culture
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Same Violence, Different Uniform: On Kaepernick Taking a Knee to Support US Military
When I first saw San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick take a knee—joined by free safety Eric Reid—during the singing of “The Star-Bangled Banner” before their game against the San Diego Chargers Thursday night, I threw up a mental black power fist. I did so because I believed it to be a show of solemn respect for…
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The Definitive Ranking of Obscure and Defunct Sneakers
It’s back-to-school time, and if you’re black and of a certain age, you know you can’t start school without a fresh pair of new shoes. Some of us mowed lawns or babysat our bad-ass cousins to save up some bread for some fresh J’s or a pair of crispy Reeboks. Others of us weren’t so…
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White America’s Definitive Code of Conduct for Black Athletes
Recently, black athletes have faced an enormous amount of scrutiny for their untoward behavior. They have continually sullied the regard and expectations of the virtuous masses of the noble, patriotic public by showing contempt for the spectators, fans and America itself. As such, we have assembled one of the whitest teams since (insert hockey team…
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5 Reasons Why DOJ Probes of Police Shootings Have No Teeth
It’s become a routine American pastime: the spotlight of a federal Justice Department probe into grisly police killings of unarmed black people. Once you’ve seen those pixelated smartphone or half-working body-camera videos spreading like brushfire on social media, it’s safe to expect next an announcement from the U.S. attorney general. Like the iconic bat signal for…
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Don’t Be Surprised if Colin Kaepernick Has More Schoolkids Sitting Out the Pledge
Editor’s note: Once a month, this column will tackle broader questions about what the country should do about gaps in achievement and opportunity. Colin Kaepernick is a role model whether you like it or not. Many view Kaepernick’s choice of protest as disrespectful to the flag, our armed forces and America itself, but the vitriol…
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4 Reasons Why Greenleaf Is the Show the Black Church Needs
Editor’s note: The following article contains spoilers. Having worked in a black church for over 10 years, I think I can say without concern of successful contradiction that church folks can be petty. From disagreements over who will sing lead in the mass-choir musical to bickering about what color the toothpicks will be at the…
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On Reclaiming ‘Boy’ and Giving Young Black Men Something to Celebrate
A few days ago I was so inspired by Chance the Rapper’s unfiltered and unwavering joy during MTV’s Video Music Awards that I had to write about it. And after chatting, my co-workers and I came up with the idea to hashtag #BlackBoyJoy. This tag already existed on social media, often used at the ends…