Shamontiel L. Vaughn·20 hours agoMember-onlyJa Rule calls out men for calling women ‘bitch’First time in rap history I’ve ever seen a lyricist defend black women on air — If I call someone a “bitch,” I mean it in the most absolutely disrespectful way. I am not playing. At all. I wince when Lizzo calls both men and women “bitches.” Trina self-identifies as the “baddest bitch.” Meredith Brooks adds the word to a whole host of other things she…Ja Rule4 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·5 days agoMember-onlyFundraising for black women: Should there be a complexion cutoff?When colorism and the paper bag test work as intended — but backwards — I love being a woman. I love being black. And I love being a dark-skinned black women. It’s a triple win for me. I have no qualms with any other race nor person loving who they are. You should. While Mainstream America has gone out of its way to try…Colorism5 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jul 28Member-onlyWhy ‘spazzing’ over Lizzo misses its markIs the Lizzo Cancellation more to do with attacking AAVE, the artist or geographical differences? — I could be anywhere in the USA. But I know that if I see a black woman taking off her earrings, tying her hair up into a ponytail or slowly greasing her face, she is about to spazz! The opposing party better start doing the same thing or at least…Lizzo6 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jul 28Member-onlyInterracial couples, avoid the Amazon Boyfriend video trendWhen interracial dating becomes history class — Lauryn Hill. That was how the whole conversation started. He and I were talking about our favorite artists, and he crooned about how much he loves Lauryn Hill’s singing voice. Somewhere along the line, I brought up my favorite song of his, and he smiled. He pulled out his phone…Interracial Relationships7 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jul 21Member-only300 mass shootings in 2022 — and parents think ‘put your shoes on’ challenge is funny?Just because you can procreate doesn’t mean you should — This little girl and I were arguing inside of her home, and my mother made a comment. I cannot remember what the comment was, but the girl responded, “Shut up” and walked out of the door. Up until this point, I’d just planned on sparring with her verbally and going…Parenthood6 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jul 19Member-onlyBlack-owned pet company is offering 500 free dog grooming servicesThe Dogfather of Harlem heads to Chicago, Cincinnati and Detroit in summer 2022 — Brian Taylor, the owner of Harlem Doggie Day Spa, is at it again. This summer, “the Dogfather of Harlem” and his team will travel to Cincinnati on July 25–26, Detroit on July 29–30, and Chicago on August 2–3 for free dog grooming services courtesy of the Pup Relief Tour. With…Dogs4 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jul 8Member-onlyWhy are men allowed to own guns?The counterargument to Chicago’s gun violence and pro-Second Amendment supporters — I love my city. I’ve moved nine times and lived in three states, but every time I’m cruising on DuSable Drive, walking around downtown Chicago or hopping on an el to go to who knows where, it reminds me how much I’d rather live nowhere else but here. (OK, let’s…Gun Ownership4 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jun 22Member-onlySometimes you won’t relate — and that’s OKWhy every writing staff needs a minority writer and editor who understands other minorities — “I don’t care what the difference is between a hijab, niqab or a burka,” the editor told me. “Just call it a burka and move on.” “I do care,” I shot back. “And considering this post is about how Muslim women are treated post-9/11, her attire matters.” “But no one…Discrimination4 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jun 19Member-onlyDog Karens, you don’t own every neighborhood petWhen subconscious racial profiling seeps its way into dog lovers — I wear headphones and sunglasses 99% of the time that I walk my dog. In the spring, the shades are often because allergy season is a monster on my eyes (and contact lenses). But the headphones are mandatory all year round. Why? In addition to catching up on podcasts and…Racism12 min read
Shamontiel L. Vaughn·Jun 15Member-onlyWhether 22 days or two, veganism continues to make an impactCelebs pique the interest of African-American aspiring vegans and vegetarians — Doctors are treating patients with food as medicine — finally. Vegan burgers have trickled their way into grocery stores and fast food chains around the world. Vegetarian meals and fitness apparel are a hot topic on social media. And The Economist even declared 2019 the “year of the vegan.” But…Veganism5 min read
