“Get this man out of the classroom. He’s racist and promotes the rising of African Americans.” When I first read this comment on an evaluation for a class I previously taught, I was overcome with feelings of dismay, anxiety, then anger. But, I remembered something that my parents taught me long ago. They told me… Continue reading Needle in the Haystack: The Rise of African Americans
Year: 2016
Why We Need a Viable Third or Fourth Party Option
“In the US, we have needed an independent political party for a very long time- an anti-racist, feminist, workers party.” — Angela Davis M y political affiliation is listed as independent. I’ve registered as an independent since I was old enough to vote in the general election in 2000. When I filled out the registration card on… Continue reading Why We Need a Viable Third or Fourth Party Option
My Daddy Said Shoot
W hat happens when your husband is just like your father? In June of 2003, Beyonce broke the internet/television/radio/album sales/etc with the release of her first solo album, Dangerously In Love. I just turned 20 years old when the album dropped, and as the saying goes, it gave me life. Here was this unabashedly beautiful,… Continue reading My Daddy Said Shoot
Minister Farrakhan’s Stance on Modesty
B lack unity is the key to the rise of Blacks in America, so it is not with vitriol that I write this piece, but I’m taught by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan to argue in the best of manner. It is in this spirit that I, an 18-year-old Black Muslim girl, write to disprove… Continue reading Minister Farrakhan’s Stance on Modesty
On Louis Farrakhan and Rape
For the last 40 years the Nation of Islam has been under the leadership of The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. Over the course of four decades, the Black community has progressed in ideologies, acceptance of the LGBTQ community, and addressing sexual violence. However on Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 during an interview with the Breakfast Club,… Continue reading On Louis Farrakhan and Rape
This, Too, Shall Pass
“The continued existence of our species is predicated on the fact that women are designed to withstand pain.” I’m not usually vain enough to quote myself, but I said that one night while otherwise inebriated and reeling from heartache, both personal and societal. But let me take a step back from that and paint a… Continue reading This, Too, Shall Pass
Healing through Haitian Folklore Dance
Strength and grace is something that is recognized when you see performers like Misty Copeland or anyone from an Alvin Ailey program dance across the stage. Unknowingly, you wouldn’t be able to tell of any suffering or pain these performers have been through, but you can sense their dedication – their passion – of giving… Continue reading Healing through Haitian Folklore Dance
Rogue’s Rules: Chapter 4
Rogue’s Rules is a work of fiction by award-winning, bestselling author Jervey Tervalon. Read the other chapters in the series here. RULE 86: What don’t kill you will probably fuck you up anyway. I figured out the deal with Barbarella soon as I met her, but day-by-day she confirmed it; she was just straight crazy.… Continue reading Rogue’s Rules: Chapter 4
Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America — An Excerpt
Excerpted from Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi (Nation Books, 2016). Reprinted with permission from Nation Books. The passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964 hardly hurt Lyndon B. Johnson’s commanding position for reelection during that election year. Johnson did face an improbable challenge… Continue reading Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America — An Excerpt
Dear Malia Obama, I Am Sorry.
Dear Malia Obama, I am sorry. I am sorry that you have decided to go to Harvard and have been subject to people who cannot hold a candle to you in any way giving the antebellum Ninety-Five Theses on why you do not belong there. Not because they are bitter colleagues of your Columbia-educated father… Continue reading Dear Malia Obama, I Am Sorry.