Very Smart Brothas
-
Seven Great Videos Featuring Barbecues
Seeing as it’s the Fourth of July, I can easily go in on why fireworks are the most overrated part of Independence Day. But I don’t want to steal anyone’s joy as you all prepare to try and light wet wicks followed up by a light show in the sky that you won’t be talking…
-
On Head Scarves, Bed Time, and Women's Hair
While I rep Philly to the death of me, there is a very big part of me that was born in Washington, D.C. The best parts of me come alive when I’m in the District, probably because most of the friends I love best in the world have scattered themselves somewhere between Baltimore and Alexandria. Coming…
-
VSB Presents: The #Blackest Name In America Tournament – And The Winner Is…
VA’SHAUNDYA KARLETTE NELSON aka SHAUNIE O’NEAL *cues up The Commodores “Three Times A Lady”* I’d like to commend Va’Shaundya for daring to do the undareable. For being all she could be. For doing all she could do. For excellence in the field of Blackness. #blackexcellence as it were. For she is our 2014 winner of the…
-
The Most Divisive Topics In The Black Community
I’ve spent quite a lot of time being Black in my life. In fact, I’ve spent most of my life actively partaking in this endeavor. And do you know what I noticed during this time? Black folks are the most monolithic, non-monolithic people on the planet. That is probably not true, but rock with me…
-
Judge Throws Out George's Zimmerman's Libel Suit Against NBC
In “Why Doesn’t He Just Go Away” news, Zimmerman’s suit against NBC was thrown out due to lack of evidence. Apparently, NBC’s “Today” show ran an edited version of Zimmerman’s 911 audio, holding him in a more unfavorable light. As if that’s needed. However, NBC won, claiming they were not aware their tapes were false.…
-
The Worst Thing You Can Find Out About Your Boy
Can I tell you all a story? Even if you say no, I’m going to tell you a story. This story may be completely true. Or, it could be a possibility to illustrate a point. One may never know. So can I tell you a story? All you gotta do is say yes. Back to…
-
SCOTUS Ruling Allows "Closely-Held Corporations" to Deny Birth Control for Employees
While shaking my head furiously at the obvious women-hating this decision is laced with, I pictured a “closely held” corporation to be one that the SCOTUS is hugging tightly. Turns out, the IRS put the kibosh on my silly theory and confirmed a “closely-held corporation” is one that: 1. Has more than 50% of the…
-
VSB Presents: The #BlackestName In America Tournament – CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND
It’s all come down to this. Fight night. The big kahuna. Walla wall bing bang. It’s the moment of truth where Blackness has come ’round the bend. It’s time to put the kids to bed and determine, who has the #blackestname in America. Is it, the queen of WTFificence, Va’Shaundya Karlette Nelson aka Shaunie O’Neal,…
-
Rep Your Set: Stuffing or Dressing?
This past weekend, my delegation of Black friends here in Panama and I, all homesick and missing starchy Southern goodness, decided to tear da kitchen up and assemble like Black ass high-calorie Voltron for an elaborate, Itis-friendly Sunday dinner. Our crew—made up of HalfroPanamanians (me and two others), DMV-raised Africans, a Trinidadian-Panamanian from Brooklyn, and…
-
BET Awards 2014 Show Recap: Because We Hate Ourselves
Look, I’d be lying if I said I gave any fucks about this show. In fact, I’m watching purely to write about it. This isn’t normal. There was a time when I used to enjoy this show because I was guaranteed at least SOMETHING worthwhile. That could be the case this year as well, but…