Double Feature: But Make It Spooky (People Under The Stairs & When No One Is Watching)

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 1991 horror-comedy People Under the Stairs, directed by Wes Craven, with the thriller When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole.

My background is in public and community health, and I’ve spent years working across the South and West Side of Chicago. I learned just how much zipcode and race impact your overall quality of life and access to services. Housing instability, crime, and displacement aren’t random happenings, but systemic issues that are enforced by white supremacy and capitalism. Living in a Black neighborhood that is being slowly gentrified, I am well aware of the profound grief and fear of knowing that you may be displaced from the place you call home. There is a deep sadness in seeing Black and Brown folks priced out, pushed aside, and rendered vulnerable to state and corporate greed.

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

• The Novel: A paperback edition of When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole.

• The Film: People Under the Stairs (1991) 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.