theory & essay
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On the Closing of Bohemian Caverns and the Void It Leaves in DC
(This is long. And yes, that’s what she said.) Because I started blogging, a significant number of opportunities came my way. One of the most significant was my relationship with Bohemian Caverns, and the ownership team of Omrao Brown, Sashi Brown, and Jamal Starr, who all became family for me. In particular, Omrao Brown became…
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Why The Flats Are The Best Part Of Chicken Wings (Yes, Better Than The Drums), Explained
What are chicken wings? Bottomless brunch buffets and unexpected direct deposit are possibly the only things consistently better than well seasoned and properly cooked wings. What about bad wings? I’m trying to think of an analogy to articulate and contextualize the cocktail of disappointment, anger, incredulousness, and confusion that occurs when faced with a shitty…
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Cheap-Ass Travel-Related Things I'm Just Too Damn Old To Continue Doing
Daylight Savings has run up and kicked all of our collective asses. Which means spring seems to finally be coming around the corner, and it’s time to rub what little coins I have together and start planning out my excursions for the rest of the year. Not only do I need the occasional respite from…
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Why I'm Over The Carefree Black Girl Label
The advent of the social media era has brought about a great many things – some good, some bad – and notably it has facilitated the emergence of safe and thriving spaces for underrepresented people of color, both men and women. Worldwide, communities of Back women have been able to stand in their glory and…
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Dancing The Blues Away: How Ballet Became My Therapy
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 in July, and then life happened, but still I rise,…
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I Just Can't Stop Eating Food That's Bad For Me (Because It's So Damn Good!)
On any given Sunday — or really, any day that ends with “y”— I have the consumption habits of a 13-year old boy. I’m talking gigantic, carb-heavy meals that prominently feature either rice, cassava, or potatoes, and a a big ole chunk of meat that I can do away with with aplomb. I’m the queen…
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An Open Letter To Everybody Involved in the Creation of Rihanna's "Higher"
Dear Love Haters: I recently took the time to check out Rihanna’s newest album, Anti, which was a much different sound from her than I expected. I’d heard many people talk about the album’s direction not being the typical paint-by-numbers Rihanna album, but waited to check it out. It’s quite a good album. It’s all pleasant surprise…
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Dear Black Men: Black Women Always (Always!) Show Up To Events. Why Don't You?
In 1999, girl group 702 (which included my boo-in-my-head at the time, Kameelah Williams) released the song “Where My Girls At?” It is a great song from a great group from the ’90s that brings me much joy and happiness. Well, it’s 2016, and I’m asking, “Where my dudes at?” Why am I asking this?…