Artwork: Wak, Watch Where You Pointin’ That Thang!!! “Ms. April, did somebody die?” four-year old Justin asks as we pass by a makeshift memorial. Justin lives in the same neighborhood where Mike Brown was killed two years ago. Understanding the importance of giving children age-appropriate answers to their questions, I respond, “Yes honey, someone died.”…
Category: CULTURE
When Doing it For the ‘Gram Goes Wrong
Artwork: “Hip Hop Youth”by Banksy We’ve all seen the viral videos: kids cursing about their presents, twerking on each other, dressed with chains and their pants sagging and the list unfortunately goes on. We laugh. We re-tweet. But we don’t think about the consequences, legally and mentally, that are the results of our crying face…
The Obvious Impact of “Hidden Figures”
Sunday night, the SAG Awards reminded us about the great films, particularly black films, that graced the screens in 2016. Denzel Washington brought home Best Actor while his co-star Viola Davis became the first black actress to win five SAG Awards for their work in Fences; Mahershala Ali won for Best Supporting Actor for his…
Dear Black Women: Just Sit This One Out
Originally posted on Sweet Tea & Baby Jesus To my melanin rich sisters: let’s not mince words. America did a number on us on Election Day. Deep down, we knew. Didn’t we? We sucked it up when Hillary was nominated and said OK, I guess I’m with her. Sure, she was qualified for the position,…
Scandal Me Please: A Proud Addict of a Powerful Black Woman
“Hi, my name is Niccole, and I’m addicted to Scandal.” *crowd responds* “Hi Niccole!” And to be perfectly honest, I’m a proud addict to this award-winning, culture-shifting series–even if I wasn’t totally ecstatic by the last season—it doesn’t matter. I’m a ride-or-die fan and I can’t wait to tune in tonight! LOVE IT OR HATE…
He’s Only Three and He WILL Remember
Artwork By: C’Babi Bayoc, “Safety Net” It’s Monday night and I’m curled up on my couch ready to indulge in my favorite form of self-care: ratchet T.V. (don’t judge. It’s my self-care J )And my guilty pleasure is none other than Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta. This episode focuses on Scrapp DeLeon preparing for a…
Kinky Curly Me: How My Natural Hair Journey Changed Me From the Inside Out
Photography by: Mambu Bayoh I’m always the first to say it: Hair is our most natural accessory. You don’t need any money at all to change it. Shave it off – it grows back! Change the color… change it back. Straighten it, curl it, iron it, twist it, braid it. Put it in a ponytail,…
H.E.R. Crisis 