Growing up in Black History

  The unsinkable            BLACK VOICES , GLOBAL ISSUES                                 A SEMESTER OF GROWTH Kamala Harris  colorism     PRESENTED BY TAHNI HOLLOWAY polyamory LGBTQ                          STORIES OF STRENGTH &                                        AWARENESS           

 While Morrison was in college, she was involved in relationships that showed a different and flexible view of love, which some see as a kind of polyamory. Morrison stressed how important relationships are in her writing, demonstrating how they impact who we are as individuals and our shared experiences. In her books like "Beloved" and "Song of Solomon," the characters often deal with complicated emotions that illustrate the importance of love in different ways, whether it's romantic, family-related, or communal.     Morrison learned more about herself and her sexuality while in college, which was exciting but also had its difficulties. Morrison's relationships at the time emphasized a sense of community, with love not limited to just one person but open to multiple relations. This view on love is similar to polyamory, where people have more than one romantic relationship with everyone's consent and awareness. In Morrison's later writings, she often ...

Recently, I interviewed a student at my hbcu about their experiences as a Black LGBTQ person.   The student mentioned that it can be both empowering and difficult to navigate these identities.   They highlighted the significance of having a supportive community at the HBCU, mentioning a strong bond among students who have similar backgrounds. She made it clear on  how attending an HBCU has helped them embrace who they are.  She explained, despite moments of acceptance, there are still misunderstandings and stereotypes from both the Black and LGBTQ communities. She noted that some individuals still hold onto old-fashioned beliefs about gender and sexuality, leading to conflicts.   However, they also pointed out how great it is to find friends and make connections with fellow students who understand the different aspects of their identities.   They talked about finding LGBTQ  groups at school, which have given them a comfortable place...

The Guardian +1 NPR +1  Kamala Harris, who is the first woman of South Asian and African American heritage to be Vice President of the United States, has made progress in supporting the needs of African American women with her political work and activism. Kamala Harris's connection with Alpha Kappa Alpha , the oldest African American sorority in the US, founded in 1908, has been a key part of her influence. Her relationship with AKA has helped empower and engage Black women politically. AKA members were important in raising funds and getting out the vote during the 2020 presidential campaign, which greatly benefited the Democratic Party.     In the Senate, Harris talked about important problems that impact African American women, like disparities in maternal health. She noticed that Black women are more likely to die during childbirth, so she introduced the Maternal CARE Act to help reduce these deaths by giving healthcare providers training on bias. She also started...

Women's Rights and Girls International Rights T he rights of women and girls are super important, but sadly, they’re often ignored around the world. The essay from the Population Media Center really dives into the struggles women and girls face, like gender inequality, violence, and not having access to education and healthcare. These issues don’t just affect individuals; they hold back entire communities from moving forward. First off, gender inequality is a huge problem. In a lot of places, women and girls are seen as less important than men, which leads to discrimination in jobs, schools, and even politics. This means fewer chances for women to thrive and make a difference. For example, in many countries, girls have a harder time getting an education compared to boys, which keeps them stuck in a cycle of poverty. Then there's the issue of violence against women, which is heartbreaking. Many women and girls deal with physical, emotional, or sexual violence from partners, fami...

   "The Color Purple" tells the story of Celie, a woman who goes through many difficult experiences.   The movie shows the struggles she faces, especially the abuse she endures.   The troubles begin when Celie is mistreated by her father, leading to a very unhappy life for her.   She later marries a man known as Mister, who also treats her poorly.   This part of the story emphasizes the effects of sexual violence on women, as Celie is subjected to both physical and emotional mistreatment by the men around her.   This depiction illustrates the profound impact these experiences have on her self-esteem and who she believes she is.  The movie is unique because it doesn't only show Celie's struggles but also addresses important issues such as racism and sexism during that time.   Celie's story mirrors the challenges many women encountered, and the film demonstrates the impact of these challenges on her self-worth....

  Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED YouTube · TED Oct 7, 2009 In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk "The Danger of a Single Story," she talks about how dangerous it is to have just one narrative about a person or a culture. She shares her own experiences growing up in Nigeria and how the stories she read shaped her understanding of the world. When we only hear a single story about someone, it really limits our perspective and can lead to misunderstandings. Now, when I think about this in relation to self-love, it really hits home. It’s super important for us to recognize that we have so many different stories within ourselves. Just like Adichie warns against the single narrative others might impose on us, we need to avoid limiting beliefs about our own identities. Self-love is all about embracing every part of who we are our strengths, weaknesses, and all the experiences that make us unique. If we let a single story define us, we miss out on the ...

    In this post, I had the opportunity to chat with a current student at Albany State University. I asked her about her expectations before arriving at the university and what she was specifically looking for in a college experience, especially attending a HBCU. AKA the UNSINKABLE It was fascinating to hear her thoughts on what she hoped to gain from her time here and how she envisioned her journey at Albany State would shape her future. She shared her excitement about the vibrant community and the unique cultural experiences that come with being at an HBCU. It was clear that she was looking for a supportive environment that would not only foster her academic growth but also celebrate her heritage and identity. Overall, her insights provided a deeper understanding of the aspirations students have when they choose to attend an HBCU and the important role these institutions play in their personal and professional development.  Reply Forward Add reaction

Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is a heartfelt examination of race, beauty, and identity. The story revolves around Pecola Breedlove, a young African American girl who longs for blue eyes, convinced that having them will grant her beauty and acceptance in a society where whiteness is identical  with beauty and value. Through Pecola’s journey, Morrison explores the harmful effects of colorism, a social ranking that prioritizes lighter skin over darker skin, even within communities of color. At the heart of the novel lies the widespread impact of colorism, a theme Morrison tackles with sensitivity and insight. Pecola's fixation on blue eyes represents her  belief that she is ugly and unworthy due to her dark skin, which she views as inferior. Throughout the narrative, Pecola’s family and community significantly influence her self image. Her parents, Cholly and Pauline Breedlove, struggle with their own issues related to colorism that they accidently  pass on to Pecola. Paul...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRY4QNuf6tg  I found Phylicia Rashad's interview on The Breakfast Club to be very inspiring.   She shared her experiences in the entertainment industry and discussed the importance of being a strong Black woman.   Phylicia spoke about the obstacles she encountered, such as stereotypes and the challenges of being a Black actress.  It's amazing to think about the struggles she had to overcome to gain recognition and respect in an industry dominated by white people.      One thing that I remember well is how she talked about how important it is to be resilient and stay true to oneself.  She discussed the role models who had shaped her idea of strength. I appreciated how she urged young Black women to proudly embrace who they are and not let anyone bring them down.   It felt like she was stressing the importance of taking control of our own stories and not letting society dictate who we are.     ...

  As an African American, my journey to a fulfilling life has been shaped by a blend of challenges, resilience, and pride. From an early age, my family emphasized the value of education, hard work, and staying true to our roots. My parents always made it clear that success wasn’t solely about personal achievements but also about uplifting others along the way. We learned that our community, culture, and history were powerful assets in overcoming any hurdles life presented. One of the key lessons I picked up early on was the importance of family. We were a close-knit group, and my extended family significantly influenced who I am today. Every holiday and Sunday dinner served as a reminder of the strength and support we offered one another. My parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins ensured I understood my value and the significance of staying connected to my heritage. There was always plenty of encouragement, which has been a fundamental part of my life. Education was a top priority in ...