that a lot of us with what I call ‘potential melanin’ struggle with is that we can change color and get all kinds of different spots real fast. Now, part of me loves that. I wish we all had like stripes and spots and stuff. I would like to look like a jaguar. But, you know, things come and go and whatever. But for you youngins out there, note all the freckles and sunspots and things that usually go away during the winter and come back.

After a while, they stick around, especially on your chest. So, if that is not something that you want, use that sunscreen, you know, 50, 70 + sunscreen. There are UV protection shirts out there, especially if you like to go swimming in lakes or in the ocean. It’s so much better for the environment than putting on sunscreen. And if you got the spots and you wear stripes and you want your tiger to change its stripes and even out, there is a thing called Skin Better, Even Tone that slows down the spots and can even them out with a lot of patience and applications.

It’s spendy, but it does actually work.

I know with my face, too. I always have to wear glasses when I’m driving and the places where the glasses come in contact with my nose, I get two spots right here and here. If I rub it there, then the spots go away. But I get a cluster of dark spots. Aquaphor, even Vaseline goes a long way. Just slather it on before you go to sleep. It’s non-commodogenic, it doesn’t clog your pores and you will wake up with softer skin. And that’s a lovely thing, right?

TERRIFIED of the Michael B Jordan movie Sinners — And It’s Not Just the Horror 😱👀 from Gin Hammond

June 2, 2025

TERRIFIED of the Michael B Jordan movie Sinners — And It’s Not Just the Horror 😱👀 from Gin Hammond

So I’ve seen two trailers for Sinners and I’ve heard some buzz and from what I know about it, A: I’m terrified. And that’s partly because it’s like the same way I was extra terrified way back in the day with the Omen movies, Damien, Omen 1 and 2 and things like that. I think that has something to do with my quasi-Catholic cultural upbringing. They get you scared from a real young age, but of all of that kind of stuff. But also because we’re talking about summoning the spirits, right?

It’s like how you don’t say “The Scottish Play” in a theater. There’s something extra scary about horror movies that relate to that for me. But also, even though I don’t usually go see horror movies, I think I’m going to see it because of all the cultural stuff going on. It reminds me of the writer Nalo Hopkinson. I did an audio book of hers years ago called The New Moon’s Arms. She’s somebody who has done a masterful job of interweaving the supernatural with real terrors, especially as they relate to being Black. A lot of her writing has to do with the cultural milieu that Sinners happens in.

All of that crossroads lore and all of the real terror of being a Black person in different areas of the world. So there’s going to be a lot of lamaze breathing as I watch the movie.

I’m Gin Hammond and I’m Living IncogNegro. I’m glad you’re here and we’re on this journey together.

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Sinners is this new horror movie that dropped in 2025, and it’s already getting a ton of buzz. It’s written and directed by Ryan Coogler — you probably know him from Black Panther and Creed. The story is set in 1930s Mississippi and centers on these twin brothers, Smoke and Stack Moore (both played by Michael B. Jordan, by the way—yes, he plays both roles), who come back home to open a juke joint for the Black community. But of course, it’s not just a feel-good story. Things get dark fast when a vampire named Remmick shows up and starts messing with their world. The movie blends horror with real social issues—especially racism and cultural identity—which makes it hit way deeper than your average scary movie. The cast is WOW too. You’ve got: Michael B. Jordan (again, doing double duty), Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, and Jack O’Connell as the creepy vampire guy. It’s got this eerie, supernatural vibe but also feels grounded in real, historical trauma—kind of like what Jordan Peele does, but with a Southern Gothic twist.

Oh, and the music is by Ludwig Göransson (same guy from Black Panther), so the soundtrack goes hard too. People are saying it’s scary and smart, and it already made like $350 million globally. So yeah, it’s a big hit.

The Summer They Said We Weren’t Family… What Happened at La Costa Changed Everything, Gin Hammond

May 31, 2025

The Summer They Said We Weren’t Family… What Happened at La Costa Changed Everything, Gin Hammond

The Summer that Changed me, and Brought Me Closer to the Truth, as remembered by Gin Hammond So when I was a kid, my family would go to the Del Mar Fair. There was this timeshare and we’d hang out there and we would also go to a place called La Costa. I remember there was a spot under a fence my brother and I would shimmy through (and we’d just be running around the fair all day, just the two of us.

It was the 1970s, so my parents were like, whatever, we think they’re over there. Let’s go to the races.

I remember that that’s what comes to mind right away with La Costa. I remember the pinball machines. They were always playing Blondie and My Sharona and all of that. But I remember getting accosted in La Costa by the other kids Because gangs of kids just find gangs of other kids. All week long they would say (to me and my brother) you two aren’t related (because I’m lighter-skinned and he’s darker-skinned). They just insisted.

My brother and I would go back to our parents and ask ‘We’re related, right?’ And they’re like, yes, you’re related. And we’d come back. Our parents say that we’re related.

The whole rigmarole would start all over again, but that’s not the only place where that would happen. But that was definitely a place where we were reminded of our uniqueness.

I’m Gin Hammond and I’m Living IncogNegro. I’m glad you’re here and we’re on this journey together.

Learn more at LivingIncogNegro.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@livingincognegrom

https://www.instagram.com/livingincognegromovie

https://shows.acast.com/living-incognegro-gin-hammond