theory & essay
-
I'm 29 Years Old, And I Just Moved Back Home With My Parents
I have been here in Hampton, Virginia, with my entire damn family for about a month. My goal here is to get my mind, body, and bank account back on track while competing for the title of America’s Next Top Mama’s Boy. My sister, nieces, the children of countless family friends and I all grew…
-
For Bougie Black Girls Who Appreciate 'Anaconda'
Let me just start by saying that I really enjoy Nicki Minaj’s ‘Anaconda’ video. Maybe even a little too much. I ran it back six times after the first watch. I credit that to some level of much-needed escapism with all that’s been going on in the news in the past few weeks. Like manna…
-
Yep, Guys Really Are Just As Messy As We Claim Women Are
Monday nights in my life are good for two things: vh1’s Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta and Hit The Floor (and now apparently Atlanta Exes). They provide just the right balance of ratchet and “WTF did I just see on my television” to keep me balanced, especially in the wake of the past week’s on-going and non-stop…
-
My Name Is Tonja. And I Think About Committing Suicide
“Ain’t too much sadder than…” I was a Robin Williams stan growing up. And, yes, most of that had to do with his voice work as “Genie” in Aladdin. But, when I saw that, I had to see it all. Mrs. Doubtfire. Hook. Good Will Hunting. Ferngully. Jumanji. The Birdcage. Even a little ‘Mork & Mindy.’ He was…
-
Fear, Love, And Robin Williams
There’s one part about being in love that people currently there don’t really share. Admittedly, this seems practical. I imagine they want others to eventually be there too, so they volunteer personal examples of the want, weightlessness, and fulfillment associated with it to make others eager to join their club. I’m currently experiencing this. And…
-
Trying And Failing To Make Sense Of The Murder Of Mike Brown
I was at dinner with friends the night the Zimmerman verdict was announced, making plans for the rest of the evening. It was between bites that Twitter informed me about the jury’s decision, and my appetite and resolve that justice would be served evaporated in the same breath. We didn’t go out that night. Mike…
-
On Returning To America After Life In Panama
I just moved back to the States after roughly two-and-a-half years in Panama City. I spent my time there teaching Business English, dance, and fitness classes, as well as becoming fluent in Spanish. I also consumed enough calories to put your most bisonly uncle to shame and learned about my family’s Panamanian/Jamaican roots. It was…
-
Why Gospel Rap Struggles for Acceptance
“…people ask for God, ’til the day he comes/see God’s face, turn around and run/God sees the face, of the man/God shakes his head, says he’ll never understand…” ~ Dice Raw of The Roots, “Understand” …and then you shoot your cousin I’m not a fan of gospel rap. Well most of it anyway. I’ve listened to…