My Journey Into Black History...The Good, The Bad And The Ugly.

 Reading a comment that suggests hate might be an identity can be a moment of revelation—unsettling, yet illuminating. If hate is how someone identifies, it means their sense of self is intertwined with anger, division, and exclusion. This realization is both terrifying and deeply sad because it begs the question: If hate is all they have, what would it take to separate them from it? Let’s unpack this idea, exploring the relationship between hate, identity, and its implications, and how understanding it can guide us toward solutions. Hate as an Identity: What Does That Mean? Identity is the lens through which people see themselves and the world. It’s shaped by experiences, beliefs, and the groups to which they belong. For some, hate becomes a cornerstone of that identity: A Sense of Belonging: Hate can bond people to like-minded groups, creating a shared “us versus them” mentality. This dynamic fosters connection, even if it’s built on exclusion or hostility. An Outlet for Frustrat...

  Why Inclusion is a Win for Everyone: Breaking Down the Financial and Social Benefits Inclusion isn’t just a feel-good buzzword; it’s a practical necessity for a thriving, modern society. The success of films like Black Panther , The Princess and the Frog , and the 2023 The Little Mermaid reveals the global appetite for diverse stories, proving that representation is a financial and cultural win. Yet, some still fear inclusion, worrying that it disrupts tradition or dilutes established norms. This post aims to ease those fears, showing that inclusion doesn’t just benefit marginalized groups—it uplifts everyone. Let’s explore why fostering diversity is essential and why segregation or exclusion is a dangerous financial and social pitfall. Inclusion Drives Financial Success Box Office Triumphs: The Power of Representation Black Panther (2018): Marvel’s Black Panther grossed over $1 billion worldwide, with 37% of its U.S. opening weekend audience being African American—double the t...

 The introduction of a Black mermaid in popular media sparked passionate discussions, ranging from excitement to confusion or even outrage. At its core, this debate isn’t just about a fictional character but about the broader concept of representation and why it matters. Let’s break it down in a simple way, using relatable metaphors and clear explanations to explore why inclusion is important—and why it’s good for everyone. The Garden of Humanity: A Metaphor for Inclusion Imagine the world as a garden, filled with flowers of all colors, shapes, and sizes. Each flower contributes its unique beauty to the garden, and together, they create a vibrant, diverse masterpiece. But what if only a few types of flowers were nurtured and showcased, while the rest were ignored or overshadowed? The garden would lose much of its beauty. That’s what happens when certain groups of people are excluded or underrepresented in media, stories, and culture. Including a Black mermaid is like nurturing a fl...

 The growing allure of nostalgia-based politics—framed as a return to a “better” past—should give us all pause. While it can be easy to dismiss these ideas as fringe, history teaches us that regressive movements often begin with subtle shifts that seem benign but ultimately erode progress and deepen division. This post outlines steps to recognize these dangers, address the concerns driving them, and refocus on the shared goal of rising together, regardless of race, background, or belief. Step 1: Recognize the Red Flags Be aware of rhetoric and policies that hint at regression: Idealizing the Past Without Context: Statements like “Make [country] Great Again” often reference a time of prosperity for some but oppression for others. Ask: Great for whom? Who was excluded? Scapegoating Marginalized Groups: Immigrants, minorities, and those advocating for diversity are often blamed for economic struggles or societal changes. Reality check: Economic downturns, wage stagnation, and job loss...

Step 1: Recognize the Policies That Should Cause Concern 1. Erosion of Democratic Norms Policies and actions that undermine democratic principles are red flags. Examples: Attacks on Voting Rights: Laws making it harder for marginalized communities to vote (e.g., restrictive voter ID laws, polling station closures in minority neighborhoods). Weakening of Checks and Balances: Executive overreach, such as ignoring court rulings or bypassing legislative processes. Attempts to Undermine Elections: Casting doubt on election integrity without evidence or attempting to overturn results. Why it matters: When democratic safeguards are weakened, it becomes easier for authoritarian policies to take hold, leaving citizens with fewer tools to resist harmful changes. 2. Legislation That Scapegoats Vulnerable Groups Policies targeting immigrants, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, or religious minorities often serve as distractions from systemic issues. Examples: Immigration Bans: Travel bans...

