culture
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What Would R. Kelly Have to Do to Make His Supporters Turn Against Him?
Last week R. Kelly was invited onstage to perform at the Soul Train Awards—an event that was as close to a Memorial Day BBQ at a black family’s house as you’ll ever see on live TV. The only thing missing was an uncle in tube socks and flip-flops burning his shins while deep-frying a turkey.…
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No, Ayesha Curry Did Not Slut-Shame Women With Her Tweets
I’ve been following the drama over Ayesha Curry’s tweets from this past weekend, in which she casually chatted about her preference for wearing “classy” clothes instead of more revealing, “trendy” wears. I’ve been throwing the illest side eye at responses in editorials, on social media and even among my friends as I read about how…
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Berry Gordy Had and Is Still Having a Wonderful Time
Stories. Berry Gordy has them. Stories of Diana Ross, whom he once romanced, leaving Motown for $20 million. Stories of Stevie Wonder’s mother’s list of demands before she would allow her child to sign with the label, which included a washer and dryer. Stories of Rick James smoking ”Mary Jane” in the studio. And stories…
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150 Years of Freedom
One hundred and fifty years ago this Sunday, the shackles of bondage were finally shorn from every former slave in the United States. Now a group of influential African Americans are seeking to have Dec. 6 formally recognized as “Abolition Day.” “Abolition Day marks a key moment in history and should not be overlooked,” says…
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10 Things I’ve Learned Since I Lost My Job
Dear Former Employer, Welcome to my independence day. You actually instituted it. Three years ago I walked into your suite on the seventh floor of that glassy office building as I had every workday at 9 a.m. for nearly two years. Before I could go to the kitchenette to fill my water cup, I was…
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Sisters of Comedy Is Proof That Black Women Need Entertainment That Truly Represents Us
Laughter has healing power. And with the violent climate plaguing not only our own country but the entire world, it’s obvious that we need healing right now. That’s where activist, writer and filmmaker Agunda Okeyo comes in. She understands that joy battles pain, and so she’s married her love of activism with dynamic black comediennes…
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Remember When Chris Brown Was a Talented Teenager With a Bright Future?
Within two minutes of the video for his single “Run It!” Chris Brown hit a to-the-floor half-split that would make James Brown proud. On that same song, Chris Brown made it clear in his lyrics that he was wise beyond his ears: “I’ll have you thinking I can’t be 16,” he warned in the first…
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The Case for Paying College Athletes to Play
Billions of dollars are at stake in the college football business. The NCAA and college presidents need to move faster in providing more-equitable compensation and after-college insurance to football players. Recently, the NCAA took a small step toward reforming the fiscal abuse of young athletes by allowing universities to pay them a stipend. But real…
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Jurors Visibly Shaken When Video of Freddie Gray’s Arrest Is Played in Court
The mood in the courtroom Thursday during the testimony of Freddie Gray’s best friend, Brandon Ross, 31, was heavy. The room was silent and still after those present heard the screams and pleading from Ross and bystanders on the cellphone-video footage. It was a solemn reminder of the personal stakes of this case that has…
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7 Reasons Why The Wiz Live! Was #BlackExcellence
You can put your Twitter fingers away. With captivating performances, updated dialogue and visually stunning costumes and set decorations, The Wiz Live! was a resounding hit. Anticipatory buzz grew louder and louder over the past few days leading up to last night’s debut of The Wiz Live! on NBC. Some people were excited (and nervous) about the chance to…