Double Feature: But Make It Spooky (Candyman x Ballad of Black Tom)

READ MO’ BLACK BOOKS

This idea came to me when I set out to rebuild my physical media collection. In an era where AI companies are consuming and altering books to train their models, preserving Black books and stories that reflect our lived experiences and imagination has been deeply important to me.

I didn’t want just any books or movies. I wanted tangible media in my home that felt nostalgic and familiar, pieces I could revisit time and again without tiring. At a pop-up we were a part of on Chicago's South Side, the phrase "Read Mo' Black Books" resonated deeply with the people who visited my table. That moment captures the heart of Pour Into It Media: celebrating and highlighting stories that truly feel like home.

For this box, we are pairing the 1992 classic Candyman with The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle, which retells H. P. Lovecraft’s controversial 1927 short story "The Horror at Red Hook" from the perspective of a Black man. 

As someone who has always been deeply curious about everything and everyone, I’ve naturally found myself drawn to folktales, folklore, myths, legends, and fables. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, our folktales didn’t involve enchanted forests and talking creatures. The stories I grew up familiar with were stories like Candyman. Too scary to say his name in the mirror when I was younger, and now old enough to know who the monster really is. This pairing asks us, who is the true villain here?

Each bundle is curated to deliver a complete movie & reading experience:

• The Novel: A paperback edition of Victor LaValle's The Ballad of Black Tom.

• The Film: Candyman (1992) on DVD.

• A Lil Movie Snack: Artisan movie night popcorn from a Black-owned, family-founded brand honoring Gullah Geechee culinary heritage (with a portion of sales donated to Gullah cultural preservation).

• To Reflect & Ponder: A mini African-print pocket notebook, and a library-themed mini notebook for your personal reflections. A vintage-inspired library checkout card, a greeting card, a book-review bookmark, a pen, and vinyl stickers.

• A Letter From Me: Historically, I've always been someone who talks during movies. (I know, I know. We're not supposed to.) But I couldn't curate this box and NOT talk through the thought behind this pairing. Since I won't be in your home to talk to you as you watch this movie and read this book, the letter is the next best thing. I'll walk you through the intention behind this pairing and include a reflection on a question that I would normally ask people as we watch the movie. 

Intentionally and thoughtfully sourced, hand-wrapped in craft paper, twine, and custom Pour Into It wax-sealed packaging.