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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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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How do we strengthen the Black Community?
Community. I often wonder if that word has meaning for folks anymore. The definition of community is: a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality,share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage. A common cultural and historical heritage... Now, to me that means that a people who have such a …
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Do you know where you’re from??
The funniest things come out of the mouths of kids sometimes. And by "funny" I don't necessarily mean "haha" but more on the "that's interesting" side. The side that usually has me saying, alrighty then. So, one of my jobs is teaching dance at the YMCA in Berkeley, and the kids I teach are primarily …
Dawn M. Edwards 