Articles & Essays

Stephanie Sy, Eisa Nefertari Ulen, and Mark Anthony Neal

Slapping Incident at the Oscars Sparks Difficult But Important Conversations

Four days after the shocking events at this year's Oscars, the fallout is not over yet. Discussion with Stephanie Sy ...
Will Smith

Behind Will Smith’s Slap, Black Pain and Enough Blame to Go Around

The foolishness and violence of the Oscar winner’s act — and of Chris Rock’s cruel joke — were undeniable, but ...

Review of The Other Black Girl

"Nella feels the aloneness that is inevitable in an industry that is among the most segregated, despite its left-of-center inclinations." ...

Here’s What “Defunding the Police” Means to Me

Here’s what defunding the police could look like—and the best arguments from advocates in favor of this approach. Published April ...

White Monarchy Nearly Killed Meghan Markle. It Has Killed Countless Others.

Racism enters Black bodies. Enduring racial discrimination lowers heart rate variability and increases heart rates. Racism is fight or flight ...

How ‘One Night in Miami,’ ‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ and More Give Audiences “An Opportunity to Witness Black Excellence”

Critic’s Notebook: A film critic, academic and novelist notes the acute joy and pain of viewing awards contenders that explore ...

Review of Reclaiming Black Beaches

On Alison Rose Jefferson’s “Living the California Dream” Published in the LA Review of Books December 15, 2020. Review by ...

Why Kwanzaa Is So Meaningful to Black Americans

Founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, Kwanzaa incorporates African language, cultural traditions, and family for a week of affirming, ...

Breath in Crisis: A Diary Out of Time

This commentary is part of the Pulitzer Center's COVID-19 Writers Project (C19WP), which captures a hyper-local view of the coronavirus ...

8 Children’s Nursery Rhymes That Are Actually Racist

Can a catchy little rhyme really be that problematic? Yes—and it’s one way racism was inextricably woven into American life ...
Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther

In ‘Black Panther,’ Chadwick Boseman Created a Fresh Model of Black Manhood

Critic’s Notebook: The star’s vulnerable, tender portrayal was so inspiring in part because of its departure from many of the ...

Please Stop Asking People of Color Where They’re From

This seemingly innocent question has racist overtones. Published July 2, 2020 by Reader's Digest. Written by Eisa Nefertari Ulen - ...