-
Profile Protocol
Given all the attention to and conversation about Dr. Gates’ run-in with the Cambridge constabulary, it might be worth a brief review of how to keep oneself safe when interacting with the police. Obviously, all police don’t profile—but enough do that this has, historically, been a hot-button issue in the black community. When my co-author,…
-
When "Sorry" Isn't Enough
“Sorry” probably means more in institutional cases when there’s monetary punishment attached. The swim club in Philadelphia that rejected a class of black children recently may well find that they’re VERY sorry for having taken that action. And I suspect the Cambridge Police Department will be doing more than finding its treatment of Harvard professor…
-
Invisible Woman
One recent Saturday afternoon, a friend and I were in a newly-hip part of LA grocery-shopping in one of those stores that caters to the Urban Affluent. On our way out, we were in the elevator that goes to the garage, when we heard someone coming toward the elevator. So we held the door. A…
-
Sharing Too Much On Your Shirt
Walking back from the Staples Center memorial for Michael Jackson earlier this week, it was obvious that thanks to hundreds of urban entrepreneurs, all manifestations of Michael—from little brown boy to…well, to whoever he was at the end—would live on long after the last security cordon had been taken down. The brother had been well…
-
Grace Through The Pain
They looked lovely and dignified, they sat grieving but proud. Their friends gave moving tributes to their son, brother and father. At the BET Awards last week, when his fans were still shocked at Michael’s death, a heartbroken Janet took the stage to remind the audience “to you, Michael is an icon, but to us,…
-
Dying Under Complicated Circumstances
Even before Michael Jackson’s death was officially announced, fans began to gather—at his home, at the hospital he was whisked to, in traditionally black neighborhoods around the country (and far beyond)—to mourn and celebrate the genius of his life. But I suspect after the first shock wears off, there will be some musing aloud about…
-
My House, Your Kids: Whose Mama Rules?
A little while ago, I was at a party where children were invited. It was held on the rooftop of a beachfront building, with a staircase to an observation deck. At one point, a six year old was scampering up and down the stairs—unsupervised, as his mother was enjoying drinks with her colleagues at the…
-
A Day For Fathers–and Father Figures
Father’s day is one of those occasions that puzzles a lot of us: What do you give your dad this year when he still hasn’t used that after-shave you gave him in 2008? There are only so many grill accessories, frightful ties and gag gifts you can pile on him. So consider this: consider saying…
-
About Your Crack Habit: Pull Those Pants UP!
Forgive me if I’ve been innoculated with a little Coz, but young brothers, you have to start pulling up those pants! If you want to slink around the house in your flip-flops with your boxers ballooning over the way-too-low waistband of your jeans, right on, be free. But when you step out in public dressed…
-
Thanks So Much–I Hate It!
Dear Come Correct: My husband and I try to give a little something to every child who sends us a graduation announcement or notice. It’s just our way of saying “great! Keep it up!” But this year, we got an announcement from a high school senior who isn’t graduating. I know this because his mother…
Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
