Black Encounters: More S@#$ White People Say

One day, while leisurely perusing through Facebook I saw the link posted above pop up in my news feed. The words STOP WHITE GENOCIDE blared at me, hence the use of all capitals. My curiosity was mildly piqued and I …

Black Encounters: Ask and You Shall Receive

Following my graduation from undergrad I took a year off to get my life together. I used this time to research graduate programs and pray. I read some good books and devoted myself to reflecting over my life and beliefs …

Black Encounters: A Hopeful Black Woman On The Great Black Hype

It’s been a while, thus I feel like I  must write. But I’m scared that if I start I might ramble. I want to say  something inspiring that will  excite everybody to vote. I  want to say there’s something about …

Black Encounters: The Expectations Of Beauty For A Young Black Girl

By Kendra Allums I, being around girls my age most of the day, am criticized by these girls on a daily occasion about the way I look.  Sure these girls are just being all around bitches, but why are there …

Black Encounters: Reader Responds To Ryan’s Interview Walk-Out

By Cora Ledet In an interview at an ABC 12 affiliate in Flint MI a reporter asked GOP Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan  “Does this country have a gun problem?” According to Huffington Post: Ryan responded saying, “this country has a …

Black Encounters: 2012 Legacy Of Racial Inferiority In Education

This semester I ventured out of my African-American Studies department to a graduate college of education expecting to find an objective exploration of a proposed new educational reform addressing the black-white achievement gap. The prospect of a reform that considers …

Black Encounters: When The Sacred Becomes Mundane

When I moved to Harlem and started looking for a new church home, I expected there would be some variation from the black Southern Baptist worship experience I grew up knowing. But I was not prepared for the persistent presence …

Black Encounters: What I Discovered At The West Indian Parade

Vibrant. Massive. Invigorating. These are three words that describe Brooklyn’s 45th annual West Indian Parade that takes place on labor day every year. A tradition that dates back to the colonial era, the West Indian Parade incorporates both African and …

Black Encounters: One Girl’s Hair Story

I try to stay to myself. I don’t bother others and I rarely solicit suggestions or critiques about my appearance.  Yet people feel the need to express their discontent with my personal choices, especially my hair. When I was younger …

Black Encounters: Protecting Our Streets

Although I’m a transplant and I’ve barely lived in Harlem for a year I am highly protective of my neighborhood and I don’t take kindly to haters or people ruining our good name. That is why I felt a sense …