news one recently reported a story on republican strategist raynard jackson. in the story they point out that jackson believes white women are helping black men more than black women. according to news one, jackson cites black women's faithful support of President Obama as the primary basis for his position.
while i think this is a pretty ridiculous barometer, i will have to agree with the underlying message that President Obama needs to do better and we (black women and black America) need to hold him (and all our leaders) accountable for doing better. i am doubtful that we will see him change his ways in relation to the policies that impact us before his term is out (doesn't mean we shouldn't try). our political leaders will not take a stand to help black folk alone. no one wants to be seen as an ally to black America.
the wnba announced they will launch a campaign specifically targeted for the lbgt community. this news is significant to me for two main reasons:
it has been said that you sometimes have to create what you want to be a part of.
i did just that.
i was tired of seeing our community hurting. i was tired of seeing the wasted intelligence and energy. i was tired of watching our families die because we have lost the kings of our communities. i was tired; so, i created the juice crü, a lifestyle-based advocacy movement dedicated to creating the next generation of civil and human rights leaders.
news one recently reported a story on republican strategist raynard jackson. in the story they point out that jackson believes white women are helping black men more than black women. according to news one, jackson cites black women's faithful support of President Obama as the primary basis for his position.
while i think this is a pretty ridiculous barometer, i will have to agree with the underlying message that President Obama needs to do better and we (black women and black America) need to hold him (and all our leaders) accountable for doing better. i am doubtful that we will see him change his ways in relation to the policies that impact us before his term is out (doesn't mean we shouldn't try). our political leaders will not take a stand to help black folk alone. no one wants to be seen as an ally to black America.
"I'm not supposed to be here"
I've been thinking about these words a lot lately. Recently, I've noticed this curious phrase (or something close to it) as it has been uttered by notable and extremely successful men. Three Black men, at the height of their careers: LeBron James, Jay-Z, and most recently Kevin Durant have all adopted this perspective. These men, who are essentially the best at what they do, have felt compelled to recognize the unique odds they've beaten en route to their achievements by saying, "I'm not supposed to be here". It's both rare and refreshing to hear successful people speak about themselves in the absence of entitlement.
ladarius sapho has the best grade point average at proviso east high school in maywood, illinois. his grades have earned him the top spot as the valedictorian, but he's being told he can't be valedictorian. last week ladarius and the school's salutatorian were told they didn't qualify to be the valedictorian or the salutatorian because of a district policy that says you have to have attended (not sure if it is the school or the district) for at least seven semesters. both transferred in as sophomores, making them one semester shy of the seven required.
today is malcolm x's birthday. he's one of my heroes.
when i was in the 11th grade my grandmother sent me a book of malcolm x's speeches. it was undoubtedly one of the best gifts i have ever received. the book, which i read from cover to cover in less than a week, awakened my revolutionary spirit and serves as the foundation for the career i am building as a PR practitioner and social justice fighter.
![act now for ladarius sapho [act now]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5121a627e4b04a9f6b5e8eb8/1401040042813-PBP012VGM03Z7DW3LZKT/image.jpg)
