The question of whether or not to inform your young children about current affairs is a very personal and sensitive question and one that I always ask myself when it comes to my own children. Initially my reaction was that I want my “kids to be kids,” meaning I wanted them to live in innocence and remain blissfully ignorant to the realities of society. I didn’t want to … [Read more...]
Overnight Olympic Star Simone Manuel Talks Black Lives Matter and Inspires a Generation
It's the summer of Simone. While gymnast Simone Biles racks up wins in her sport, another Simone is emerging as the latest shining star in Rio. Last night Simone Manuel staged an epic come-from-behind victory to take home gold in the 100-meter freestyle. A win that many didn't think she could win, including herself. "My first gold medal, at my first Olympics, is kind of a … [Read more...]
No Justice, No Peace? A Black Man’s Guide to Clinically Treating Your Suppressed Rage
Dear Dr. Buckingham, I am 38-year-old black father who wants to comfort and educate my 13-year-old son during these difficult times, but I am struggling myself. With the recent killings of Philando Castile, Alton Sterling and the cops in Dallas [Editor's note: this letter was written prior to the shooting of Terence Crutcher ] my heart has been heavy lately, and I have been … [Read more...]
The Police Killings Led a Woman to Apologize for Her Wrongs
To My Husband, by Tanya Barnett I want to first start off by publicly apologizing to you for not respecting you when you deserved my respect and so much more. Watching the news about the recent murders got me twisted, babe. I have to be honest and say that I am even a bit ashamed of myself. Here I am, all emotional, tore up and angry because police officers took yet … [Read more...]
Want to Know the Black Woman’s Biggest F.E.A.R in America?
Fear is defined as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain or a threat. Black women in America live in fear daily as we watch our grandfathers, fathers, husbands, boyfriends, brothers, sons, uncles and nephews leave home. We live with the knowledge that sending our men to the store for a carton of eggs can end … [Read more...]
Real Fathers Reveal What to Tell Your Sons—As Young Adults and As Toddlers—About Their Lives in 2016
Before we could mourn one senseless death, another occurred. Day after day. At least the news covered it these times. Then five more deaths. The range of emotions runs too deep. The familiarity. The sense of loss. The numbness. The anger. The silence. And regardless of how we feel, we still have to wake up and get on with our regularly scheduled adult lives because that's how … [Read more...]
#BlackLoveMatters; 3 Reasons to Celebrate It
Love should be celebrated no matter your race. Given that, some may ask, “Why specify black love?” The simplest answer, “Why not?” But if you need more than that, here are three powerful reasons to celebrate black love. It’s up to us to celebrate us. We can’t sit around and wait for others to celebrate our achievements. As in any other realm of life, minority achievement is … [Read more...]
Here’s How to Talk to Your Kids About Protesting in the Age of Black Lives Matter
How do you talk to your kids about the complex issues facing our society? For many parents, they are left at a loss. Black Fathers Incorporated Founder Kenneth Braswell was no different. He found himself unable to give an age appropriate answer to a question about the Black Lives Matter protests posed to him by his six year old son. When his son asked what was going on in … [Read more...]
Sixty Years Later: Here’s What the Black Lives Matter Movement Can Learn from Rosa Parks
Sixty years ago today, Rosa Parks sat down, took a load off, and unwittingly became the icon of the Civil Rights Movement. For one year, African Americans boycotted the bus system in Alabama. For one year, they protested, marched, and protested some more with their dollars and their sense. Thanks to Rosa, and many who have come after her, African Americans have come a long … [Read more...]
5 Empowering Lessons on Beauty I’m Teaching my Brown Girls
Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood and often being one of the very few or only black kids in class, I did not consider myself to be anywhere near the standard of beauty. Oh, and if there were any other black kids, I was always the darkest. It took me a really long time (well into adulthood) to really love and embrace who I was, and to define my own standard of … [Read more...]
Video Takes an Interesting Look at Whether Black Lives Matter….In Israel
Apparently, police violently beating Blacks is not limited to America. A Black Ethiopian soldier was beaten by Israeli police and has sparked a wave of protests in the Jewish nation. According to the report, this experience is common among Ethiopian Jewish men. Check out the video below. Do Black Lives Matter in Israel?Ethiopian Israelis are fed up and demanding an … [Read more...]
“I’m Still Here” – Sandra Bland’s Message to All of Us
Suicide. The official cause of Sandra Bland's death has been determined. However, the findings of an independent autopsy report have yet to be released. Even so, all across the web, opinions are being formed, accusations are being launched, blame is being assigned. The day after her arrest, Bland left the following message for a friend. "I'm still … [Read more...]
Powerful Video “BEAUTIFUL BOY”, Trayvon Martin and Mike Brown – Inspired Single
Woodworks, an independent record label based in Inglewood, CA, has created visuals for their original song, “Beautiful Boy." This single was written and produced by Daniel Farris, founder of Woodworks. The video not only hits home for the activists of today’s social issues, but also pulls on the heart strings of every mother. [youtube id="WWrhAJvzw4c"] This track isn’t … [Read more...]
First Time Ever, Essence Magazine Does a Blackout Cover
For the first time ever, Essence features a cover Blackout and presents "Black Lives Matter: What We Must Do Now". It's a special February collector's edition. This special edition features essays from Susan L. Taylor, Angela Davis, Chirlane, Isabel Wilkerson, Melissa Harris-Perry, Common and many more. “Our anger and hurt are calling us to look inward, to ask ourselves the … [Read more...]