fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
#blacklivesmatter
Tags: Equality, BlackLivesMatter, Poetry, Justice, Black Women

When @adamroa said

“ The blackout is just another way to keep the blacks out”

I felt it.

I don’t mean literally

I felt it because my

entire feed had turned black

Quite visually

Darkness had resided

Every hue was visible

except for the people,

who just stood by.

Every screen reflected #blacklivesmatter

but instead of celebrating the diversity of race,

and accepting that inclusion is the way

they went on,

playing with the same hashtags as I do today,

follow the same tribe,

because ultimately we just subscribe, right?

So where’s the inclusion I ask,

Is it all framed

Even with a mask?

The Glamour of the west is such a hype

that hardly,

for our own people, there’s an outcry.

When you change your profile to black,

show your support to avoid any apolitical attack

Think back to when you said

‘eww, dreadlocks are hideous’

or

‘their hair is too wild for my vibe’.

So when @adamroa said, “The blackout is just another way to keep the blacks out”.

I felt it.

I feel it.

For all the ones who just reel it.

So next time when you use #blacklivesmatter,

know who they are,

their history,

their culture,

their struggles.

I know it’s difficult to understand someone’s troubles,

but let’s burst our own bubble.

For our own sisters and brothers,

who don’t need a pompous show

but us, together, to grow.
Mama’s Gun…& Me.
By: Charmeise Jackson
Tags: Health, Erykah Badu, Music, Black Women, Fibroids

The night before I checked myself into the hospital this past May is something I won’t forget. I had spent all that day, and the day before in a haze. My “annoying cramps” had increased to full blown discomfort, coupled with aggressively vomiting anything I tried to consume. I was also lethargic beyond compare and had no energy to do anything besides lay there and Postmates Gatorades and McDonalds. I had no clue what the hell was wrong with me, but naively believed that I had caught some sort of stomach bug or food poisoning. At one point, after I had thrown up my food — I actually thought that I was beginning to feel better, but soon after the twists in my stomach would return even stronger than before.

As I lay in bed that night, trying my absolute hardest to sleep, I listened to my music and stared up at the moon that shone directly into my window. Then “Green Eyes” came on. Airy and slow. It was exactly what I needed in that moment-a distractor- but not an overbearing one. It made me feel reflective, not just of what was happening to me right then, but of relationships (both romantic and plutonic), job experiences, the pandemic and state of the world. Listening to “Green Eyes” that night, I could not help but cry mostly because it was the only thing I could do to really express myself. I listened to it on repeat for 20 minutes before I let the rest of the album play.

Listening to Mama’s Gun was like listening to a movie of my life. I was not unfamiliar to some of the songs, but as a grown woman, who at this point was facing grown woman problems, I listened to the album differently. Lyrics which had at first sat on the surface like a glaze, were really beginning to sink in.

Hearing Erykah chant, “I’m alright with me” over and over again on “Cleva” touches my soul a lot more now that it would when I was 9. My sense of urgency is revitalized when I listen to “Time’s a Wastin’” and “Green Eyes” is the rollercoaster of emotions that I find myself on most days; reflecting on the choices I’ve made, and the insecurities that sometimes come with relationships. Overall though, to me, it represents the freedom felt when you go through and come out of all those things.

It also happened to come at a moment when I was going through multiple life changes. I knew, but still had not grasped the fact that I was moving to Texas in the coming months, and another part of me was still processing the fact that I had lost my job in April. I was blessed in the sense that I could collect unemployment (making more than I had at my former job anyway) but now, I was experiencing health problems. I laid there, listening to Ms. Badu until I managed to fall asleep, and the next morning I arose with not only a renewed sense of appreciation for her, but a determination to get myself to the hospital. I could not take it anymore, I had to feel better.
Big Sean’s music video for “Body Language” is a celebration of Black love.
By: Nia Simone Mcleod
Tags: Short Form, Culture, Music, Hip Hop, Black Women

Subscribe to my newsletter for a new, curated list of creative inspiration from people of color every week.

Nia Simone McLeod is a writer, content creator, and pop culture enthusiast from Richmond, Virginia. Follow her on Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram for more dope digital content.
The Power of Flo Jo
By: Zora Editors
Tags: Florence Griffith Joyner, Culture, Flo Jo, Sports, Black Women

Florence Griffith Joyner of the USA celebrates her 100m win during the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea. Photo: Allsport UK/Allsport/Getty Images

The inimitable Florence Griffith Joyner was a force. A record-breaking and fashion-forward force. Though she’s best known for sprinting her way to the history books and rocking the ultra long nails and colorful one-legged track suits, she was also a business-savvy force. That savviness blazed a path for Black female athletes to take in becoming athletic icons and million dollar brands, writes Amira Rose Davis in a retrospective for ZORA earlier this year.

“From her brand development to her fashion line, from the way her body was policed to her unapologetic fusion of athletic excellence with Black femininity, Flo Jo created a playbook for Black female athletes who later built brands in their own image. The track icon’s shrewd business moves and aplomb made way for her colossal and continual cultural influence that extends far beyond any finish line she crossed.”

