Refinery29: From Midnight Raids to Same-Sex Marriage: What’s Changed in the 50 Years Since Stonewall
Duberman’s Stonewall tells the stories of the uprising, from the point of view of six people living during that time. Yvonne Flowers, an African American lesbian activist, was one of them. I identified with her. She had stakes in the Civil Rights, Black Power, Women, and LGBT Movements. I found myself drawn into what Flowers speaks about, where you subsume your sex and sexual politics into racial politics. I don’t want this subsumption to continue to ring true. So, when I think about Stonewall, and where we’ve come in the 50 years since — and what’s next — it’s not just through the lens of LGBTQ+ rights, but also women’s rights, African American rights, and the rights of all those who are marginalized.
The nightclub regularly hosts dance parties and is reportedly known for playing diverse music. But in an email leaked on Wednesday night, the bar mentioned that they were “changing up their format” and their goal was to promote a “positive” and fun vibe. The email continues that anything “vulgar, aggressive or considered mumble rap,” including Cardi B and some newer Nicki Minaj tracks, would be “off limits.” Added security would be present at the bar during the transition, including security “posted next to the DJ booth.” Social media users slammed the changes, with some suggesting the bar was lashing out against patrons of color.
The New York Times: How New York’s Elite Public Schools Lost Their Black and Hispanic Students
Donna Lennon will never forget when she learned she had won a seat at Stuyvesant High School, one of the nation’s most revered and selective public schools. Ms. Lennon was sitting in English class in mostly low-income and black East New York, Brooklyn, in the spring of 1981 when a guidance counselor delivered the good news. The class erupted in cheers. “I couldn’t speak,” said Ms. Lennon, now 51 and a lawyer.
AP: National Museum of African American Music Releases 2019 State of Black Music
To celebrate Black Music Month in June, the National Museum of African American Music is reflecting on the past year in music in the second annual State of Black Music. The state of black music remains robust and continues to grow stronger. Its reach is larger than ever, spanning platforms, countries and genres.
The Root: Olo’oruko Mi: Legacy Ponderings of a Nigerian-but-Mostly-American
I’d spent two years on this earth when I met my paternal grandmother Julianna Oni for the first—and last—time. As I was her sole olo’oruko mi—the only heir to be her namesake—she took an immediate liking to me, often raising my youthful frame in her firm, mahogany arms and chanting “Julie Julie Julie Julie” with a grin of pride. She passed away a few years later in her homeland of Nigeria.
Ebony: Cast of ‘When They See Us’ On The Real Central Park 5 & Working With Ava DuVernay
Asante Blackk, Caleel Harris, Ethan Herisse, Jharrel Jerome and Marquis Rodriguez sat down with EBONY to discuss their new Netflix miniseries When They See Us, which is based on the story of the Central Park Five. The group shared their experience working with the real Central Park Five, Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana and Korey Wise, who were on-set consultants for the series. They also praised director Ava DuVernay for leading the cast in this fearless depiction of injustice.
Essence: 10 Times Black Travelers Showed Us The Resilience and Beauty of Ghana
Ghana has declared 2019 the “Year of the Return,” for Black people around the diaspora. With year-long activities that range from soul-stirring tributes to the ancestors at the Full Circle Festival, to concerts and more festivals, there’s a lot of exciting happenings around the country. However, this year isn’t the first time Black travelers have had Ghana on their radar. In-the-know jetsetters have long been exploring the multi-faceted beauty of this West African gem.
Huffington Post Black Voices: Leah Chase, Famed New Orleans Chef Who Fed Civil Rights Leaders, Dead At 96
Legendary New Orleans chef Leah Chase always had problems when customers asked if she served “soul food.” Well, that would depend on where your soul was, she’d say. If it was in China, she couldn’t really help you. But if your soul was in New Orleans, well that was different. “If your soul is in New Orleans, I know what to give you,” Chase said during an interview. “I’m going to give you some jambalaya. I can give you some stewed chicken. I can give you some shrimp Creole.”
