Ep 5. Self Care

In the season 1 episode 5 of The New Negroes, titled "Self Care," features a variety of comedians tackling the theme of taking care of oneself. The episode starts with host Baron Vaughn's stand-up about why self-care is so important, especially for black people living in a society that can be hostile to their well-being.

The first comedian featured is Quinta Brunson, who talks about her journey towards self-discovery and how taking time for herself has helped her to be a better performer. She also discusses how self-care can look different for everyone and how important it is to find what works for you.

Next up is Dulcé Sloan, who delves into the pressures society places on black women to always be strong and selfless. She talks about the importance of setting boundaries and saying no in order to prioritize one's own mental and emotional health.

Stand-up comic Jaboukie Young-White takes a humorous approach to the idea of self-care, joking about the absurdity of some of the popular self-care trends like "forest bathing" and "goat yoga." He also touches on the role that humor can play in self-care, using jokes to process difficult emotions and experiences.

The final comedian featured is Lisa Curry, who talks about her experience with therapy and how it has helped her to work through issues related to her upbringing and relationships. She emphasizes the stigma that still surrounds mental health treatment within the black community and encourages others to seek professional help if they need it.

Throughout the episode, the comedians also weave in references to pop culture, politics, and social justice issues, adding layers of depth and complexity to their performances. The episode ends with a musical performance by Open Mike Eagle, who raps about the challenges of self-care and the importance of taking care of oneself in order to create positive change in the world.

Overall, "Self Care" is a thoughtful and thought-provoking episode that challenges viewers to consider the importance of taking care of oneself in a society that often does not prioritize black wellness. The comedians featured are all skilled performers who use humor to tackle difficult subjects in a way that is both entertaining and enlightening.