One of the greatest perks of social media is its ability to be used as a vehicle to share stories. A user actively engaged in the forum has a high chance of learning something that will undoubtedly change her perception on a specific topic. As a man, there were certain things in life that I was… Continue reading Finding Hope
Author: Garfield Hylton
Garfield Hylton, J.D., is a dark-humored, self-deprecating misanthropist whose only hope of redemption is turning blank Google Word documents into piles of well-executed thoughts. He likes to add the suffix "J.D." on everything he writes because he understands that everything sounds better when coming from a doctor. You can listen to his podcast here: @NWAPcast.
Why I Stopped Identifying with the Struggle
On “Real,” from his debut album Food and Liquor, Lupe Fiasco rapped, “struggle…is just another sign that God loves you/cuz on the low, being po’ also teach you how to hustle.” Those lyrics became a mantra, a personal ideal to live by as the struggle had been something I’ve had to deal with my entire… Continue reading Why I Stopped Identifying with the Struggle
The Pain of Awareness
Over the last few weeks, I’ve spent a great deal of time and words capturing what has been going on around Baltimore. Whether it’s a discussion on the politics surrounding the death of Freddie Gray, the race of the officers, the comments made by the mayor or the shot of hope provided by the state… Continue reading The Pain of Awareness
But What About Black-on-Black Crime?
Social media’s coverage of police brutality cases have renewed the discussions regarding race relations in America. The conversations center on systemic racism in America evidenced by the country’s lack of respect for black lives. Unfortunately, opposition to this conversation comes in the form of placing the burden on the black community by asking: “what about… Continue reading But What About Black-on-Black Crime?
The Sad State of Depression In the Black Community
Depression is heavily misunderstood in the black community. While medical professionals see depression as a mental illness that needs proper treatment, it’s often confused as emotional angst. Its incorrect categorization is likely the cause for high rates of untreated depression found in black women and why the suicide rate for black men “between 20 and… Continue reading The Sad State of Depression In the Black Community