Above, Flo Jo, who would have been 61 today, created a rich legacy that lives within track and field stars Natasha Hastings and Sha’Carri Richardson and tennis legends Venus Williams and Serena Williams. Flo Jo showed us all that we have the power to shape what greatness looks like.
Cloudspotting
By: Nia Simone Mcleod
Tags: Nature, Free Verse, Poetry On Medium, Poetry, Black Women

Cloudspotting

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels

i was once told that

cloudspotting is

Mother Nature’s

inkblot test

what you see says

far more about you

than you could

ever explain

i’ve never told anyone

about what i’ve seen

in the clouds

i always wondered

that if i told someone

what i’ve seen

my innermost thoughts,

emotions, and feelings

would unfold

in front of them

like a piece of origami

in the hands of a

wide-eyed child

then they would accuse me

of being a horrible person because

i told them that a cloud

i saw reminded me of

Borat’s mustache

so

i keep my mouth shut

and my eyes open

blissful ignorance

is my love language

i don’t ask questions

i don’t want to know

the answers to

i just sit, mesmerized

by skies of blue

and clouds of white, grey,

pink, orange, and red

whether i see dancing elves,

or a bag of flamin’ hot Cheetos,

or…just a cloud

what i see in the clouds

is between me and the clouds

What has been your favorite hobby during the pandemic? If you write a poem about it, tag me in it! I’d love to read it.

Enjoyed this poem? Check out my others:
Self Love Is the First Love for a Brown Girl
By: Chitara Smith
Tags: Women, Love, BlackLivesMatter, Self Love, Black Women

Photo by Tomaz Barcellos from Pexels

In orchestra class, two minutes before the bell I decided to join the beat. Three black girls, the one with cornrows was beatboxing. The other with loose curls and semi harmonic swaying added sporadic “aye” the last gave hypnotic lyrics to move to. I, on the other hand, gave in timed faux moans stereotypical of rap songs. And we made music. All smiles, movement, and brown skin, it was beautiful. I heard a “why aren’t we signed with a label”. A black woman’s love is radical, revolutionary. Beautiful.

Our whole lives we’ve been taught to hate every part of ourselves, from our twisting hair to our sun-kissed skin. For so long I tried to fit the eurocentric beauty mold and now I’m liberated. Self-liberation was a fanatical discovery because I, in all my naivety, was completely unaware of my oppression.

I was comfortable in it, this form of unawareness that I lived in every day was as fitting to me as my skin. Then I realized how uncomfortable my skin was. I could no longer wait around for someone else to love me for me. I had to do that for myself, for life has taught me that the only person that can save you is you.

I’m vain in the most beautiful way. My fro, that I had no idea that I had, that I deemed ghetto, is the most brilliant thing in my universe. My fro and all its twisting, twining complexities absorb positive energy from Andromeda and emits them throughout my entire being. I believe God must have known that I’d have an overwhelming affection for Nutella because he made me the exact color of it. The sun loved me so much that it kissed me more than the rest.

Vanity at its finest. Then even more radical than the self-love of a black woman is the love of other black women.

We black women fight like all holy hell. Light skin vs Dark skin. Sister against Sisters. We have been told since the day we were born that our enemy is other black women. Some brilliant mind planned that because they know that solidarity within the black community means global upheaval and the timely demise of the patriarchy. United we are stronger so we’ve been kept divided amongst ourselves.

When I see other black girls I think how can I help you reach your goals? How can I be a positive influence on other black women? It’s a complex life to lead but I wouldn’t choose another if I could. Love is quite something, isn’t it?
Homegirl Magazine’s Guide to Thoughtful Gift Giving
By: Homegirl Magazine
Tags: Kindness, Lifestyle, Holiday Gift Guide, Shopping, Black Women

The 2020 holiday season is different. One might say there’s something trite about waiting for the holiday season to express love and gratitude, but 2020 has been a very different year. Your efforts? They all count. And there has never been a better time than YESTERDAY to make your feelings known or give someone their flowers.

Homegirl Magazine’s Guide to Thoughtful Gift Giving

Live Indoor Plant

Gifting a houseplant is peak hospitality vibes. Bring nature and healing to your loved one’s abode with a resilient Sansevierias (snake plants) or philodendron. Aside from adding literal life to a space, many plant types are excellent for purifying indoor air quality and mood boosting.

Organic Skincare

Our skin is our body’s largest organ. There’s nothing like a body butter, cleansing oil, or exfoliating scrub to encourage someone you love to pamper themselves.Depending on commitment and skill, DIY skincare is a Pinterest search away with many recipes requiring ingredients you already have at home. Or you can shop boutique and black owned.

Party Pop: Wild Thoughts — Uoma Beauty

Makeup

There’s so much diversity in makeup, from lashes, to lipgloss, to nail polish and brushes.

Mail a Letter or Make a Playlist

Love don’t cost a thing. Say it in a letter. Say it with a song. If there’s one thing we’ve learned in 2020 is to say how you feel.

