culture
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To the Men Who Are Hating on Ciara for Getting Engaged: Get Over It
Ciara’s been in the entertainment scene for over a decade, since she was introduced as the oddly titled princess of “Crunk & B” on her debut single, “Goodies,” in 2004. She’s had a few high-profile relationships. In 12 years, I can name three, maybe four men she’s dated. One includes Nayvadius “Future” Cash, her former…
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If You Don’t Love Our Kids, Stay Out of Our Schools
Nine-year-old Kaedyn G. goes to a private school in New Jersey. Last week at school, Kaedyn wore a hooded sweatshirt with the words “black brilliance” plainly displayed on the front of her hoodie. She was not in violation of the school’s dress code and had not broken any of the school’s rules regarding appearance. Yet…
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Need to Remove Racial Bias in Hiring for Tech Jobs? There’s an App for That
The excuse that top tech companies and large firms can’t find stellar, diverse talent will become a thing of the past if Stephanie Lampkin, founder of Blendoor, has anything to say about it. Lampkin announced the app’s official debut at a rooftop party Saturday during South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. Blendoor is a mobile…
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Kerry Washington at SXSW: We Wouldn’t Have Had a 2nd Season of Scandal Without Social Media
Kerry Washington’s social media presence is enviable. Boasting more than 3 million followers on Twitter, the Scandal star’s ability to consistently engage fans online has proved a powerful boost to ratings and viewership for the show, as well as added visibility to other projects she’s embarked on in her rise to A-list status. “I know to…
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Digitalundivided Launches BIG Innovation Center in Atlanta for Black and Latina Women in Tech
Kathryn Finney just made a huge announcement at South by Southwest 2016, one that she hopes will change the scope of tech for women of color. Let’s start at the beginning. In 2003 Finney started the Budget Fashionista, a blog all about being fabulous on a dime. By 2004 Finney’s site had become one of…
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If ‘Thick Thighs Save Lives,’ Why Are You Fat-Shaming Women? 5 Reasons You Should Stop
“You probably shouldn’t call yourself ‘an amazon’ in your profile,” he messages me. “Oh, really? And why is that?” I respond. After all, at a smooth and stacked 5 feet 10 inches—with a penchant for heels—I find that most men I match with online aren’t even at my eye level, let alone taller. I figure…
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How I Found Inner Peace Through Ballet
A few weeks ago I walked into Broadway Dance Center and bought a 10-class card, ending months of wanting and planning and needing to get back into dance, specifically ballet. I promised myself that I would dive back in when I landed in New York City in July, and then life happened. But still I…
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How a Woman’s Startup Is Helping Sow Seeds for Kids’ Financial Future
Usually, when we think about teaching kids the importance of saving and handling money, it starts with a piggy bank into which they stuff a dollar or two until they reach a particular goal, smash it open and spend it all on that one thing. However, Brooklyn, N.Y., mom Tanya Van Court came up with…
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Obama at SXSW: Tech Isn’t Just About the Next Cool Thing; It’s About Creating Opportunity
President Barack Obama arrived at the annual South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, on Friday to call on the tech industry and other digitally savvy folks to help with solving some of the country’s biggest problems. Obama took the stage and fielded questions from Evan Smith, the co-founder and editor of the Texas Tribune.…
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‘Post-Racial’ Racism, Explained
What is Joe’s Crab Shack? Joe’s Crab Shack was, until Wednesday, the place you took a date if she was in the mood for chain store crabmeat but thought Red Lobster was too bougie. Since Wednesday, however, I’m sure it’ll be the preferred space for Donald Trump rally after-parties. Why? What happened Wednesday? While dining…