Last night’s episode of ABC’s Black-ish gave “mainstream” America a peak into a rarely seen or discussed conversation that takes place in Black households: The Name Game. Depending on how many generations are involved in this process, it can be simple or result in the expectant mother receiving a storm of phone calls and messages with… “Alisha! I KNOW you and Kevin ain’t gonna name that baby KEVILISHA!” But they will. Because it’s “cute.” Because Kevilisha was made out of love between Alisha and … Read More »
Dear Daughter: “Black is Beautiful” Doesn’t Mean Everyone Else is Ugly.
This weekend, for my twentieth reunion from Spelman, I got a super-cute t-shirt from Procter and Gamble's My Black is Beautiful campaign in my swag bag. From the moment my twelve year-old saw the t-shirt she was in love with it. It is a simple black tee with white writing..."My Black is Beautiful." Simple and harmless enough, right? No. On the Monday after the reunion, my daughter asked me to wear the shirt to school. I threw a tantrum. It is mine. I hadn't even worn it yet. It still … Read More »