Send Flowers (or GrubHub)

Sending flowers is great anytime. Flowers are one of the most thoughtful and earnest gifts we can give to someone we are thinking of. Try sending flowers from a florist local to the person you’re gifting. If all else fails, send food from a Black owned restaurant nearby.

A Journal, Stationary, or Stamps

The benefits of journaling are plentiful. A journal can be used many ways, including keeping ideas organized, creative writing, and goal setting. But taking things a step further to encourage letter writing as a way to stay connected while also supporting the livelihood of the United States Postal Service by pre-purchasing stamps.

Health & Wellness App Subscription

In recent years, apps make the routine of wellness more accessible. While many mindfulness apps offer trial periods or basic services for free, premium subscriptions are available a for a fee. Sending a self care app’s premium version as a gift to your friend is an effortless way to help her achieve self care no matter where she goes. Paying for even one month of premium service can make all the difference in jump starting or improving her self care journey.

Du Froid — Shari.co

Candles

We don’t care what anybody says, candles are always a great gift.

Art

There’s something special about gifting of art while supporting an artist. It’s a win win.

Birds After Your Bread| Lauren Levi Art

Birds After Your Bread — Lauren Levi Art

This year has been one of deep self reflection and reexamining priorities. No matter how you celebrate this holiday season, if at all, a meaningful gift never goes out of style. Remember to give with purpose.
Sister Sunday: Seeking Sanctuary In The Words of Black Womxn
By: Ambitious Black Girl
Tags: Black Women Writers, Self Care Sunday, Ambitious Black Girl, BlackLivesMatter, Black Women

This morning I came across a relatable post by a womxn that I have been deliberately following on social media this past year.

It read, “Can I share something? It’s been a really rough few weeks. Lots of tears and anxiety, and I think it has a lot to do with this upcoming chapter in my life. I realize that my friends and many of the women I look up to are living lives that are a product of their parents’ hard work. They are the generation experiencing the benefits of education and consistency and quality foundation, and financial security that their parents worked for…..

I am not the same. I am the striver, the worker, the innovator, the one defining possibility, and it’s hard and terrifying, and I constantly feel a teetering between hopelessness and possibility.

I feel oftentimes stranded between where I came from and what is possible. Floating between feeling like I belong here and wondering who the hell I think I am.

This fear and frustration go beyond just thoughts. It puts my stomach in knots and makes my legs weak.

I’m a strong girl. I always have been. I take risks. I let my curiosity and self-confidence guide me through many, many things. It won’t be any different this time.

But I want all other girls like me, the first generation, to embark on new and glorious things. Who doesn’t have a safety net of parents who can float their rent or pay for a plane ticket. Who had to self learn the world of personal finance and of education and of networking or business building and of emotional health and self care. I want those girls to know that I cry too, and I am trembling with EVERY STEP I TAKE, and I promise you that I will teach you everything I know, I will hand you the map, and help you build your toolbox once I figure it out.

I promise you.”

These are the words of Public Academic, Philanthropic Innovator, and Social Entrepreneur Rachel Cargle.
Why Black Lives Still Matter!
By: Bailey Proctor
Tags: Equity, 2020, Everyday Life, BlackLivesMatter, Black Women

Why Black Lives Still Matter!

Looking back on 2020 it is crazy to think how far we as a country, have come. Yes we almost tore eachother to pieces in the wake of the 2020 election however humanity, democracy and most importantly: Hope has prevailed.

Now, in the wake of 2020, we have endured an INTERNATIONAL social justice movement, GLOBAL pandemic, murder hornets, World War 3 and a whole lot of negativity.

When I look back in this year I think of how much the Black Lives Matter movement changed my community in New York. It united us in purpose, gave us young folx a platform to speak our minds on the racist injustices broadcasted all over social media, and weeded out those that don’t care for anyone, or anything but themselves.

It has been made clear that BLACK LIVES MATTER within small communities and big cities. However, the fight for equity has not stopped just because mass media isn’t covering it. Black people are still being killed by police. Black people are still being disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. There is still work to be done which is why I am writing this today. Your communities are still in need of change. We cannot stop.

So I challenge you to do one thing. One thing a day. One thing a week. Whether that be reading an article on equity work or racial injustice or LGBTQ+ rights or a fun fact on how racism manifests itself in everyday life.

Challenge yourself to do better!
Google Walkout for real Change is standing with Dr.
By: Courtney Allen-Gentry Rn Msn Phn Ahn-Bc Hwnc-Bc
Tags: Google, AI, BlackLivesMatter, Ethics, Black Women

Google Walkout for real Change is standing with Dr. Timnit Gebru who was one of very few Black women Research Scientists at the company, which boasts a dismal 1.6% Black women employees overall. Her research accomplishments are extensive, and have profoundly impacted academic scholarship and public policy. Dr. Gebru is a pathbreaking scientist doing some of the most important work to ensure just and accountable AI and to create a welcoming and diverse AI research field. Instead of being embraced by Google as an exceptionally talented and prolific contributor, Dr. Gebru has faced defensiveness, racism, gaslighting, research censorship, and now a retaliatory firing. The public also needs to stand with the Google Walkout for Real Change. Read more about how you can get involved to support ethical Artificial Intelligence development, resist the silencing of blackvoices and prevent Union busting by Google to silence employee voices. #ISupportTimnit #BelieveBlackWomen
The Black Gold Podcast: Stories of the Afro-American Dream. EP #5
By: Moses Tillman-Young
Tags: Black Podcasts, Politics, BlackLivesMatter, Podcast, Black Women

