culture
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We Are All Insecure
Eight weeks ago, The Root published an article I wrote, titled, “Is Insecure Preying on Black Women’s Insecurities?” It was a simple question, based on an honest concern I’d had while previewing the show prior to its debut on HBO: As viewers—and, at times, voyeurs—of Insecure, what was our intended takeaway? Was there a deliberate…
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The Root’s manCODE and Young, Fabulous & Female Events Head to Atlanta on Dec. 5!
The Root will be hosting two of our favorite events the same night in Atlanta, and whether you’re a man or woman, you won’t want to miss out! If you’re looking for a girls’ night out filled with networking, great conversation and fun, come join us for our Young, Fabulous & Female event in Atlanta…
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Empire Recap: Cookie vs. Clair Huxtable
Remember that hilarious episode in season 1 when Boo Boo Kitty had to give etiquette lessons to Cookie? No? That didn’t happen then, but in this episode, Cookie finally learns to behave like a lady in a played-out scenario that goes on too long for my taste; but on the upside, it’s a Cookie-centric episode…
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What Does a Trump Presidency Mean for the AIDS Epidemic in Black America?
It’s no secret that the reality of President-elect Donald Trump scares the hell out of many of us. Granted, our situation was suspect under eight years of President Barack Obama, but it cannot be denied that there’s much more at stake for African Americans after Inauguration Day. This includes the threat of millions of Americans…
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On World AIDS Day, Let’s Talk About How HIV-Criminalization Laws Won’t Lead to an AIDS-Free Generation
On Dec. 1 of each year, the global community celebrates World AIDS Day—a day that provides an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV and to commemorate those who have died from AIDS. This year marks the 28th anniversary of the first-ever global-health day, which started…
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Confessions of a Bad Dad on the Eve of His 2nd Child
As my wife and I careen into the last few weeks of her pregnancy and prepare for life with our new little girl, it’s beginning to dawn on me just how bad a job I’ve been doing as a parent for our first daughter. Four, almost five, years into the game, and I’m finally coming…
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If You Name It Love Jones, They Will Come
In 1997, when my college roommate and I left the premiere of Love Jones, we headed to the nearest drugstore to find a lipstick to match Nina Mosley’s. My best friend got Nina’s haircut. I teased her mercilessly, but I was secretly envious. I bought the soundtrack, the VHS and, later, the DVD. Find any…
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Young M.A.: The Most Visible Black Queer Woman in Hip-Hop Is a Misogynist
Young M.A., a gritty rap phenom who channeled the swagger of Brooklyn and the heart of ’90s East Coast hip-hop, slid onto radio airwaves across the nation in the throes of Drake’s Summer Sixteen Tour. “Ooouuu,” her viral single, is the first mainstream hip-hop record by an out, masculine-presenting lesbian that contains explicit affirmations of…
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Unsung: The Story of House Music and Pioneer Frankie Knuckles Is Long Overdue
Those tuning in Wednesday night to TV One’s Unsung: Frankie Knuckles and the Roots of House will get an unexpected surprise. Unlike previous Unsung episodes, this one is extremely ambitious. Using Frankie Knuckles—the universally recognized “Godfather of House Music” who is perhaps best known for “The Whistle Song”—as its anchor, Unsung dares to tell the…
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What to Make of Kanye West?
This piece started off quite differently. You see, after years of skating around the margins of the sentiment, I’d finally leaned into full-on “F—k Kanye West” mode. It followed years of annoyance at his trend of constantly obnoxious and solipsistic behavior. Even his admission during a recent concert that he didn’t vote at all Nov. 8…