1. Back in Philly at 30th St Train Station
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The infamous video that started it all. Here we are introduced to Samantha's most popular sayings: "What's Yo T?" "Philadelphia Cunt," and "Get Up Off Dem Dicks."
2. 'Cause I'mma Queen!
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Her ability to navigate different voice types and tones so effortlessly is everything. She is giving Patti Labelle, "Philadelphia Covered Cunt" and she is painted for the gods -- for 59 fucking funerals.
3. I Been A Florida Cunt For A Minute
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After missing her bus, Cookie Tookie did what she had to do to get her refund. Not only did she spook the EMT asking about the Parliament House in Orlando, but she is smoking the asthma pump as if it were hookah.
4. On Trans* Sisterhood & Survival
5. As Long As I Got This Phone To My Face, I Ain't Got Time To Be Getting High
This, to me, is what courage and transparency look like; and, I am truly moved by this project of accountability through vlogging. I am also thankful that she allow us into her world and personal space on the daily, and do so unapologetically. She is a remarkable light and inspiration to me and thousands of other people who also love and adore her videos.
6. Oh, What A Mighty God We Serve
Miss Cookie Tookie gives a shoutout to the McKee Family back in Philadelphia at Christian Stronghold Baptist Church. Then she shouts...
7. The Gospel and The Dick
Just watch...
8. On Recovering, Benevolence, and Pride.
One of the most beautiful things about this woman is her embodied self reflexivity and transparency. And it is through this reflexive project of the self that we are able to foster neccesary dialogue and conversation re: the lived experiences of folks who live at the margin and intersection of many identities.
9. Best of Samantha James
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This video compilation includes some of my most favorite videos recorded by Samantha. It starts with her serving us investigative journalist, media cunt and ends with her affirming herself as the first African American Trans* Mortician. There are some moments in the compilation that are truly saddening; but, she always bring it back home through self reflection.
10. Ballroom Throwbacks Spotlight With Samantha James
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In this seven part series, Samantha James sit with Ceasar Williams of Ballroom Throwbacks to discuss her journey as a trans* women growing up in Philadelphia, ballroom, drug addiction, and her dreams and aspirations. She is what we've been waiting on and not only is she brave -- for putting the camera in her face and uploading to Facebook every day, on the hour -- but she is so brilliant and honest. It is so evident from reading the comments on her videos that people think she is just crazy and a drug addict seeking attention, but that's too easy and counterproductive; and, it dismisses the real work of transformative justice and love. Watch this entire 7 part interview and listen to her story -- she is human just like you.
Special shoutout to Ceasar from Ballroom Throwbacks "Brtb" for the work he continue to do in amplifying the narratives of folk involved in the ballroom scene beyond modes of performance. This work of archiving and media making is so necessary and critical.
Must Listen After Watching Video 2
This track was created by Kevin Jz Prodigy, a popular ballroom commentator/beatmaker, dedicated to Samantha. It is a nod to her ballroom roots and most popular sayings.
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