In this episode, I interview Monica Napier Carter. She’s a Practice Administrator, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Mother, and Food Bank Volunteer who is currently on the City Council representing District 6 of her hometown Seguin, TX. In our conversation, Monica and I discuss healthcare, education, and her ultimate vision for the city of Seguin.

Visit BlackGoldPod.com to listen to the most recent stories.
Speak it, sis!
Tags: Discrimination, Black Women, Bmi, Fatphobia

Speak it, sis! And let’s not overlook that before fatphobia was interwoven with health it was defined as a value on a scale for actuarial purposes. The link to health came as a way to control how people viewed themselves the result of which we see today as higher costs for medical care and insurance. It’s so damn sad and infuriating.
therapy.
By: Data Dumping
Tags: Black Women, Family, Therapy, Depression

It is a rainy day in my city and the house is being painted. I have work that is being inconvenienced by the noise and the smell of the paint. It is not a great day. I am waiting for the day I get to pack my things and make a shift in my geographic location. Usually, rain would make me think of going to the water the next day to see what the ocean has brought to the surface but in this haze of paint fumes, all I can think about is my pain and therapy. So let’s talk about therapy today.

I was twelve the first time I went to see a therapist. Glory knows I really needed it. But since it was something I needed and not my brother, I never got to finish. Recently, my family said that was a good thing. My brother and I needed to be treated equally. Neither of us should get something without the other getting something. It is frustrating and puts us on a playing field as if we need to be treated equally or had the same needs. I needed therapy. I had problems keeping friends and meeting new people. My brother and I were not equals. So despite my need to have therapy, we did not continue the sessions. The lack of therapy in my life is noticeable.

The one time we could have done therapy as a family, my mother did not want to continue. I think I wrote about that in my brother’s account but it was the last time I thought I would get therapy with my family. It was not the last time my family would come across the need for a therapist. When my mother was awakened (I will write an essay on that process someday), it unearthed a lot of pains in the family. And seeing it at fourteen was scarring. My family as a unit refused to seek out therapy. My grandmother sought the healing power and oblivion of worship of the deities. She did not wish to do the shadow work of healing. And my mother’s awakening showed that my family has a lot to heal from. But as long as my mother was on her medication and not in an episode, the family was safe from being embarrassed.

Embarrassed.

That is all they care about in the end, along with one being okay. As long as one is medicated and not doing anything that would make someone uncomfortable in their own skin. That kind of blind eye to the PTSD and trauma that plagued the childhood of my mother has yet to be addressed. But it left a stamp on my upbringing and brought me into existence.

So when I had access and funds to get a therapist, I wanted to make sure I would not go through the same thing. I knew I would not get any help in my family to understand my pain. At least not in a way that is healthy. And I want to be a healthy divine light being. I want to work on the actions that are damaging. I want to explore what the abandonment and neglect and co-dependency that plagues my family. I want to know why I hate certain parts of me. And while my time in therapy was brief, I knew after my awakening that I needed to be brave enough to leave my home state for my own sanity.
Why ADOS Should Change It’s Name
By: Javon Dimitri
Tags: Black Men, BlackLivesMatter, Ados, Black Women, Community

Ados, American Descendants Of Slaves, is a grassroots organization created by Activist and Howard University Alum, host of breaking brown Yvette Carnell and Attorney and host of tonetalks Antonio Moore. Ados was created in the wake of America electing it’s first African American president Barack Obama, as well as a sharp rise in police brutality and black on black crime. It’s mission, to bring awareness not only to the many inequalities black communities across the United States chronically face, but to bring tangibles or actual change to many of those issues. Although Ados has done a phenomenal job in spreading awareness and building chapters across the country, supporting actual issues by lobbying politicians to effect policy, the one thing- like many other grassroots organizations supporting the black agenda face such as Black Lives Matter and FBA, Foundational Black America, the names of these organizations are misleading. The name of your organization is the most important aspect like the name of your book, movie, song or sports team. It defines what you represent and who you represent. The misinterpretation of the names of these organizations allow politicians and media outlets such as CNN and Fox news to easily dismiss the agenda of these organizations because it fails to set a clear representation. Names such as Black Lives Matter, Foundational Black America and American Descendants Of Slaves although good names, does not specifically state who they represent at first glance. The term Black is subjective and could mean anybody as well as the name American Descendants of Slaves, which could mean white people, black people and Indian's and Africans as all of these groups of people can be considered American Descendants of slaves. In my opinion, A great name should stand out but most importantly, be unapologetic. Lastly, it’s important to understand that, the name of these organizations are part of the reasons why our struggles will never get specifically addressed and will continue to get passed over or grouped with other minority groups. American Descendants Of Black Plantation and House Workers could be a start. With proper research, we can identify all the different types of work our ancestors did to create a politically correct agenda, believe it or not, even shoe shiners created a union.
Taiwan: An Underrated Paradise (accompaniment)
By: Brittany Edwards
Tags: Taiwan, Traveling, Culture, Guides And Tutorials, Black Women

Torn paper with a sketch of the book, Taiwan: An Underrated Paradise

Did my book Taiwan: An Underrated Paradise (Diary of a Traveling Black Woman: A Guide to International Travel) bring you here? This is the multimedia accompaniment linking you to invaluable information. If not, what are you waiting for? Check it out.

