culture
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My Religious Parents Never Let Me Celebrate Halloween, but Things Are Different for My Kid
Never, not once, did I ever celebrate Halloween as a kid. I never dressed up in costume or went trick-or-treating. On Halloween, I stayed on the porch, handing out candy to my friends in the neighborhood as they went from door-to-door. My parents were in the Nation of Islam when I was born. And although…
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Instagram Celebrates Everyday Women With Its Amazing #MyStory Initiative
On Monday, over 250 people attended Instagram’s launch of #MyStory, a celebration of women on the social media platform. Every day, women use Instagram to share their visual stories. In the process, they are building audiences and leading communities all over the world. #MyStory seeks to draw attention to these women—artists and activists, scientists and…
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The 2nd-Dumbest Reason to Hate NBA Basketball Has Everything to Do With the NFL
At the moment, the New England Patriots, partially fueled by a gaggle of sociopathic self-righteousness after being “vindicated” in Deflategate, are undefeated and would seem to be the early favorites to win the Super Bowl. This information should come as no surprise to anyone who’s even a casual fan of the NFL. Because that exact-same thing…
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Being Mary Jane Recap: For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide
I actually feel sorry for Mary Jane. Last season I called her insufferable more times than I care to count because, well, she’s exhausting. But within the first three episodes of season 3 of Being Mary Jane, I find myself wishing that the complicated woman we’ve grown to love and hate could catch a break…
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TV One’s Unsung Reveals the Realness of Chanté Moore
“I think Chanté exemplifies the title Unsung,” says Jermaine Dupri’s father, Michael Mauldin, who once managed Chanté Moore. And he definitely has a strong argument. It’s hard to see how Moore—stunningly beautiful, with a pleasant personality, down-to-earth demeanor, killer vocals and strong songwriting chops—didn’t drown in gold and platinum plaques. After all, quite a few…
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10 Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas You Can Create at Home
Halloween is right around the corner, and for those of you who have yet to find a costume, here are 10 last-minute, pop-culture-inspired costumes that you can achieve with items lying around your house. 1. Uncle Denzel A goofy grin and your favorite fitted cap will transform you into Uncle Denzel. Ask everyone you meet: “How…
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Great 1st Date, but He Might Still Be Stuck on His Ex
I went on a first date with a guy and had an amazing time. We talked until the restaurant was literally closing on us. The next day, he says he wants to be up front with me, so it doesn’t seem like we are starting with a lie. When he and his ex-fiancee were together,…
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Yes, You Should Give Your Child an Allowance
Harriette Cole is the author of the book of meditations 108 Stitches: Words We Live By and a contributing editor at The Root. Follow her on Twitter.