Rhymefest on executive producing THE PLEDGE Mixtape: “Hip Hop can be used as a tool or a weapon, and I wanted to inspire more artists to use it as a tool.” The Pledge Mixtape is a 13-song compilation of various artists taking back their communal power through music.
I am surprised by Chicago’s strategy for fighting crime. Last week’s issue of the Chicago Reader gave details as to how decriminalization came about. Not only does legalizing marijuana help Chicago’s police shortage, but the new policy also enhances the mayor’s reputation. The city’s pot smokers,at least what to do with them, determine the success […]
I’ve spent the last week treading in the liquid of a queer-flavored ambivalence, trying to determine why the Anderson Cooper and Frank Ocean coming out announcements mean less to me than other people. I have seen enough episodes of Coming Out Stories and foolishly subjected myself and my partner to the awkward anti-climax of telling my father […]
If I could speak to him directly, I would say “Frank Ocean you have become revolutionary.” Every person that breaks normative ideas of sexuality and gender becomes a revolutionist. These paradigm shifters become life changing for every little boy that grew up wanting to put on a ballerina dress but couldn’t because of the fear […]
How Can I Celebrate Independence Day in Good Faith? Every year, I find myself questioning the merits of celebrating the 4th of July as a young Black woman in America. In my more, critical/cynical days it was a mockery. How dare we burn fireworks and have barbecues in celebration of a day that was never […]
According to a recent report, spanking your child can lead to mental health issues later in life; including depression, ptsd, and alcohol and drug problems. Is it really okay to spank children?
VH1’s new series, R&B Divas will star R&B “divas” who made their name in the ‘90s–Keke Wyatt, Nicci Gilbert, Syleena Johson, Monifah, and Faith Evans. Will you watch?
NC Republicans overrode Dem. Governor Beverley Perdue’s vetoe of a law that would make it more difficult for death row prisoners to use evidence of racial bias when challenging their sentences.
Kenyan model Ajuma Nasenyana has spoken out against the practice of skin lightening and the damaging effects of a European standard of beauty. Why don’t more high profile people like Ajuma Nasenyana speak out on this issue?
Today is National HIV Testing Day, and the CDC is encouraging those between the ages of 13 – 64 to get tested. African Americans are the demographic most affected by HIV. Knowing your status is crucial to your health and others. Now is as perfect a time as any.
Check out this newly released footage of George Zimmerman reenacting the infamous altercation that took Trayvon Martin’s life. In it, Zimmerman says Martin was the aggressor and reached for his gun. What do you think?
Contrary to popular belief I don’t dislike LeBron James. I almost feel sorry for him. He has been commodified since he was about 16 years old. I was a sophomore in high school the first time I saw him on television. And then he was on the covers of magazines. All before he even arrived […]
