748 Search results for "harm"

Virginity and hymen myths must be challenged to protect Black teens like Deyjah Harris
This essay contains discussions of sexual coercion & violation, as well as invasion of sexual/medical privacy I used to go to church when I was in college. Not because I wanted to, but because I felt obligated to. I grew up in “the church”—of the Southern, Black Non-denominational Christian variety, and I hadn’t yet escaped […]
The Obamas keep attacking “cancel culture” because they are scared of being held accountable
By Marcus Board A few days ago, my feed, TL and story were covered with the Obama’s at their Foundation Summit in Chicago. Michelle went viral for saying that being a good person is the best way to show racists the error of their ways. Meanwhile, Barack lectured young people that activism is not the […]
The debate over whether we can enjoy Kanye West’s music is frustrating, but necessary
Kui Mwai On October 12, Howard students awoke to a 6 AM email from the university’s administration with a special announcement. Controversial rap legend Kanye West would be performing his infamous Sunday Service, a choral performance of his gospel-infused discography, in the Yard that very morning, in accompaniment with the many celebrities that perform during […]
How the myth that all Black parents give kids “the talk” about police is used to silence resistance
It’s interesting how so many of the stories we claim to be universal Black experiences seem to involve cutting ourselves smaller to avoid anti-Black violence. Stories involving that ever-present white woman—more perennial than any weed—who clutches her purse whenever she crosses our path, and how we all supposedly just want her to know we aren’t […]
When people defraud the world by impersonating Black womanhood
I always think of Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) whenever someone pretends to be a Black woman or disingenuously evokes our aesthetics. While there are many who outright pretend to be Black women, there are also those convinced that they can somehow actually become Black women and others who simply benefit from appropriating our […]
Why I no longer police my Black son’s behavior to make the world more comfortable
Editor’s Note: This month at BYP, we will be exploring the US Elections & Family/Parenting issues, and we are interested in publishing works that address these topics. How has our political system been working for and against us? What dynamics are different today? How should we prepare for the presidential election, and what is the […]
White Millennials can’t use generational politics to negate their privilege and racism
by Jamilah Bellinger Eric Swalwell, the once presidential hopeful, became known for his stance on generational politics, most notably, his remarks towards Joe Biden, calling on him to “pass the torch.” During his short time on the debate stage he made it clear that his solution to the most pressing issues as president would be by […]
Why bisexual people don’t owe anyone disclosure of their sexuality
By J.R. Yussuf Today marks the 31st anniversary of National Coming Out Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of civil rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. A main goal of this celebration is to help create an environment where living openly and honestly is possible. But while coming out can be incredibly validating, a […]
Prison abolition is more than a lofty theoretical. It’s also unpretty, everyday practices of resisting state policing
The man grabs her arm tightly and presses her against the gate, and in someone’s fantasy this, without context, might have been erotic. I want it to be—for her sake, I’d say if you asked—but I also want it for mine. I do not want to personally get involved in a violent dispute between strangers, […]
Mass shooters prove white supremacy doesn’t have a political party
Editor’s Note: This month at BYP, we will be exploring the US Elections & Family/Parenting issues, and we are interested in publishing works that address these topics. How has our political system been working for and against us? What dynamics are different today? How should we prepare for the presidential election, and what is the […]
How Audre Lorde taught me to love myself and my community
By Cosima Smith Audre Lorde is my personal heroine. I met her writing for the first time in my first year of university, and it has been a companion helping me work through my own internalized issues with my Blackness, my queerness, and my poorness ever since. Lorde was the first reflection of myself I […]
Why the new trailer for Netflix’s ‘Raising Dion’ feels bittersweet
by Andrew Keahey Netflix recently released the trailer for Raising Dion, an upcoming original series produced by Michael B. Jordan about a single Black mother raising her super-powered son as the government attempts to take him and use his abilities for their own nefarious purposes—or as we know it, “standard government stuff.” Based on the […]