  Imagine waking up in a world eerily reminiscent of the 1950s. Progress stalls, civil liberties erode, and social justice takes a backseat to fear and division. It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. If we continue on our current trajectory, we risk stepping fully into a regressive era that undermines the hard-won gains of the past 70 years. Dangerously Close Recent political trends highlight how close we are to repeating the mistakes of the past: Erosion of Civil Rights: Rollbacks on voting rights, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ protections signal a regression toward exclusion and control. Resurgence of Nationalism: Calls to close borders and vilify outsiders echo the isolationist policies of mid-century politics. Censorship in Education: Book bans and restrictions on teaching history’s uncomfortable truths evoke the fear-driven curriculum of the past. Why Progress Feels Fragile Progress requires vigilance. The 1950s were a time when power dynamics heavily favored the privileg...

In recent years, the phrase "Make [insert country] Great Again" has become a rallying cry for politicians worldwide, invoking a longing for a romanticized past. The problem with this rhetoric is that the “good old days” often ignore the systemic inequities, oppression, and division that defined them for many marginalized groups. Nostalgia, wielded as a political weapon, can have dangerous consequences, steering us back toward an era we should have long left behind. The Allure of the Past Nostalgia-driven politics thrives on oversimplification. It paints the past as a golden age of stability, morality, and economic prosperity, while conveniently omitting the discrimination, exploitation, and social unrest that underpinned those times. For many, the 1950s were not a period of glory but one of struggle—segregation, colonialism, and patriarchal dominance left millions on the fringes of society. When Rhetoric Becomes Policy History shows us how dangerous this "return to the p...

  When the World Judges by Skin, Not Soul: Finding Strength in the Face of Hatred There’s a unique pain in being judged for something as intrinsic as the color of your skin—a feature that God crafted with love and purpose. When you’re confronted with ignorance, microaggressions, or outright hatred, it can feel like your very existence is under attack. The weight of this injustice is compounded by the futility of trying to change hearts and minds that are closed to understanding. These experiences often leave us wrestling with feelings of powerlessness, frustration, and a loss of will to engage. So how do we, as believers, navigate these moments without letting bitterness or despair take root? The Pain of Being Misjudged Prejudice is not new. From biblical times to the present day, people have often been judged not by their character but by superficial traits—appearance, ethnicity, or status. Even Jesus faced this: He was mocked, misunderstood, and rejected by His own people (John 1...

  The Hidden Racism in Interracial Relationships: When It Comes from Within the Family Interracial relationships are often celebrated as symbols of progress and unity, reflecting the breaking down of barriers that once divided people along racial lines. But behind the Instagram-worthy photos and the love stories, there’s a layer of complexity many don’t talk about: the racism that can quietly, yet persistently, seep into the relationship—especially through in-laws and extended family. This isn’t the overt, in-your-face racism you might expect. Instead, it’s often hidden under polite smiles, awkward silences, and "harmless jokes." It’s in the way certain comments are made, the assumptions that are held, and the boundaries that are tested. And for many people in interracial relationships, it can be a source of pain, conflict, and isolation. When Love Meets Prejudice It’s one thing to face racism from strangers, but it’s a different kind of hurt when it comes from the people you...

 There’s a level of exhaustion that comes with being Black in a world that constantly reminds you your safety, dignity, and rights are fragile. It’s the kind of exhaustion that stems from knowing you can’t ever let your guard down. There’s no freedom to relax, no moment to simply exist without wondering if the next political shift or societal wave will undo what little progress we’ve made. For me, this reality hit hard recently. I was flipping through an old comic book, something meant to be lighthearted, when I stumbled upon a drawing—a Black baby, drawn as a monkey. A Black baby. An innocent child. Reduced to a grotesque, dehumanizing caricature for laughs. The fact that anyone could create that, publish it, and find it funny is horrifying. The fact that people still would is even worse. It’s not just the comic. It’s the way racism has become emboldened again, creeping into politics, policies, and daily life under new guises like "free speech" or "immigration reform....

Surviving in a World Built for Them: The Fight for Equity Surviving in a World Built for Them: The Fight for Equity For centuries, the world has been built to serve one dominant audience. History, products, policies, and opportunities have been designed around the ideals of white privilege (WP) and perpetuated by white supremacist tactics (WST). In this reality, Black people have had no choice but to adapt, surviving in systems and spaces never meant for us. But now, as we create spaces for ourselves—products, services, and even narratives that reflect who we are—there’s an uncomfortable truth: these spaces are still under threat. Built for Them: Adapting to a World Not Made for Us Historically, everything from beauty products to workplace dynamics was designed with a singular audience in mind. For years, Black people were left with no choice...