Blending travelogue and guidebook, Taiwan: An Underrated Paradise chronicles a young black woman’s whimsical encounters with culture shock and the places and people she meets while living in Taiwan. Her venture reminds us what it means to explore — beyond the the picture perfect moments and into the history of a place and the journey to self discovery. The tail-end travel manual and itineraries encourage you to choose adventure, even if that means traveling alone.

None of the following are affiliate links and I receive no commission if you make purchases (Except, you know, the link to my book. I’ll make a commission there.)

Favorite Accommodations

Amain Boutique Motel

Hey Bear Capsule Hotel

Beimen WOW Poshtel

Lukang Yian B&B

Xincai Homestay
Tsunami
By: Ya.Rose
Tags: LGBT, Black Women, Poetry Writing, Poetry

Tsunami

i am water

soft enough to cleanse you.

deep enough to drown you.

the versions of me in your mind

are misconceptions.

i live for me.

as i shape shift through life

i am free.

i am alone.

survivor of storms

led me to become one.

i am a tide of fire.

rising above the pain.
Arse
Tags: Black Women, Flex, Cats, Poetry, Ass

Arse

Consider this a flex

My ass is black

Here's an invitation

To kiss it

P.S

Don't mind the kitty drip

It'll moisten your lips
Persistence Is Key
By: Cindy Tawiah
Tags: Black Enterprise, Perserverence, Diva Hair Care Vending, Persistence, Black Women

Persistence Is Key

As I sat in my kitchen eating my breakfast, I contemplated my next steps. I wasn’t sure what it was all I knew was that the past two months had be dark and blurry. I had no clarity , I prayed and wept silently. My once thriving business in a busy airport had come to a screeching halt in February of 2018 and here I was in April of the same year post hernia and acid reflux surgery living a hopeless existence. I have a haircare brand and my retail kiosk had been reclaimed by a bigger beauty brand. In my desperate state I asked “ Why me ? God why did you give me a location and take it away?” Silence , and after a few minutes I heard the words in my head “Automatic, automate, automatic.” I asked God what do you mean, show me. All of a sudden it hit me, as I stared ahead of me I had a vision of a vending machine.” The profundity ( depth) of this realization brought me to tears. “God you want me to put the products in a vending machine.” I quickly moved into implementation mode and began calling around to find companies that engineered vending machines. It took a few months before I was able to connect with one such company and the process went smoothly by October of that year we managed to launch the first natural hair care Vending Machine and Bwi airport. This journey and stories to assist a test that persistence is key, we all Time to evaluate our lives and having a quiet moment of solitude can bring much-needed clarity. My company needed revamping, relaunching and rebooting and where I felt I was being limited. Or reduced , God was trying to expand me and stretch me beyond my vision. We are now in 2020 and this year proved to be a year of great upheaval for many businesses, the result for those who took time to regroup and reorganize. , led to modifications and new ways of reaching their target audiences. I still pray , I still ask questions and still look at ways that business ( my business ) can be done differently to reach my target audience. But what I have learned surpasses creativity is persistence. “ Never Give Up!” There is always a better and brighter tomorrow.
Black People Should NEVER have to Apologize for Being Cautious
By: Shinita Jackson
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid 19, BlackLivesMatter, Letitia Wright, Black Women

But they sure are trying to make us sorry for knowing our history…

Letitia Wright

To say that America must be out of its ever-loving MIND at this point sounds redundant.

America has been crazy. Nothing should surprise me at this point, but, lord, this intentional dragging of Letitia Wright has managed to astound me.

Amid the President of The United States claiming the election was stolen from him…

In the middle of a worldwide pandemic called “Covid 19”…

In the middle of racial riots and tension worldwide for how people of color and minorities are being treated.

Let’s get right to that facts.
Black Spectrum Theatre Co. Inc. Announces Black Spectrum Home Video Series for the months of December 2020 and January 2021
By: Wa Public Relations Company
Tags: Black History Month, African Literature, BlackLivesMatter, Black Women, African American

Queens, New York — Black Spectrum Theatre Co. Inc. Announces Black Spectrum Home Video Series for the months of December 2020 and January 2021. About: Black Spectrum Theatre and its Founder — Carl Clay — a playwright, director, and filmmaker founded Black Spectrum Theatre Company as a traveling theatrical troupe in 1970. He is now its executive producer.

