activism
-
Young Futurists 2018: These Are the Leaders This Country So Desperately Needs
If history has taught us anything, it’s that young people will always lead the way. Whether it’s the young African-American activists marching in the streets to insist that black lives do matter or the students who hit the streets on #NationalWalkoutDay to demand changes to gun laws that will keep their schools safe, it’s clear…
-
Dear White Teen Gun Control Activists: Could You Ask for a Few Things for Black America?
Dear Teen Activists: First, I want to say that I admire your work and everything you’re doing to stop America’s idiotic deification of killing machines. Your activism has already impacted this country and will likely save lives. When I saw that Walmart announced that it would allow only people age 21 or over to purchase…
-
Notes From the Field: Through Some of America’s Biggest Racial Dramas, Anna Deavere Smith Has Been Taking Notes
For over 25 years, Anna Deavere Smith has been observing us. Since the early ’90s, the Shakespearean-trained actress and playwright, best known for roles in The West Wing, Nurse Jackie and, most recently, Black-ish, has borne witness to some of the most painful moments in contemporary America’s racialized history. In the process, she has interviewed…
-
She’s Grown-ish! Happy 18th Birthday, Yara Shahidi!
Here at The Glow Up, we hate to play favorites, but we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a very special place in our hearts for actress-activist-“it” girl Yara Shahidi. While Hollywood is thankfully steadily filling with more young, black female talent, few have shared a trajectory so relatably similar to The Glow…
-
Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart Is a Loving Look at the Legacy of Lorraine Hansberry
I wanted to be able to come here and speak with you on this occasion because you are young, gifted and black. … I, for one, can think of no more dynamic combination that a person might be. … And that is why I say to you that, though it be a thrilling and marvelous…
-
Feeling Good, Finally? Nina Simone’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Is a Bittersweet Victory
In the world of women in music, there are queens, princesses, first ladies and even a duchess—but there has only ever been one high priestess of soul: Nina Simone. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced today that Nina Simone will be among 2018’s group of inductees—which includes rock bands Bon Jovi, Dire Straits,…
-
Watch: An 11-Year-Old Meghan Markle Shuts Down a Sexist Dish Detergent Ad
With her curly hair pulled back into a ponytail and freckles on full display, at 11 years old, Meghan Markle knew sexism when she saw it. In 1993, Markle took on a sexist soap commercial and got a chance to appear on Nick News. The commercial opens with, “Women all over America are fighting greasy…
-
Florida A&M University: Activism Since Day 1
I marched a hole in my shoes the first time. It was 2006. His name was Martin Lee Anderson and he was 14 and had been sent to boot camp in Panama City, Fla. He had stolen his grandmother’s car. She sent him to be redirected. Instead, he was killed. Seven guards. One nurse. Eight…
-
BIE, Felicia: Fighting for Justice and Our Basic Human Rights Isn’t Extremism
They are trying to turn black people into the bogeyman. They want everyone else in America to see us as a threat so that when we are killed with impunity, no one bats an eyelash. This is already happening anyway. In a country that was founded on the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit…
-
Color of Climate: How Black Activists Are Preparing South Fla. Residents to Weather the Storm of Climate Gentrification
Phalange Brutus never thought that joining a Facebook group could change his life. When the 36-year-old joined Outdoor Afro-Miami in January, he didn’t expect to see a post about climate change that would pique his interest. Outdoor Afro encourages black people to spend time in nature together and change the face of leadership in the…