When the World Is Built for You When the World Is Built for You It’s such a strange position to be in—to constantly feel like you’re on trial for simply existing. Take something as mundane as grabbing a receipt at the shop. For me, it’s a habit born of necessity. If I’m having a bad hair day and throw on a hat, I can feel the shop workers’ eyes on me. The difference is stark: the same shop, the same trip, but if I’ve just come from the office dressed well, wig on, I’m suddenly treated like a “trusted” member of society. I wish I could say this isn’t race-related, but I know better. I’ve watched how others, dressed similarly to my quick errand look—hat on, coat on—are overlooked, left to shop in peace. It’s hard not to notice the double standards. Living in a World Built for Comfort—But Not for All There’s a privilege in being able to relax whe...

Are We Back in the 1950s? Not Quite Looking Back at My Words from 2013 Reading back on what I wrote in 2013 fills me with a mix of emotions: frustration, sadness, and an overwhelming sense of déjà vu. Back then, I warned about the resurgence of racism, the normalization of hate speech, and the dangers of political movements that no longer even bothered to hide their prejudices. Now, in 2024, I see so many of those concerns not only validated but amplified. It feels like the seeds of division planted back then have grown into a garden of thorns, pricking at the progress we once thought was secure. Are we back in the 1950s? **Not quite.** But sometimes, it feels like we’re dangerously close. What I Feared, and What Has Happened In 2013, I wrote about my fears that people were growing desensitized to racism and that political correctne...

Remembering the Horrors of Racism Remembering the Horrors of Racism: A Visual Reminder Trigger Warning: This post contains historical images of racism that may be upsetting or triggering for some viewers. Please proceed with care. A Reminder of What We Fought Against After watching old films, reading books, and seeing how attitudes are shifting today, I felt it necessary to post a stark reminder of what racism once looked like. These images are shocking and difficult to view, but they serve an important purpose: to educate and remind us why people fought so hard to end these atrocities. This was an awful time in history. Let’s not be comparable. Let us remember the past not just to mourn it, but to ensure we never allow such hatred and systemic injustice to rise again. ...

Have the Lessons of Racism Truly Been Learned? Have the Lessons of Racism Truly Been Learned? Reading a book my husband brought me a while ago, knowing my fascination with Black history, has brought me back to reflecting on how things have evolved—or regressed—since I started writing about racism in **2014**. Apologies for my long hiatus from writing; there has been so much to say, yet at times, I have struggled to find the right words to express it all. A Shift in Attitudes on Race Over the last few months, I’ve noticed a*change in people’s stance on race. It’s a disheartening shift. Political parties, companies, and even everyday individuals seem far less concerned about the stigma of racism. The word itself seems to be losing its power to horrify, and more people feel emboldened to openly justify their discriminatory beliefs and actions. I...

Stop It, I Say: The Dynamics of White Supremacy and Minority Discrimination A Reflection from 2020 to Now This post began in 2020, during a year of global upheaval and a reckoning with systemic injustice. As I revisit it today, in light of what we’ve seen over the years—including the aftermath of the Trump elections and the ongoing discourse on race—it feels more relevant than ever. Let’s talk about **white supremacy (WS)** and how it doesn’t just target Black people but other minorities as well. However, the issue I want to focus on is how those same minorities, who are also oppressed by WS, often **discriminate against Black people**, seeking to gain favor within a system that has long rewarded anti-Blackness. The Global Dynamics of Anti-Blackness Anti-Blackness isn’t confined to one country or culture. It is ingrained in many soc...

The Legacy of White Supremacy: Colorism, Concessions, and the Path Forward The Legacy of White Supremacy: Colorism, Concessions, and the Path Forward Introduction When will we understand that every nation has been tainted with white privilege, wielding colonialism as their weapon of choice? From the Caribbean Islands to America, and even to our homeland Africa, the impact of white supremacy (WS) has been relentless. It has touched every Black nation with violence, oppression, legalized discrimination, enforced segregation, and more—for over 400 years. The Roots of Colorism and Conformity During these audacious times, Black communities were taught a rhetoric not grounded in survival but in adapting to systems that oppressed them. We were told that the **lighter our skin**, the easier our lives would be—a narrative intentionally designed to divide us. Families beli...