Since that time, Black Spectrum has grown into a multifaceted performing arts and media company that has produced and presented over 150 plays, 30 films, and numerous works of music, dance, and performance art.

Black Spectrum Theatre is the recipient of ten AUDELCO Awards and three National Black Theatre Festival Awards for excellence in African-American theatre.

December 4th (G) 94mins D00-WOP Love — Sing or hum along to memorable songs of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Written and Directed by the late Ron Wyche.

December 11th (PG) 94mins 2 Trains Running — The play takes place in a Black-owned restaurant in the 1960’s, just after the assassination of Malcolm X.

December 18th (G) 22mins — The 70’s — Black Spectrum’s vintage promotional excerpts from our first hit play.

December 24th- 26th (G) 43mins — FUNKIN’ for Jamaica — A historic gathering of world class Jazz and R & B musicians who came home to Jamaica to perform in honor of Weldon Irvine, writer of hit song “TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED, and Black.”

January 8th 92mins — Ali — Relive the days of the fast-footed, quick-witted people’s champ Muhammad Ali in this historical play performed by Geoffrey C. Ewing.

January 15th (PG) 85mins — THE PROPHECY — Part prophecy, part ritual, this vintage experimental theatre piece projects the future of African Americans.

January 22nd (G) 150mins ONCE UPON A WIFE-Time — A husband comes home and tells his wife of 15 years that he wants a second wife.

January 29th (G) 120mins — A Conversation with VIVICA A FOX — Vivica shares the trials and tribulation of her career in the Hollywood film industry and her blockbuster film roles along the way.

About: Black Spectrum Game Changing Season Subscription — As a subscriber you will receive a link to a new vintage video online each week with a password. Once you tap on the link you will be able to view on your computer (or your computer connected to your TV) the weekly program. You can watch the video anytime you want during the 51 hour viewing period, from 7PM Friday to 10PM Sunday.

Here’s how easy it is to become a Black Spectrum Season Pass Subscriber 1. Go to www.blackspectrum.net 2. Select SEASON PASS 2020–2021 3. Enter payment method or call us at 718–723–1900 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Black Spectrum Theatre will take your subscription for a Season Pass over the phone.
I Didn’t Go to Evil Medical School to be Called “Mr.”
By: Roshaunda D. Cade
Tags: PhD, Dissertation, Doctorate, Jill Biden, Black Women

I was incensed when WSJ writer Joseph Epstein recommended Dr. Jill Biden drop “Doctor” as an honorific, but I could relate.

I don’t mind if people don’t call me doctor, but it bothers me when people refuse to do so. Once I was at a university new student orientation event and the host introduced everyone as “Dr. So-and-so,” until she got to me. She simply said, “That’s Roshaunda.”

Mr. Epstein’s recommendation resurrected this memory and solidified the necessity of my current passion project.

I’m asking black women with doctorates to write about their doctoral journeys to publish them in an online collection. This project is a way for black women to write ourselves through a probably traumatic experience, a platform to make our experiences known, and an opportunity to help other black women avoid pitfalls and feel the strength of our collective journeys.

Click if you are interested in participating.
The App That Stole Christmas
By: Nia Simone Mcleod
Tags: Christmas, Culture, Writing, Writing Prompts, Black Women

Along with listening to Boys II Men & Brian McKnight’s version of “Let It Snow”, one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is watch so-bad-it’s-good Christmas movies.

The acting is typically terrible. The plot often makes no sense. But, you know what? They are so entertaining and I can’t stop watching them.

Dozens of new Christmas movies come out each holiday season. One of the new Christmas movies I watched this year was The App That Stole Christmas on Netflix.

The “movie” (it’s barely an hour long) stars Jackie Long, Ray J, and J. Anthony Brown. I had such a fun time watching it despite its flaws.

My favorite part of The App That Stole Christmas has to be seeing Ray J playing an elf at Santa’s toy factory.

I’ve always been a big fan of Ray J. I love watching him explore his various entrepreneurial endeavors (scoot-e-bikes, unbreakable glasses, RayCon earbuds, etc.) Seeing him play an elf had me dying throughout the whole movie.

When I watch a bad movie, I love to pick it apart and laugh at it. But, there’s something special about Christmas movies that keeps me coming back for more.

These movies are pure fun — which can be difficult to find in modern media. It’s always nice to get a break from serious subject matter; especially in the midst of a pandemic.

If you’re looking for a fun Christmas movie/TV special/whatever, especially one with a Black cast, check out The App That Stole Christmas.

The App That Stole Christmas is currently streaming on Netflix.

Writing Prompt: Write a short story where a character wakes up in a cheesy Christmas movie a la Isn’t It Romantic. Screen Rant wrote a listicle of the ten of the most common Hallmark Christmas movie tropes — try incorporating one (or more) into your story!

If you use this prompt, tag me in the story. I’d love to read what you come up with.

What TV show, movie, or song should I write a writing prompt about next? Let me know in the comments section below.
Introducing Hush Harbor & Open Call for Submissions
By: Rose Gwynn
Tags: Black Joy, Black Womens History, Black Writers, Hush Harbor, Black Women

What is Hush Harbor?

