We have the right to imagine African kingdoms untouched by colonialism
First, it needs to be said — African Americans do not think Africa is one country. We already know that it’s a continent with many countries, languages, religions, histories, and herstories. Yet, it seems that the world thinks they need to school Black people on how to embrace their African heritage. Unfortunately, the accusations of cultural appropriation are already at our front door. Damn — can’t we have anything of our own?
Did it ever occur to the critics that Coming to America wasn’t made for them? They created this film for the African American audience with similar experiences and…
Marc on rejects misogyny and protects Black women Philly style
I know Tweets aren’t official news — but they are part of our culture and often part of the news cycle. With that being said — I want to thank Marc Lamont Hill for one word — that meant a lot to Black women, “nope”.
No shade — and I’m not trying to start beef between the highly respected author, professor, and activist, Marc Lamont Hill and Tory Lanez, the rapper who allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion. However, when Marc Lamont Hill simply tweeted, “Nope” in response to Tory’s promo Tweet; at first, I had a brief, teenage “oooooooh” moment…
International Woman’s Day is here.
When I got my first Advertising job, a bunch of colleagues I also knew outside of work warned me about getting on my new boss’s bad side. Apparently, she was difficult to work with. I’ll never forget the number of warnings and pity- stares I got when people found out they had lumped me under Lana,” Lana the bitch? Good luck!”
I won’t lie, I was really nervous.
It was a big multinational company, so there were many teams working under different brands, headed by several managers or “bosses.” All of them were men, except Lana ( I changed her…
Too often are Black girls and womxn placed at the edge of recognition and representation when exhibiting lifestyles, movements, and trends.
It’s 7:00 am, and I am doing my usual routine: sit at the tea shop, people watch, and write. I contemplated my next writing topic when the words of philanthropist and supermodel Aamito Lagum dawned on me. “Define what you want, ask yourself what do I want. If everything was to go away if I had no fear if I had no obstacles, what is it that I want?” And it was as if the flood gates opened and the water came bursting. I want simplicity, joy, and freedom. I want minimalism.
Overcoming my internalized racism and Black hair stereotyping.
I was afraid of the word “ghetto” when I was young. I was afraid that there wasn’t anything I would be able to do to prevent people from making assumptions about me —thinking the tall Black girl decked out in Baby Phat decals was a trouble-making little “hussy” (as my grannie would say).
Some days I wonder if I’m naturally soft-spoken, or if that’s a permanent vocal change brought on by the fear of being seen as That Loud Black Girl.
The result is that I spent a lot of time policing my behavior. …
Writing
Everything you need to know about submitting articles
Cultured is an online publication which curates high quality articles about social justice issues. Writers on our publication redefine culture through their writing. We want stories about race, culture, womanism, gender, sexuality, and equality. Journalistic, personal essays, and poetry are welcome forms on the publication.
We have a new home — www.readcultured.com. It’s still a Medium pub, but the domain will make it easier for readers to find and support your work. Social activists should use Cultured to share stories about their pursuits to overcome adversity. Personal stories from the trenches, political commentary, and societal critiques are always welcome.
Topics we amplify
America needs our stories and perspective
History Matters
White washed history must go
One month, not enough
We cannot separate Black history from American history. And while it’s amazing to see our history celebrated from sea to shining sea, one month is not enough to highlight our amazing contributions and triumphs. Black History month barely scratches the surface. Also, this subject is not universally accepted. Many people still fight against the idea that public schools should teach Black history.
So, it’s absolutely necessary for Black people to tell Black history from the lens of Black perspectives. In our absence, white historians have controlled the narrative. As…
Poem: Women Activists
Your unmatched courage
and freedom fighting instincts
were ingrained with ancestors’ blood
whose strength and heroism
broke barriers and conquered their plights
so that we can stand today — emancipated.
“Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.”
— John Lennon / Paul McCartney
The global case of skin bleaching and the Western ideal of beauty
While this long read is primarily based on skin bleaching, it’s impossible not to write about the influence of Western standards of beauty in its entirety as it stems from promoting society’s belief in whiteness as the most beautiful and worthy of respect and admiration. A quick google search (eg. type beautiful women), proves the common sentiments of who is deemed attractive. It’s evident, spreading and pervasive influence sets a precedent in these conversations. They both go hand in hand, intertwined in a union that can’t be ignored as it has affected many aspects within society.
The issue of colourism…
