culture
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Yes, He Said It: ‘Mayweather Is Better Than Ali’
The conversation started with an email from Associate Editor Stephen Crockett to his colleagues, and the responses that ensued led to an exchange about race and class in America: From: Stephen Crockett To: Lyne Pitts, Danielle Belton, Genetta Adams Is the hate for Floyd so strong that white folks are embracing a Filipino fighter over…
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Scandal Recap: Like Father, Like Daughter
Operation Save Jake JAKE IS ALIVE! Somehow, Russell stabbed Jake 22 times, but missed all his major organs. Nonetheless, Jake is barely hanging on, so B613 agent Charlie calls a Russian doctor to stitch Jake back together in an underground dungeon (because rogue B613 agents don’t qualify for Obamacare). However, the doctor won’t save Jake…
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He Said I ‘Trapped’ Him With a Baby
A guy I’ve been seeing on and off for almost two years recently told me he had a dream that I got pregnant. When telling me this, he used the word “trapped.” Clearly, I was pissed. He doesn’t understand why using that particular word would imply that he thinks lowly or negatively of me. We’re…
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To the Light-Skinned Woman Who Can’t Be Friends With Darker Sisters, Skin Tone Isn’t the Problem
Years ago, a woman named Demetria sent me an email. The subject read something like, “The Other Demetria.” I did not know her, but I clicked, solely because she had my name and the narcissist in me figured she must be awesome. Turns out, she was writing to introduce herself because I had her name.…
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Cornel West Responds (Indirectly) on Facebook to Michael Eric Dyson’s Critique
What’s more important: two academics debating each other’s relevancy or the plight of the black and poor in America? Cornel West seems to think it’s the latter, or at least that’s how he has posited himself in the brewing war of words between himself and former friend Michael Eric Dyson. While Dyson took to the…
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Is Michael Sam More Gay-Rights Celebrity Than Pro Football Player?
As soon as it was reported that Jesus’ purported favorite fallen quarterback, Tim Tebow, had signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, I knew someone would bring up Michael Sam and the notion of unfairness. Enter the Outsports headline: “Tim Tebow signs with the Eagles and America asks, ‘How in the $%@& is Michael Sam not with a team?’”…
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7 Urban Farmers You Should Know
What began with community gardens has grown into a movement. Urban farming has a positive impact in neighborhoods with limited access to produce, and it is on the rise in cities across the United States. Urban farming creates jobs, beautifies blocks, provides access to healthy food and connects the community. Here are seven (of many)…
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March2Justice Brings Fight Against Police Brutality to US Capitol
It was a march for the people when Justice League NYC’s March2Justice arrived in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, attracting activists, everyday citizens and even an actor from the hit Fox TV series Empire. Hundreds had set out from New York City to call for justice for those affected by police violence. “I feel like it’s my…
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Urban Gardens Provide an Oasis of Hope and Health
With nearly 47 million Americans living under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, access to affordable fresh food is still a daily struggle for some, especially for those living in so-called food deserts, areas with limited access to healthy fruits and vegetables. But in cities across the country, where infrastructure is crumbling and vacant…
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You Can Learn a Lot About Racism in America Just by Looking at Your State Legislature
Look a little closer and you’ll find that state legislatures are some of the most unapologetic cesspools of racism in America. Which is one reason some of us cringe at that familiar concept called “states’ rights.” There’s a long history attached to that phrase, and lately, the worst interpretations of the concept have been on…