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  • Why We Need More Songs Like 'B—h Bad'

    Colorlines’ Akiba Solomon says that after seeing the video for Lupe Fiasco’s new song, which likens modern hip-hop imagery to blackface, she’s even more convinced that the artist is on to something deeper than meets the eye. Now that I’ve seen the video for the song, which likens modern hip-hop imagery to blackface, I’m even…

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  • Todd Akin Lays Bare Pro-Life Problems

    Last weekend, Rep. Todd Akin created a firestorm with his “legitimate rape” comment and theory of how a woman’s body can block unwanted fluids. Colorlines columnist Akiba Solomon thanks Akin for his publicized ignorant statements about human biology, which revealed the confusion behind the anti-abortion movement and the war on women. Frankly, I’m relieved that…

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  • How Romney Appeases Pro-Lifers With Paul Ryan

    Thanks to Paul Ryan, GOP candidate Mitt Romney is gaining, and solidifying, fans in the “anti-choice” crowd, writes ColorLines Akiba Solomon. Romney’s choice gives those who are staunchly opposed to birth control or organizations like Planned Parenthood an ally in the handsome heartland conservative. To be fair, the House budget committee chair may very well…

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  • Eric Benet's Color-Complex Payday

    ColorLines‘ Akiba Solomon unpacks what she says is the pervasive white supremacy that’s fueling the singer’s plan to cash in on “Redbone Girl” and “Chocolate Legs” merchandise. Clearly, there is nothing “BRAND NEW!” about using skin color to create or sustain buzz. Last year we saw a “Light Skin vs. Dark Skin” club night in Columbus,…

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  • AIDS 2012 Conference Shuts Out Locals

    African Americans are one of the leading ethnics groups affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic, but according to Colorlines columnist Akiba Solomon, many weren’t able to join the conversation during last week’s AIDS 2012 Conference. Hopeful local volunteers were left outside trying to figure out a way to lend a hand in the fight against a…

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  • Food Stamps and the Scary 2012 Farm Bill

    ColorLines‘ Akiba Solomon warns of the real-life consequences for one in seven U.S. residents if SNAP cuts are passed. Hear me out on what may seem like a wonky point: The Farm Bill, which expires every five years, is critical. It covers agriculture, conservation and forestry policy, international food aid — and SNAP, the program…

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  • Obamacare Ruling Fails Black Women With HIV

    ColorLines‘ Akiba Solomon details what she says are “serious, buzz-killing holes” in the Affordable Care Act. As I’m sure you’ve heard by now, women have a lot to gain from the parts of the Affordable Care Act that remain intact. Co-pay-free birth control! Annual Well Woman exams! Legal protection against gender-based price gouging! But there are still some serious, buzz-killing…

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  • Maybe Lupe Fiasco's 'B–ch' Isn't Bad

    When progressive listeners hear the term “b—ch” in a rap song, it can be easy to disregard the track’s message. However, Akiba Solomon writes for Ebony, in the case of Lupe Fiasco’s newest single. “B—ch Bad,” perhaps the smarties shouldn’t be so quick to judge and take a few minutes to hear Fiasco out. I…

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  • Black Women Shouldn't Be Embarrassed by 'Love & Hip Hop'

    ColorLines’ Akiba Solomon says that the antics of the women on VH1’s infamous reality series aren’t humiliating; rather, they’re part of a sad story about the economic exploitation that takes place in the entertainment industry. As a cultural observer who is sometimes crippled by Lauren Olamina-level empathy for flawed characters, I’m conflicted about “Love &…

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  • Gender's Role in CeCe McDonald's Imprisonment

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