Now let’s be honest and real. 2020 hasn’t been exactly predictable. I am much too nervous to celebrate the end of Darth Cheeto’s reign as Dictator in Chief of the United States of America. While most indicators for the ballot certifications are optimal, I will not rest at ease until the official counts are in, lawsuits are dismissed, and Trump leaves (or is forcibly removed from) the White House grounds.

This election cycle has been a poignant reminder of the divide and conquer strategy used against Black people, leaving Black Women holding the bag. Women of color have shouldered burdens and been on the receiving end of constant misogyny and racism while being left to fend for themselves without the protection (physical, community, or otherwise) of Black men. While some Black men complain about their voices not being heard and continue to neglect our community, others undermine (either unintentionally or deliberately) the Black culture for the maintenance of their own egos. If it sounds like I am throwing major shade. I am. …

“I tell law students… if you are going to be a lawyer and just practice your profession, you have a skill — very much like a plumber. But if you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself… something that makes life a little better for people less fortunate than you.”

~Ruth Bader Ginsburg

O n September 18, 2020, while on the phone with a close friend I happened to scroll on my facebook and noticed a post “Not Justice Ginsburg” I immediately scrolled down and like a gut punch I screamed “Oh No!” My friend, not knowing what happened, asked what happened. CNN had just posted on their FaceBook account that Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg had died from pancreatic cancer. My heart broke. Another American Hero and Icon lost in 2020. Moreover, a fighter for Women’s equality and one of the few progressive liberal judges on the U.S. Supreme Court. While emotionally processing what I just read, my friend on the phone casually stated, “So what? …

“Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t” — Jay Z

Numbers (or statistics) tell us the truth. For decades, minorities and young people under 25 years of age in the US are politically inactive and don’t exercise this activity at the ballot box. However, if there was ever a time to get up, register and vote now is the time. The 2020 presidential election is arguably the most important election thus far of the 21st Century and a flashpoint for the future of America for a myriad of reasons.

In terms of legacy, the next President will likely appoint one, potentially, two Justices to the US Supreme Court. This will impact the ideological lens through which the highest court of the judicial branch will interpret laws for the next fifty years. Affirmative action, gun ownership, reproductive rights, and same-sex marriage are just a few hot topics that will be scrutinized and reviewed by the Supreme Court within the coming years. Down the ladder, the new President will appoint judges to the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals who determine the fate of every civil action in the United States; holding more power than the Supreme Court in many instances. While the media, depending on who you are watching, paints this as an “us versus them narrative”, basic human rights in the wealthiest country in the world are slowly deteriorating. This is not a Liberal versus Conservative, Republican versus Democrat. This is basic human decency and our citizen’s having the rights to adequate and affordable healthcare, education, clean water, and air. …

The sudden announcement of Chadwick Boseman’s untimely death was a huge blow to the Black Community. His portrayal of T’Challa, the King of Wakanda otherwise known as the Black Panther, gave people in general and black children in particular someone to look up to as a hero. He gave hope that Black people could be depicted as superheroes thatwe all can be proud of — expanding the art of the possible for black boys and girls around the world. Black Panther introduced the African diaspora to many Black Americans who were not familiar to the rich cultures of their ancestral home, Africa. The fictional country of Wakanda is wealthy in culture, resources, and technology — much like real African countries of the past and some today. …

If you are a fan of Hip Hop, Rap, or R&B music, the conversation on social media last week revolved around a new release from Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. While Webster’s would define “WAP” as a bundle of straw, gust of wind, or ethnic slur, these two artists redefined it; and in the process, opened the floodgates of discussion and debate on sexuality and female empowerment. Where you stand on this debate likely depends on where you sit based on experience and morality. However, our reluctance to have mature, adult conversations about such topics reflects one of many flaws in the premise of American exceptionalism. In order for our country to grow, we have to be willing to have tough conversations. …

One of the subtle motivations that drives my business is to address inequality: whether gender, racial, or socioeconomic. A point of frustration for me as expressed by many darker Black and Brown social media influencers is how their photos have them portrayed in an unrealistic manner.

When I became a professional photographer and started my business, I began to notice how black and brown subjects looked worse than non POC subjects. I am not sure if it is based on the lack of skill and will on the part of culturally insensitive and/or tone deaf photographers or something different altogether. …

Disclaimer

Before I begin this opinion essay, I must provide a warning/disclaimer as a public service announcement. I am not, repeat, not a licensed mental health professional. These are just my observations based on media, personal experience, and written published content. I am in no way, shape or form an expert in diagnosing anyone. I like comics. FInding relationship comparisons with real world people of a certain demographic is a novel way to pass the time instead of going to a comic con. So without further adieu, on to the show….

Origin

Many people are familiar with the Movie and television adaptation of Blade. This compariasion is focused on the comic book version. It provides more context versus the screen versions. Blade’s birth name was Eric Brooks and he was born of a prostitute in 1929 in a Soho whorehouse of London, England. His mother Tara Brooks worked at Madame Vanity’s Brothel. When Tara experienced severe labor complications, a doctor was summoned. This doctor was actually a vampire named Deacon Frost who decided to feast on Eric’s mother killing her in the process. However, this inadvertently passed along certain vampiric enzymes to the infant, resulting in Eric’s quasi-vampiric abilities, including a greatly prolonged lifespan and the ability to sense supernatural creatures, as well as an immunity to complete vampirism. Tara’s fellow prostitutes drove off Frost before the infant could be killed as well. …

I have never been a fan of military biographies. I always found them to be a watered down version of the truth. Every single one of them. As a veteran, regardless of what branch of service or the rank of the subject there are things you just don’t talk about. Details that are missed and in some cases, especially for general and flag officers, the content is not relevant to the ever changing climate and social construct. What worked for them 20 or 30 years again doesn’t apply today. So when it comes to military genre nonfiction it’s a hard pass. …