Black Lives Matter: Black Transgender Lives Matter, Too.

This week, I’m calling my community out on their shit. The homophobia and transphobia that exists within the Black Community is toxic. Here’s how to scream “Black Lives Matter” and include Black trans people.

I saw a disturbing video on Instagram today. It was an unnecessary, evil act of violence that is difficult to even articulate. A group of transgender women were robbed and brutally beaten by six men. These men then had the audacity to post a video of them committing this hate crime. One of the survivors, Eden, posted the video here.

This instance of violence against a transgender person does not exist in a vacuum. This is not the first time this has happened. We’ve seen this with Dominique Fells in June. We’ve seen this with Bree Black. And so many more instances that society has ignored and forgotten about.

So this isn’t new. Shock and disbelief are not the only feelings you should have when you hear about violent act against transgender people. People, in general, need to seek accountability and change.

Rating The Political Impact of Kanye West’s Anti-Black Rhetoric.

This week, I am talking about Kanye West, and his many, many, many anti-Black slip-ups. Here’s why his words are both racially and politically dangerous.

We all know what’s happening in November.

The upcoming election hasn’t revealed ideal candidates for either party. Even though this will be my first time voting in an election ever, I can guarantee you I’m not wasting my vote on Kanye West.

Kanye West’s ability to enter the presidential race without the proper prior background (a.k.a. any degree from any institution in literally any field) alongside his disregard for deadlines has exposed the ugly truth surrounding politics recently. Celebrity Culture has made true intellect and political capacity rare characteristics in popular presidential candidates.

I mean, our current president is known more for his talk-show appearances than for his political prowess.

I could go on about how Kanye West’s massive fan base blindly support his political campaign, putting our country’s international reputation at risk.

But today, I want to focus on a different aspect on Kanye West’s political campaign. It’s the anti-black rhetoric he continues to spread and fail to atone for.

Black Lives Matter: Rating the NBA and NFL’s Responses to the Black Lives Matter Movement.

This week, I am rating the sad excuses for the restart of the NBA and NFL seasons. Why are people so eager to return to a “normal” when most Black athletes were condemned for supporting the BLM? Here’s why normal is long gone.

The NFL

Earlier this week, my professor asked me if I’d heard about the Washington Redskins’ name change. In the face of the Black Lives Matter Movement, this Washington NFL team has decided to change its name from the Washington Redskins to the Washington Football Team.

Apparently, it took the NFL nearly nine decades to realize they harbored such a racist name. (Just kidding. Of course they knew it was racist.)

If you’re reading this, then you probably already understand the dire need to humanize Black athletes in entertainment. From statements as painful as “shut up and dribble” to fining players for kneeing during the National Anthem, it is quite clear where the National Football League stands in regards to the Black Lives Matter Movement. So why am I writing this?

Because, something has changed.

No, the NFL didn’t just start caring about Black lives out of the blue. Instead, Black players have been forced to realize their identity outside of their athletic achievement and talent. The covid-19 pandemic has stripped every single athlete in America of their in-stadium, on-the-field experience. So they’ve been forced to wonder: who am I when I’m not playing football or basketball on live television?

Some of you may be wondering how Black players didn’t realize they were Black before. If you are, stop. Because your thinking is flawed. Their Blackness itself is not being called into question here. However, the reason for a shift in political standing is.

Black Lives Matter: Rating Makeup Companies’ Responses to the Black Lives Matter Movement. #PullUporShutUp

This week, I am rating how large companies and networks have responded to the Black Lives Matter Movement. I’m also your new plug for Black-owned beauty brands…you’re welcome.

Did you know that only 8% of people employed in white-collar jobs are Black? Did you know that only 3% of those Black employees hold executive roles?

White-collar jobs pay the highest average salary in the United States. People who work in these professions are usually privileged groups of Americans, who don’t have to get their hands dirty by doing actual manual labor. The majority of white-collar jobs consist of white men. For that reason, it is especially important to recognize when minority groups are present in these roles.

Today, I am highlighting the amount of Black people employed by beauty brands’ executive boards, to inform you how large makeup companies may hinder Black excellence.

Black Lives Matter: Rating Predominantly White Institutions’ Responses to the Black Lives Matter Movement.

This week, with the help of my friends, I analyze PWI’s responses to the Black Lives Matter Movement. I’m looking at you, Harvard.

As most of you know, I am an incoming freshman at Harvard University. To this day, it’s the best thing to happen to me. I could spend this time explaining how the college application process was the most stressful time of my life, but I would rather celebrate my future at Harvard. In doing so, I must be both open and willing to criticize the very institution that encouraged my outspokenness to begin with, and therefore; accepted me.

So, here’s my disclaimer…

The content of this post is not to invalidate the prestige of these institutions. And it certainly does not serve to discourage Black students from attending PWI’s. An education is an education, period.

Today, I’m not rating these institutions alone. You, the readers, are. I’ve personally reached out to students attending PWI’s for the 2020-2021 school year. Its important for students to rate their respective institutions, to ensure that all opinions are rooted in personal experience and credibility.

Black Lives Matter: Rating Celebrities’ Performative Acts and Selective Allyship.

This week, we talk about fake love from fake allies. FYI, posting a hashtag isn’t enough.

Did you know 20 million people posted a black screen on Instagram for Blackout Tuesday? Yeah…

The Black Lives Matter Movement has encouraged much needed coverage, support, and conversations regarding the treatment of Black people in the United States. Although racism and police brutality aren’t new phenomenons, these heinous acts have been frequently filmed and broadcast in the last three months. The unfortunate murder of George Floyd at the hands of Derek Chauvin, Alexander Keung, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao opened the world’s eyes to what’s always been happening to men and women that look like me.

The murders of Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, Elijah McClain, Riah Milton, and Dominique Fells have shown us that Black women, Black transgender womxn, Black EMT workers, Black men with a licence to carry, even Black introverted teenagers are all subject to unimaginable terror.

In order to truly honor these Black lives, it is important to know just what we’re fighting for. It is important to be genuine in all that we do. It is important to do the research. It is important to do the work.

Today, we’re rating celebrities who did the bare minimum.