We are a safe-haven for Black people to celebrate the rich history of our people.

We are a respite for weary Black men and women from the daily pressures of finding our way in a world that’s not made for us.

We are a digital media platform for the people having conversations at the intersection of spirituality, justice, and activism from a strong Black point of view.

We don’t police the feelings and experiences of Black people to make them more suitable for non-Black gazers.

We believe in the power of Black stories, Black expression, Black art, and Black dignity.

We are the progressive Black voice of faith for those who believe that the work of our ancestors is ours to continue, and we are advocates for the Black people struggling to be heard.

We tell stories, give social commentary, and inform you of the news that affects you as a Black human finding your way in the world.

We share your thoughts, pain, belief, and strength.

We are Hush Harbor.

Hush Harbor is now accepting submissions for 2021.

For the month of March, we are celebrating Black Women’s History.

Submissions for this series are due by January 30, 2021.

Submission Guidelines:

Submit an original article between 500–1,000 words that illuminates, expresses, or analyzes Black women’s history, experience, or perspective to the Hush Harbor Medium publication via your Medium account.

Please attribute any quoted/paraphrased info with links to the sources.

If we plan to publish your piece, you will hear from us within 48 hours regarding payment and publishing details. We’re not able to respond to every submission.

Please reach out to rose@hushharbormedia.com if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Meet the Black, Female Scientist Behind the Covid-19 Vaccine
By: Kelli María Korducki
Tags: Health, Science, Covid 19, Vaccines, Black Women

Meet the Black, Female Scientist Behind the Covid-19 Vaccine

Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A 34-year-old Black woman has been one of the leading players in developing a vaccine to help end the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett is one of the scientists running the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Coronavirus Vaccines and Immunopathogenesis Team. Her team at NIH has worked with the pharmaceutical company, Moderna, to develop one of two vaccines with an efficacy rate of more than 90%.

Dr. Corbett has been a visible figure in the race to develop and distribute a Covid-19 vaccine since the beginning of 2020. Before the pandemic swept the U.S., she was one of a handful of NIH scientists to meet with President Trump to discuss the impending Covid-19 crisis in early March. As ABC News reports, the young scientist made a deliberate decision to take on a more public-facing role in the NIH team.

“I felt that it was important to do that because the level of visibility that it would have to younger scientists and also to people of color who have often worked behind the scenes and essentially [who have] done the dirty work for these large efforts toward a vaccine,” said Dr. Corbett.

Though Black, Latinx, and Indigenous Americans comprise the hardest-hit demographics of the Covid-19 pandemic in the U.S., vaccine hesitancy remains high among Black Americans in particular. A recent survey co-sponsored by the NAACP and UNIDOS US found that only 14% of Black Americans trust that a vaccine will be safe, and 18% trust that it will be effective. The study attributes this lack of trust to Black Americans’ “deep historical traumas” at the hands of the government, and from the overall health care system.

Despite her leading role in developing a Covid-19 vaccine, Dr. Corbett is sympathetic to Black Americans’ vaccine-related concerns.

“I would say to people who are vaccine-hesitant that you’ve earned the right to ask the questions that you have around these vaccines and this vaccine development process,” said Dr. Corbett in an interview with CNN.

She continued, “Trust, especially when it has been stripped from people, has to be rebuilt in a brick-by-brick fashion. And so, what I say to people firstly is that I empathize, and then secondly is that I’m going to do my part in laying those bricks. And I think that if everyone on our side, as physicians and scientists, went about it that way, then the trust would start to be rebuilt.”

On Monday, December 14, the U.S. distributed its very first doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine — a mere three days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency authorization for the vaccine. The Moderna vaccine that Dr. Corbett helped develop is expected to receive an emergency authorization from the FDA later this month.
Being Black in the Center
Tags: Liberalism, Politics, BlackLivesMatter, Politics And Protest, Black Women

How it is to be a black centralist.

I was raised in Texas along with my family, we had a family business and things were nice. During my formative years, I was shown many different things. My teachers taught me about the United States and how grateful I should be to live in such a free place. Then I was hit with many other things that weren’t so nice.

One of my first friends was a white girl who I’ll call Penny. I used to hang out with her every day and we would trade lunches all the time. This was all good until one day she stopped hanging out with me. This went on for a few days until my other friend told me that Penny said I was “too black” to hang out with. This crushed me. I wasn’t able to comprehend what I had done. What was so bad about being black? What was too black?

When I went to high school it only got worse. The girls at my school were always bullying me and telling me I was acting white this time. I didn’t understand how I could go from being too black to acting white. My hair was also a place of contention where boys would put pencils in my afro and pull at my extensions. Still, my life proceeded.

As I went to college my first year, the 2016 elections were underway. I had never voted before and all my friends were excited to let their opinions shine.

I had no idea where I stood. On one hand, I had two candidates I did not like but the choice seemed obvious who was the better of the two. On the other hand, should I vote with my conscience and vote third party? No. To everyone that would be unacceptable. I had to vote like my friends, so I did, and my vote was a loser.

