I am Wakandan: Black Panther brings ‘Nu Africa’ to the mainstream

“Imagine if all the rappers were to get with all the athletes or activists for a conference in Zaire to meet with all the ambassadors in the motherland, tell ‘em we comin’ back for her…. What if Jay and Bey bought some land in Egypt? Make Obama the president. His daddy from Kenya so that… Continue reading I am Wakandan: Black Panther brings ‘Nu Africa’ to the mainstream

Learning with a Panther: Using Comic Books to Inspire Minority Students

I oversee education majors looking to teach social studies at middle and high school levels. Recently, one of my black male students asked for tips to make his class more interesting. Most of his seventh grade kids were from low income families and were behind on their reading level. My suggestion was to try comic… Continue reading Learning with a Panther: Using Comic Books to Inspire Minority Students

When’s the last time you went to a costume party?

Note: we will NOT be screening the Black Panther movie—this is a costume party and networking event. See you there! On Friday, February 16th in Oakland, we’re hosting a Black Panther (Movie) costume party and networking event. The festivities begin at 7pm at WeWork’s gorgeous new City Center (downtown Oakland) location. Bay Area native DJ… Continue reading When’s the last time you went to a costume party?

Forgotten Heroes: The Legacy of Hawks Football

One of my guilty pleasures is watching the TV One documentary cable series Unsung and Unsung Hollywood. If you have never watched either series, they tell the stories of African-American singers and actors who experienced substantial success for a short period of time before their shining star abruptly faded away. If I could create a… Continue reading Forgotten Heroes: The Legacy of Hawks Football

The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 3)

This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. If you missed it, catch parts one and two here. As Vick was made his comeback professionally he maintained his commitment to speak out against dog fighting. He traveled around the country speaking to youth and… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 3)

The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 2)

This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. Catch parts one and three here. Michael Vick’s first television interview after being released from prison in 2009 came on CBS’s 60 Minutes. African-American sportscaster James Brown conducted the interview in Virginia because Vick was not… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt. 2)

The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt.1)

This three part series walks through the rise, fall, and redemption of Michael Vick, NFL’s outcast turned prodigal son. Read parts two and three here. “Still touched down cause I was off Artell. Had dreams of breaking Mike Vick out of jail. Took the underground rail to the end that failed.” – Common featuring Pharrell… Continue reading The Michael Vick Experience: From Prison to Redemption, 2007-2017 (pt.1)

Besties: Young Thug and Masculinity

Young Thug’s emergence on the mainstream hip-hop scene was met with some backlash. He is one of the most polarizing artists in the hip-hop industry because his persona, physical appearance, lyrics, and unique fashion sense. Immediately, I (like others) dismissed his music by closing my ears, eyes, and mind. His music and wardrobe reflects his… Continue reading Besties: Young Thug and Masculinity