culture
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How to Have a Sane Black Celeb Wedding: These Stars Did It
Kanye West and Kim Kardashian threw the wedding of the century this past weekend. Not that there’s anything wrong with going international with a ceremony at a sixth-century-era fortress, and having Jaden Smith dress in a Batman suit (photos of which were released practically before the cake was cut). But there are options. These stars…
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California Shooter’s Sexism Is More Common Than We Care to Admit
On May 23, disgruntled student and raging misogynist Elliot Rodger, 22, killed six people and injured 13 more before apparently turning the gun on himself in a mass shooting in Isla Vista, Calif. A 141-page manifesto and a series of videos explained why, revealing a troubling trifecta of racism, sexism and sense of entitlement with…
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How Well Do You Know Maya Angelou?
Poet and author Maya Angelou, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 86, was best-known for her writing. But she lived many lives. From her stint as a calypso dancer to her civil rights activism, she had adventures, interests and other life experiences that transcended the world of words. Her biggest fans already know…
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Texas Dad Accused of Attacking Daughter Who Chose Black Dance Partner
A Texas man has been charged with attacking his young daughter while she was at a dance practice for her quinceañera, a traditional Latin American celebration of a young girl’s journey to maturity as she turns 15, Click2Houston.com reports. Aaron Aranza, 37, from Houston was slapped with charges for injury to a child under 15.…
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Watch: 50 Cent Throws a Foul Ball, Possibly the Worst Pitch Ever
50 Cent can blame his tight Mets jersey for what many people are calling the worst first pitch in the history of first pitches. On Tuesday the rapper took the mound at Citi Field in Queens, N.Y., to throw the ceremonial pitch before the New York Mets-Pittsburgh Pirates game. He did a decent job looking…
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Obama Remembers Maya Angelou, ‘a Truly Phenomenal Woman’
President Barack Obama voiced his love and appreciation for author, poet and activist Maya Angelou in a statement released Wednesday afternoon, remembering her as a “truly phenomenal woman.” “Today, Michelle and I join millions around the world in remembering one of the brightest lights of our time—a brilliant writer, a fierce friend, and a truly…
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Maya Angelou’s Words That Spoke to All Our Lives
Legendary author, poet and actress Maya Angelou, who passed away Wednesday morning at age 86, will be remembered for her uncommon wisdom as much as for her award-winning writing. Deep insight into the African-American experience and a compassionate perspective—combined with a magical way with words—equipped her to weigh in like no other on what it…
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Venus and Serena Williams Upset in the French Open
On Wednesday Venus and Serena Williams were bounced from the French Open, losing to lesser-known opponents in the second round, the Associated Press reports. In what many are calling a stunning upset, Serena, the defending French Open champion, lost to Garbine Muguruza of Spain in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2. This marks the second time that…
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Ga. Dad Charged With Child Cruelty for Making Son Carry 23-Pound Stone
A Douglasville, Ga., father has been charged with first-degree child cruelty after forcing his teen son to carry a 23-pound landscape stone on a 3-mile hike, 11 Alive reports. The 40-year-old veteran, identified as Charlie Mayes, had no criminal record and openly admitted to the police that he was using the military-style punishment because his…
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Groups Want NFL Players to Join Battle Over Washington Redskins Team Name
Several groups who find the Washington Redskins name to be offensive are asking NFL players to join the cause. The Oneida Indian Nation and the National Congress of American Indians, two groups who have been vocal about changing the team’s name, started the letter-writing frenzy that just last week had some 50 Senate Democrats penning…