At a time of social conflict and the marginalization of communities and their needs, it is more important than ever to focus on things that bring people together and to celebrate our roots and culture. Kwanzaa gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what is most important in our lives and to recognize traditions that…
This Friday will mark the 29th year of World AIDS Day. This global health day is “an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness,” according to the World AIDS Day site. HIV…
The hashtag #MeToo has been trending globally following reports of sexual harassment occurring mainly against female celebrities by prominent men in Hollywood. The hashtag has brought to light the prevalence of sexual harassment not only in the entertainment industry, but also in everyday situations experienced by women from all over the world. In Africa,…
Thanksgiving is one of our most meaningful holidays. The day is about gratitude and family. Many people travel home to spend time with family while others celebrate “Friendsgiving.” Thanksgiving is usually centered around food and for many, the day is also about football. In many African-American communities, Thanksgiving food goes beyond just the traditional turkey.…
It is generally believed that black people first came to England as slaves. That assumption is a common misperception and one that historian Miranda Kaufmann is working to correct with her first book, Black Tudors: The Untold Story. This remarkable book explores the heretofore unknown history of black people in 16th century England—individuals who lived freely…
As one of the world’s most populous and majestic cities, Rio de Janeiro is home to over six million residents, and about a quarter of them live in favelas, low-income neighborhoods improvised from former shanty towns. The favelas are a reminder of the deep issues of inequality in Brazil; these are poor communities where Brazilian…
It wasn’t a hashtag then, but activist Tarana Burke started the #MeToo campaign in 2007. “Me too” has recently taken on new life in wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal. A tweet from actress Alyssa Milano suggested that women who had been sexually assaulted or harassed write #MeToo on social media to show the “magnitude…
African cultural traditions are alive and thriving in South America in the colorful village of San Brasilia de Palenque, Colombia. Founded by Benkos Biohó in the 16th century, the village of Palenque is a historic treasure. Biohó, a former slave, escaped from the slave port of Cartagena in 1599. The former African King, who…
Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes who represents Whitby, Ontario in the Canadian House of Commons rose to the floor of the House recently to speak against bullying and body shaming of black women’s features. Not only did the MP call out those who bullied black girls for wearing their hair differently, but she also delivered…
Kazuo Ishiguro has been awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature. In a recent interview, the British novelist says he heard about his win after his agent called him informing him that he had won the coveted prize, just as he was about to take brunch at home. The author, however, assumed that this was…
