322 Search results for "poet"

  There exists a certain irony that arises when Black artists attempt to achieve recognition in a country where Western European notions of what constitutes talent still predominates the artistic landscape. Recently, fellow blogger Anti-Intellect wrote a blog over at Funky Dineva challenging the Black community’s apparent outrage at Kerry Washington losing out on a […]

So, (Russell) Simmons’ antics are (Black) Twitter’s latest causality, I guess. In what seems to have become a weekly tradition on these internet streets, folks took to social media to call out, chastise, and blast Simmons into what they believed was proper action after his All Def Digital released a YouTube video that was unfortunate […]

20-year old AJ Thomas reflects on black womanhood, and her commitment to the struggle: “I am no longer a slave to my fears, to others opinions and perceptions of me, to stereotypes, to any negativity. I am an advocate. I am a Black woman and I WILL make a difference. I declare that today I woke up as a wild thing – as a Black woman in all of her glory, with love for herself and love for her people.”

Watch a passionate and deeply moving video of the entire BYP100 reading their collective response to the George Zimmerman verdict: “We continue to call out Black Love, Black Power and Black is Beautiful in the face of continued devaluation of Black life. We affirm a love of ALL Black life, no matter if we are in hoodies or business suits, incarcerated or in boardrooms, on welfare or in the WNBA, on the corner or in the White House.”

Cedric Lawson will be participating in the Beyond November Movement Convening, BYP’s inaugural convening of 100 Black youth leaders from across the country. He shares his hopes for the convening: More than anything, I want to become part of a deeper network of progressive African Americans who are working toward leveraging our individual and collective power to win real concrete improvements in the lives of young black people – including our own lives.

Happy Birthday to legendary poet, educator, and activist Nikki Giovanni, one of the most brilliant, prolific, and influential poets of her generation. Black Feeling, Black Talk (1967), Black Judgment (1968), Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day (1975), Love Poems (1997); too many classics to name!

This past week I became the facebook user that monotonously began searching through the lives, thoughts, and ideas of my fb friends through the convenience of my fb wall. I came upon a status update from a person that will remain nameless, that said “I make HIV look soo good.” A few thoughts cross my […]

Rhymes and Reasons interviews poet Shannon Matesky about the Hip Hop songs that changed her life: TLC’s “What About Your Friends,” Lauryn Hill’s “Everything is Everything,” and Eve’s “Love Is Blind.”

For most hip-hop heads (real and self-proclaimed), XXL Magazine is the “Holy Grail” for everything rap related. While I respect the publication’s long history of raw and unadulterated hip-hop journalism, I feel as if the 2013 Freshman list slighted some very talented and promising emcees. Each year, since 2008, XXL has released a “Top 10 […]

Join us to explore the possibilities of transforming the lives of young people through new media technologies. Featuring Cathy Cohen, Biko Baker, Martin Marcias, and more! The event takes place on April 20th, from 3 to 6pm at Experimental Station; 6100 South Blackstone Avenue, Chicago, IL

Having a mentor is crucial. It was as important for my life as my grades in school, my extra curricular activities, and my exposure to the world at large. I believe these are all things that young people need to break cycles of oppression and poverty, however, without having someone to guide you in the […]

Rhymes and Reasons interviews poet avery r. young, getting his perspective on the roots of Hip Hop: James Brown “Take Some… Leave Some”, Nina Simone “See-Line Woman”, and Gil Scott-Heron “The Bottle”