So, rapper 21 Savage is actually a British national. Who knew? I’m betting its news to a lot of people now that he’s in an ICE detention center. He was arrested on Sunday. I don’t know much about immigration except that it’s complicated, and it seems extremely unfair – on both sides of the issue. …
Kamala D. Harris and the Powerful Black Woman’s Dilemma
So, the candidates for the 2020 presidential election are out, and the mudslinging and excessively intrusive background investigating has begun with a vengeance. What struck me this week? The narrative on Kamala D. Harris as a gold digger because she dated a married man – get this – 20 years ago. Now, for the record, …
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People Really Need to Shut Up about R. Kelly
R. Kelly has everyone bugging. Or should I say, that Lifetime special about "Surviving R. Kelly" has everyone bugging. It’s pathetic, disgusting and miserably sad that it took a TV documentary to produce a decent amount of outrage for his actions. That creature’s crimes against women aren’t new. They’re literally decades old. One of those tongue …
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We Need a Sheriff for the Internet
You know those westerns where the sheriff smirks and tells the bad guy who’s been terrorizing the citizens, “you’ve got ‘til sundown to get outta town,” then turns and walks away? It’s implied that if you don’t, Mr. Bad Guy, I’m gonna fill your ass fulla lead. We need that. Day after day the stories …
Silence, Armchair Activism, and Award Shows: Why More Men Should Speak Out
There’s a certain amount of arrogance in choosing to remain silent. There's also resolve. You could throw in some privilege, a hint of the spoiled, disgruntled and the rock solid certainty that what has gone before absolutely does not definite what is or what will be. I’m talking about myself here. But I’m also talking …
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Kevin Hart, Who Wins? Trolls or the Oscars?
So, Ellen wants Kevin Hart to host the Oscars. You may have heard that Hart took himself out of consideration for the role after trolls dug up some old – for old read 2009-ish – homophobic tweets. They used these as evidence that he’s a terrible person who shouldn’t be given such a fabulous opportunity, …
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Aquaman Shows Us Why Representation Matters
I saw Aquaman on Christmas Day and loved it. Jason Momoa’s carefree, hippie superhero was charming and engaging, and there were even a few black people in the film. A very few, two really, but both had lines and a prominent role in the story line. They were also atypical. No one was on drugs, …
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That Thing with Alice Walker? It’s Icke-y, but Let’s Keep Some Perspective
So, Alice Walker is in the news this week, and not for penning her next pro-black, pro-female tome against oppression. In The New York Times Book Review Sunday, she endorsed “And the Truth Shall Set You Free,”a book by British conspiracy theorist David Icke. Now, everyone is going nuts. Many critics say that Icke’s book positions Jews …
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There’s a Connection Between the National Enquirer and the 2016 Election
I was in the gym a few days ago when I saw it: National Enquirer publisher in league with Trump. Ordinarily I would’ve just rolled my eyes and refocused my attention elsewhere. First, it’s a Trump story. Second, it’s the National Enquirer. I’m no Woodward or Bernstein admittedly, but I still rate myself slightly higher …
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Here’s Wishing Priyanka and Nick the Best, Mariah Smith
I don’t know much about Indian culture. In fact, the closest I’ve been to any is second-hand stories from my friend Deanna, a fabulous movie called “Lion” starring Dev Patel, and my nephew, who is currently in Calcutta or thereabouts on a tour of Asia. I do know that actress Priyanka Chopra is Indian, and …
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