culture
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#RapedByMorehouse: Allegations of a Rape Cover-Up at Spelman Spark Controversy
Many young women and men arrive at Atlanta University Center, that bastion of black excellence and prestige, believing that it will provide shelter from the violence, sexual and otherwise, that lies beyond its gates. In January, BuzzFeed’s Anita Badejo, in the investigative report “Our Hands Are Tied Because of This Damn Brother-Sisterhood Thing,” delved into…
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Captain America: Civil War Is the Blackest Movie Marvel Has Ever Made
In the last few years of the Obama era, the phrase “ __ is the blackest thing ever” has become a bit overused. Beyoncé’s latest video is the blackest thing ever! This meme is the blackest thing ever! Barack/Michelle just did the blackest thing ever! And so on, and so on. The problem is that…
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Mom of the Year: Holly Robinson Peete’s Reality Is All Too Real
We were first introduced to Holly Robinson Peete as the doe-eyed doyenne from 21 Jump Street in the ’80s, a brown girl on TV who used to bust wayward teens with heartthrob Johnny Depp. Fast-forward 30 years, and Peete is now the mother of four, married for 20 years, an entrepreneur working on her own lifestyle…
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Wintley Phipps Is Inspiring Dreams by Keeping at-Risk Youths Out of Prison
Wintley Phipps is a force of nature, standing amid a children’s choir, belting out the gospel classic “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” The performance, at Tuesday night’s 15th annual Power of a Dream Gala, was for a glittering crowd gathered to share his passion for keeping at-risk children out of prison. “When…
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The List of Demands Ludacris Made for His 15-Minute Performance at the University of Ga. Is Pretty Ridiculous
There are very few things in 2016 that take me by surprise—after all, we live in a world where our federal government can look at my paltry checking account and insist that I owe them more money than they already take out of my pay stub. At this point, someone could tell me, “Hey, that…
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The Guy I’m Dating Wants to Put Us on Pause While He Studies. Should I Be Offended?
The guy I’m dating is studying for a certification and pretty much said that’s his biggest priority for the next few weeks and that his free time will be dedicated to studying. Should I be offended? Understanding? How should I handle this? —Anonymous It sounds like the guy you’re seeing might be studying for a…
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Hey, Aisha Tyler, Going to a PWI Isn’t ‘Brave’ and Not Everyone at an HBCU Is the Same
There are very few conversations I find more cringe-inducing and exhausting than the debate over whether or not it is best for a black student to attend a predominantly white institution of higher learning or one that is historically black. Everything ain’t for everybody, and not enough people on either side of the issue know…
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May the 4th Be With You: A History of Black Stars in Star Wars
The intentionally chosen May 4 is National Star Wars Day. Yes, May 4, as in “May the Fourth be with you,” playing off the classic “May the force be with you” line from the movies. While the holiday officially started in the ’70s (with the British), it has kicked into hyperdrive over the last few…
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Afeni Shakur Lived a Life of Resistance
Afeni Shakur, who died Monday at age 69, always understood the idea of resistance. In her 20s, she was a member of the Black Panther Party in New York City. When the authorities raided the group’s headquarters and charged the Panthers with 156 different charges, including 30 counts of conspiracy, she didn’t blink. She fought,…
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Director Steve McQueen’s Art Project Offers a Haunting Look at the FBI Surveillance of Paul Robeson
When director Steve McQueen was 14, a neighbor introduced him to the work of Paul Robeson. McQueen was initially intrigued by the legendary performer and activist’s commanding presence, and he began to research his career. He, like many others who have studied Robeson, was amazed. Of the level of inspiration, he said that “it was…