So it's no secret that as a country, we Americans tend to comfortably reside in a perpetual state of denial as to the true state of the world we live in. As a country, we don't learn from the past, we choose to not heed the wisdom of those who have fought against oppression, enslavement, …
The Real Truth of the Black Panther Party
What has been made painfully clear to me recently is that few people truly know and understand precisely what the Black Panthers were all about. There are so many misconceptions and outlandish propaganda being thrown around when one hears the name Black Panther Party that I must admit at times it makes me cringe. Why …
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My thoughts on the “N*Word”…
Ahhh... this word has taken on multiple meanings over the years, and has been used by a myriad of people from all walks of life and races. From comedians, to young brothas standing on the corner yelling across the street to the next young brotha. Yet for all the justifications I hear from folks who …
Hello 2016: Today is a New Day
Today is a new day and remember that you will get out of it whatever you put into it… If you’ve made any mistakes, no matter how serious, there is always another chance to make things right. If you’ve failed and failed at something, you can have a fresh start- you just have to want …
We’ve come a long way… or have we?
When I first saw this magazine cover I must admit I was in denial that this was actually an Ebony magazine cover. I mean after all, Ebony magazine is for US, right? And by "US" I mean Black Women! And not just the light skinned, with straight hair and acceptable European features Black Women. Smh. …
Real Talk about Gentrification in Oakland
Gentrification: The process of renewal and rebuilding accompanying the influx of upper middle class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displaces poorer residents. Let me first say that I'm not against redevelopment. Oakland is one the most racially and culturally diverse cities in the Bay Area, so I am all for the city of Oakland …
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Why don’t women respect and support each other more?
For the past few weeks, I've been mulling over this issue about why, some women do not seem to respect and support other women. In my 42 years, I haven't met one woman, regardless of age or race, who hasn't had an issue with another woman at some point in her life! As grown women, we all have …
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To Spank or not to Spank
Since I can remember, spanking has been a part of my family's culture- and by that I mean on both sides of my family (mom and dad), if you acted up, showed your azz (figuratively not literally) and basically just lost your mind for any length of time, then you knew you were about to get a …
Can we change racial inequity in this country?
'Do I believe we can change racial inequity?' This question was posed during a Race Power, Privilege Workshop: Tools and Strategies for Advancing Racial Equity training I attended last week. Everyone who attended worked in an organization or city/county department that provides services to the community in some form or fashion. Now, I personally don't believe …
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The joys of being racially profiled…
So for anyone who has not had the misfortune of being racially profiled, I thought I might describe to you an experience I recently had with it. Last Friday, my coworkers and I decided to have a business lunch at a restaurant called Max's Diner and Bar in Oakland's Citi Center. Very nice atmosphere, somewhat upscale. At …
Dawn M. Edwards 