This is Equality, This is Justice

The Supreme Court is hearing two cases on same sex marriage this week. One case is challenging the legality of California’s vote against Proposition 8 (all couples can marry regardless of sexual orientation). The second case is challenging equal rights of same sex couples and married couples as far as being an executor of the … Continue reading »

Shaming Pregnant Teens?

A few weeks ago, I came across a discussion on Twitter about new teen pregnancy ads in NYC. I looked up the ads and saw that they were very blunt and to the point. For some background, New York City ranks 11th in the nation for teen pregnancy. That is pretty high, but there are … Continue reading »

The Invisible Man

*This is not a nationalism post, but I love and appreciate my culture. This is not an affront to whiteness. However, if we cannot engage safely in these conversations without hurt and shame then don’t comment. I’m not here for that.* Before my senior year of high school, we were required to read a book … Continue reading »

Prayers with Boston

I had a completely different thing to write about this morning, but I am very solemn. No one should be terrified to attend a race or a parade, but now we are in high alert. I pray that we find peace and calm in the future. No more mass shootings. Enough is enough.

You Validate Your Experience

Well I am currently enjoying spring break. Yesterday was Easter, a big day on the Christian calendar. It is actually the day most Christians feel unstoppable and able to “prove” their religion. Yet, something I learned this week is only YOU can validate your religious experience. Constantly looking outward for affirmation will leave your faith … Continue reading »

Hip Hop Activism

One of the things I love about hip hop is the culture. When I was young, around middle school, I still hadn’t heard a single rap lyric. I know, hard to believe, but my mom didn’t play it. In middle school though, all of the students were listening to rap, heavy metal, or punk rock. … Continue reading »

The Desert

I’m in a really weird, spiritual place right now. Most people say they’re in the “desert” when they’re angry at God or feel far from God. Quite the contrary for me…I feel spiritually overwhelmed. I’m unsure of what direction to take because I have such high demands going on at the same damn time! Here … Continue reading »

Tamar and Amnon: Not A Love Story

A 16 year old girl was raped in Steubenville, OH. No, this is not speculation. This is fact. She did nothing to deserve this and is now stuck with the additional trauma of watching this play out on social media. The two boys that raped her appeared to be good kids…athletes. However in the words … Continue reading »

Rap + Poetry = Spoken Word

I actually agree with Issa Rae from Awkward Black Girl and I wish I could’ve aborted the baby spoken word. Most spoken word is about terrible sexual analogies or hurt feelings. I can’t remember liking any spoken word open mic event. Then I discovered Brave New Voices and I slightly changed my mind about spoken … Continue reading »