I felt estranged and odd because I was disappointed but I didn’t feel as strongly as everyone else did about Republicans. I didn’t particularly like them but I didn’t hate them with all my might. I felt lost.

In the next few years, I learned more about my place in the political spectrum and I found people like Candace Owens. They were black and on the right but I didn’t feel like that was my fit. I saw black lives matter and I agreed with the movement but not the rioting. I didn’t feel like I was doing things the right way by not picking aside. Then I realized I shouldn’t feel pressured to.

I should be able to have individual opinions on individual topics. This made me feel much more at ease. On one hand, I agreed with black lives matter but on the other hand, I didn’t agree with rioting. I understood the anger but it didn’t seem like the way to go about it in my eyes.

This is the first time I am voicing my opinions in public and I never have because I was scared of backlash as people around me wouldn’t take my middle of the lane stances as a legitimate stance. I think being able to have my own ways of thinking is valuable and not running along with either side is where I am at now. This is why I catch myself “in the center” of it all.
How to detangle and moisturise 4C TWA (Teeny, Weeny, Afro)
By: Kaddy Sabally
Tags: Natural Hair, Hair Products, BlackLivesMatter, Blackhairrocks, Black Women

Hello, guys!

I big chopped three weeks ago and I can’t be more happy with my hair right now. I have been paying close attention to my hair, studying it, figuring out which products and routine work for my hair.

My hair routine is very simple, very easy to keep moisturised. I will show you all the steps I use to keep my 4c TWA moisturised and healthy looking.

Things you will need are Water in the spray bottle with some conditioner, Denman detangling brush and eco styler gel.

Step 1: “I’m thirsty!!!!!” hair said to the owner.

If your hair is dry, literally is crying for some water. I don’t mean that you have to drain your hair with water, just damp your hair with a spray bottle with a conditioner of your choice. As I said in another post I’m so in love with shea moisture line products. I use a small portion of raw shea moisture conditioner on my water bottle.

Add your favourite conditioner into a clean spray bottle with distilled water. The ratio should be approximately 1 part conditioner to 3 parts water but you can adjust the amount of water depending on your type of hair. If your hair is fine, use more water, but if your hair is thick and coarse, use less water.

Spray into your damp hair and comb through prior to styling. It adds softness, reduces tangles and helps protect hair from styling instruments.

Step 2: Detangling process

This is the most delicate process of your hair routine. If you did the first step properly you should not struggle while detangling your hair, because the water and conditioner your mixed before it should have softened your hair and make it a lot easier to do this process.

First, you have to use a wide comb or I use a Denman detangling brush for my TWA and it works perfectly for my hair.

Carefully, start detangling with the brush if your hair is saying no more. Let it be and try to detangle with your fingers.

Step 3: Conditioner and Eco Styler gel or protective style

In this process, all you need to do is re-conditioner and style as desired. I love doing Bantu Knots and mini twists outs using my favourite gel. I love defining my curls with olive oil Eco Styler gel, it just does the job. My curls are popping, I love it!
Red Bottoms in The Mud- Are we being good stewards of the gifts God has blessed us with?
By: Crystal Senter-Brown
Tags: Crystalsenterbrown, Weight Loss, New Year, Madetocrave, Black Women

Made to Crave, Day 3

Growing up, my mama never paid a lot for my shoes.

I had a really bad habit of dragging my feet when I walked, so the bottoms of my shoes and the tips of my shoes were often scuffed.

I also spent a tremendous amount of time in mud puddles because:

WHY NOT. 😆😛

So when I would be gifted a pair of shoes that I actually WANTED (think: the Converse 👟 with the stars you could swap out the colors and NOT the Dollar General skippies) I would be extra careful to take care of them.

Once the new 👟 shoes were on my feet, I was suddenly more aware of how I was walking. I made a special effort not to drag my feet so that the shoes would last longer.

Oh, but don’t get it twisted, I would also receive REGULAR reminders 🗣🗣🗣🗣 from my mama to pick my feet up when I walked, which certainly helped me to remember. 😆

In today’s reading we are reminded that we are God’s creation and because of this,

we are called to care for our bodies and our soul in the same way.

He made us! Why would we then destroy something he took such good care to create? 🤔

A very simple example of this is if you went out and bought a brand new pair of red bottom shoes and you just wore them wherever you wanted to wear them.

👠On gravel

👠In mud

👠In the pool, etc.

You would never do that, right?

Why not?

Because of their VALUE 💰 .

You worked for the money you used (unless you have a rich aunt or a sugar daddy 🤪) to purchase the shoes, correct?

So they are VALUABLE to you!

I am certainly not comparing myself (or you 👀) to a pair of shoes, but this is a great example of how much God cares for us and VALUES us.

Honey, on a daily basis I imagine God walking around behind me saying “girl pick up your feet!” when I make mistakes (which I do on a daily basis).

Do you have a daily routine to care for your body?

Has that routine changed during the pandemic?

Scripture: You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV)