In the past few weeks, offensive blackface has surfaced in the form of Gucci turtlenecks, Katy Perry’s ugly shoes, and Moncler Sambo coats, and blackface-themed photographs featuring two members of the Baton Rouge police, Gov. Ralph Northam of Virginia and Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring, respectively. All instances have caused public outcry, garnering somewhat of an apology from each offender. Oftentimes, outrage is a common reaction to this surprisingly common offense, yet so many seem to forget that the common denominator among the brands and people listed is the caucasity to entertain blackface in the first place. According to Pew Research Center, a recent survey revealed that 34 percent of the nation believes demonstrating blackface is A-OK. At the rate of current blackface revelations, it’s safe to assume the reported percentage is greater than it suggests, and that the dismissals, half-ass apologies, silence and pretense for which they shuck and jive, exemplifies white fragility — the very thing that keeps white folks like Northam, who waxed ignorantly through his blackface debacle, from owning up to racist bullshit — no cap.The best of whiteness has trouble seeing themselves as trash; possibly because they're using the worst of whiteness —  white supremacist such like the Ku Klux Klan — as their metric. As disgustingly hateful as the KKK, Unite the Right and other independent white supremacists happen to be, they are honest to a fault about where they stand on racial politics, unlike many white liberals and left wingers, who are deceivingly covert with theirs. We are witnessing this through the subtleties and cowardice of their recent blackface findings.An apologetic Herring reasoned that his blackface was an ode; that he was channeling old school rapper Kurtis Blow. Joy Behar of The View claims similar, according to the Washington Examiner, when she darkened her skin to dress as a "beautiful African woman" one Halloween. These weren't blind acts. Both of them know better, but neither of them had the conscience, nor restraint to refrain from blackfacing. Even so-called allies have trouble suppressing this — a lot of them just can’t. Such is the case when they mock, play and deride black folks. “Imitating perceived blackness is arguably the central metaphor for what it means to be American,” author William T. Lhamon says in his book Jump Jim Crow.Projections of blackface and racist imagery is synonymous with American whiteness — the best and it’s worse. It is quite possibly where the two are most evenly yoked. After all, digesting such large doses of Black excellence must be terribly hard, because blackface has been a thing since early Reconstruction, which pretty much marks the incarnation of ole Jim Crow.Therefore, the retail reincarnations of blackface and the old school throwbacks are literal throwbacks of white American culture — and they are not even the worst. White culture been commodifying blackface, and been trolling n****s with it, too. Here are seven visuals that show the blackface jiving of white America throughout American history.1. Pickaninny PostcardsPostcards depicting Black children with an uncanny semblance to blackface were considered damned delightful to white folks. Commonly bought for postal use and collected as souvenirs, these postcards not only mocked Black children, they sexualized them, too.2. Jim CrowWhen ART imitates life . TIME TO WAKE UP 🕰! This is “Amerikkka” @childishgambino 🔥 #JimCrow stance 👈🏿👈🏿 Stay tuned D👁PE Content loading ..... #DopeOnArrivalNYC #conversationstarterapparel #WakeupApparel www.DopeOnArrivalNYC.comA post shared by Dope On Arrival NYC (@dopeonarrivalnyc) on May 6, 2018 at 6:01pm PDTIt's no surprised that Jim Crow wrongly portrays Black behavior and Black looks, especially since the character was neither a human or fictional — it was derivative of an actual crow. African slaves depicted Jim as a happy-go-lazy crow in African folk tales. A white man by the name Thomas Dartmouth Rice capitalized on the figure by exaggerating a crippled Black man’s animated storytelling style. He dressed himself in slave clothing and blackface, and took his misappropriated show on the road. 3. Minstrel ShowsYouTube | RandomMovieClipsBlackface minstrelsy was a dumb phenomenon. The shows were comprised of white performers acting out vile stereotypes of Black people for white comic relief. Back then, there were also Black troupes who bought into and performed minstrel shows, just as we have today with Floyd Mayweather, Kanye West and Candace Owens. 4. Racist Ads Illustrated by Dr. SeussLong before Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, became a child-friendly author and illustrator, who for the era was considered relatively "woke," he drew racist cartoons for an advertising agency. 5. MemorabiliaAunt Jemima & Uncle Mose, always smiling! 😃 Large & small salt & pepper shakers, syrup dispenser & those are vintage magazine ads that I made into magnets. {my walls are metal tile, that's why magnets stick. Love it} In the 40's, the small salt & pepper were originally only 25 cents, and the spice set was only 50 cents! 😍 . #auntjemima #unclemose #vintagekitchen #vintagehome #everythingvintage #vintageeverything #vintageads #vintagemagazine #saltandpeppershakers #syrupdispenser #plantersmixednuts #1940s #1950s #50skitchen #redkitchen #vintagemagnetsA post shared by Livin' the vintage life. ⚓️🍀💖🎶 (@cherrywinksvintage) on Jun 30, 2017 at 4:35am PDTWhite America is not only nostalgic when it comes to politics and "making America great again," they love themselves some blackface Americana memorabilia. The wider the smile, the whiter the apron, the tighter the head rag, the stiffer the bowtie, the redder the lips, black(er) the face — the better. Ask Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, Gimme A Break's Nell Carter, and Robert Guillaume from Benson. 6. Golliwogg CaricaturesGolly gosh! I’ve been up in the loft and found this rabble. They haven’t seen the light of day for at least 15 years. Was thinking about selling them but now I’m not sure. Going to think on it a bit. Swipe left to see a few other bits I found #golliwog #golliwogs #vintagetoys #knittedtoys #robertsons #vintagefindsA post shared by Helen’s Vintage Finds (@helensvintagefinds) on Jun 19, 2018 at 9:46am PDT tGolliwogg dolls are a far cry from basic rag dolls and have a racist history themselves. They were created to resemble minstrel performers by Florence Kate Upton, a young white girl from Queens, New York."Seated upon a flowerpot in the garden, his kindly face was a target for rubber balls..., the game being to knock him over backwards. It pains me now to think of those little rag legs flying ignominiously over his head, yet that was a long time ago, and before he had become a personality....We knew he was ugly!" Upton once said to describe her dolls, according to D. Barton Johnson’s Nabokov's Golliwoggs.7. Barsony BabiesWhile not as grotesque as typical blackface reproductions, Barsony babies were created by a Hungarian sculpture, George Barsony. He built an entire design company based around the manufacturing of these ceramic, Black, matte figures — proving the objectification and commodification of Blackness have roots in whiteness beyond American culture. Blackface and racist images are nothing new. Much of the imagery and twisted portrayals of Blackness that pointedly mocked African Americans were financially beneficial for white capitalists, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming well-established in white culture. Because of America's history of race relations, there's no convincing us that white people are simply oblivious to why blackfacing ain't OK — they know. Yet the constant educational admonishments seem fruitless.There is no amount of Black outrage to convince them not to do it, on any day, under any circumstances — ever. Like these visuals, those who perpetuate these negative stereotypes — and rightfully get called out for doing so — will go down in history. Blackfacing is as American as apple pie, baseball, summer vacations, fried chicken, fourth of July, U.S. Constitution, gentrification, redlining, ghettos, police brutality, ICE, white lies and Black lies and Jussie's lies.Clearly, the reckoning is not the one we have with them, but the ones they have with themselves. While we can't seem to stop all acts of reckless white’n, we can f**k up a few rings of racism by continuing to hold them accountable when we catch them in the act.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Now check these out:Dear White People: Saying 'N****r' Might Catch You, Or Your Career, The FadeWhy 'August 28' Marks A Day Of Black Historical ReckoningsJuneteenth Set The Standard For Black BBQ's. We Could Stand To Be More...

Nicholas Sandmann and his parents filed a defamation lawsuit seeking $250 million in punitive and compensatory damages for allegedly targeting and bullying him because he "was the white, Catholic student wearing a red 'Make America Great Again' souvenir cap."Sandmann is known for this now viral video of him seemingly taunting a Native American activist, Nathan Phillips. Sandmann later followed up in an interview with NBC's Today Show stating that "I can't say that I'm sorry for listening to him and standing there.”President Trump also seemingly praised Sandmann for his lawsuit in a tweet "Go get them Nick! Fake News!"“The Washington Post ignored basic journalistic standards because it wanted to advance its well-known and easily documented biased agenda against President Donald J. Trump.” Covington student suing WAPO. Go get them Nick. Fake News!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2019Make sure you're following Blavity:Politics on Instagram and join our daily newsletter to stay engaged and informed.The Hemmer DeFrank Wessels, PLLC  lawsuit cites the following timeline of January 2019 events:While at the National Mall, a small group of adult gentlemen who describe themselves as Hebrew Israelites – a known hate group – began verbally assaulting and taunting Nicholas and his CovCath classmates with, including but not limited to, threats of physical violence and vitriol, calling the students “incest babies,” “dirty ass crackers,” and “future school shooters.”One of Nicholas’ classmates requested and received permission from a school chaperone to engage in CovCath school sports cheers in an effort to ignore and drown out the hate speech being hurled at them by the Hebrew Israelites.The school cheer is intended and undertaken to promote unity and school pride and should have been correctly seen as a positive act, not a racist act.During the school cheer, Phillips and a small group of his companions – all of whom had been participating in the Indigenous Peoples March at the National Mall that day – instigated a confrontation with Nicholas and his CovCath classmates.Rather than focusing their attention on the Hebrew Israelites, who had been relentlessly insulting both the teenagers for almost an hour and the Native Americans attending the Indigenous Peoples March before that, Phillips and his activist companions approached the CovCath students from a distance while beating drums, singing, dancing, and carrying cameras to capture the confrontation on video.Apparently, Phillips, a phony war hero, was too intimidated by the unruly Hebrew Israelites to approach them, the true troublemakers, and instead chose to focus on a group of innocent children – a much safer endeavor for activist tactics of intimidation.When Phillips first approached them, many of the CovCath students “felt like he was coming into their group to join in with the students’ cheers.”Phillips intentionally walked up to the crowd of CovCath students.The CovCath students did not move toward Phillips or otherwise actively approach or surround Phillips.Nicholas and the students merely acquiesced in Phillips’ election to enter their group and beat his drum within inches of Nicholas’ face.The lawsuit further details that the monetary damages being sought equate to the " amount Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest person, paid in cash for the[Washington] Post when his company, Nash Holdings, purchased the newspaper in 2013."Now, check this out:Court Rules That NYPD Body Camera Footage Must Be Made PublicJudge Repeals Jury's Decision To Award Korryn Gaines' Estate $37 Million In Wrongful Death SuitColin Kaepernick, Eric Reid Reach Settlement In Collusion Case Against The...

In a February report conducted by the Pew Research Center, millennials are assessed based off a number of indicators: education, employment, housing, family, voting and income and wealth. Despite this very thorough research, there are gaps when it pertains to data highlighting the intersection of the millennial experience with African-American narratives. In a Nielsen report, it was noted that of the 83.1 million millennials living in America, 11.5 million or 14 percent of the millennial population are African-Americans. The New Republic reported this phenomenon, stating that the "Black millennial, then, is composed of contradictions and ambiguity; her journey of tentative steps forward and horrific setbacks, " citing their experiences in a "so-called post-race era" marked by highs such as President Obama's nomination and lows such as police brutality against Rodney King, Hurricane Katrina, numerous police shootings which led to the rise of #BlackLivesMatter. In a report by the Pew Research Center, it noted the power of the #BlackLivesMatter hashtag citing that in an analysis of public tweets found that it "has been used nearly 30 million times on Twitter – an average of 17,002 times per day – as of May 1, 2018."Make sure you're following Blavity:Politics on Instagram and join our daily newsletter to stay engaged and informed.In a report by the Black Youth Project, data specific to the Black millennial experience were highlighted for those between the ages of 18-34. In terms of education, Pew Research highlights how millennials are matriculating bachelor degrees or higher at greater rates than their Generation X and baby boomer counterparts at the same age by a 10 percent margin.The Black Youth Project highlights how college enrollment has sharply increased from 24.5 percent in 1993 to 36.4 percent in 2012. Still, it notes that there are also unseen factors that affect Black millennials when it comes to education including, higher student loans, greater unemployment rates and discrimination in the workplace among others. In terms of employment, Pew Research showcases the following:In 1966, when Silent Generation women were ages 22 through 37, a majority (58%) were not participating in the labor force while 40% were employed. For Millennial women today, 72% are employed while just a quarter are not in the labor force. Boomer women were the turning point. As early as 1985, more young Boomer women were employed (66%) than were not in the labor force (28%).The Black Youth Project highlighted unemployment rates as well as systemic issues such as workplace discrimination:In the second quarter of 2015, unemployment rates were substantially higher for Black youth than for white and Latino youth. For instance, 16.6% of Black youth between the ages of 20 and 24 were unemployed, compared with 10.3% of Latino youth and 8.5% of white youth in the same age group.Young Black women report experiencing discrimination in the workplace based on race and/or gender at considerably higher rates (35.6%) than white women (13.9%) and Latinas (21.2%).Both reports go on to detail different narratives, Pew Research highlighting hard numbers that talk to the overall millennial experience and the Black Youth Project showing how an often marginalized segment does in comparison with added insight of additional stressors related to race, access to opportunities and other silent stressors. Pew Research does report on religion in the Black millennial experience stating that "about six-in-ten Black Millennials (61%) say they pray at least daily, a significantly higher share than the 39% of nonblack Millennials saying this." Maybe this can be attributed to having to deal with the atrocities of slavery or other stressors that continue to persist when it comes to equal access and opportunities in places of work, housing, voting and a myriad of other spaces. Now, check these out:'SNL' Is Being Called Out For Skit Slamming Blackface After Using It For DecadesJoin Blavity For A Special Tour Of This Exhibit On California's History Of Slavery3 Ways Virginia Became A Political Dumpster Fire In Just...

Afro-Brazilians are are incensed by the death of a 19-year-old allegedly killed by a supermarket security guard in Rio De Janeiro.The Guardian reports the teen, Pedro Gonzaga, died in the hospital from a heart attack after allegedly being choked by a supermarket security guard on Thursday. Protesters have since taken to the streets as the hashtag #VidasNegrasImportan, which translates to #BlackLivesMatter, has circulated on social media.Following the teenager's gruesome death, demonstrators in the hundreds have erupted outside of the Extra Supermarket where the teenager was killed. Marches have also taken place in 4 other major Brazilian cities, including São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, and Recife, The Guardian reports. We all cried when @samirawiley died at the show, and now the same thing happened in real life, here, in Brazil, and we feel so helpless cause just like on the show, the authorities are not caring#VidasNegrasImportam #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/FiYR8qsPVQ— Just Me (@PollSoldier) February 15, 2019I'm at the preacher's door...My knees gettin' weak, and my gun might blow...But we gon' be alright#VidasNegrasImportam— Kiki (@KikiMioBS) February 15, 2019“I can’t breathe! Black youth want to live.” #VidasNegrasImportam #PedroGonzaga #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/wyo7ygy7LD— 𝙼𝚘 𝚃𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚜 (@motorresx) February 17, 2019In Brazil, every 23 minutes a young black man is killed. We can not allow this to continue. Recently a 19-year-old black boy was killed by white security. Enough of this!#VidasNegrasImportam #BoicoteAoExtra pic.twitter.com/46vI7tSmr0— Santiago, Raull. (@raullsantiago) February 16, 2019“There has never been a Black Lives Matter [movement] in Brazil to compare to the United States, but this year I think it will happen more often because the black community is more and more united," activist Rene Silva told The Rio Times. “We want to talk about more about Black lives matter, for society to understand we can’t stand racism anymore,” Silva continued.According to Brazil's 2018 annual Violence Atlas, a thoroughly researched analysis conducted by their government, approximately 72% of all homicides in the nation are of black or mixed origin. Those of African or mixed descent constitute a little over half of the population.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.Many within the nation's Black communities have been comparing the death of Gonzaga to that of Eric Garner, due to its incredibly mobilizing effect as well as the nature of the young man's death. Garner died in 2014 due to complications following an illegal chokehold by an arresting officer in New York City. The seceding Black Lives Matter led to the use of "I Can't Breathe" as a rallying cry against police brutality. Similarly, footage of the incident appears to show Extra Supermarket security guard, Davi Ricardo Amâncio, restraining Gonzaga as the victim's body stops moving. Viewers on the scene can be heard yelling, "He is suffocating him," begging for Amâncio to release the teen.An unconscious Gonzaga was rushed to the hospital where he died from a heart attack sustained during the incident. Amâncio reportedly told authorities that Gonzaga attempted to take his gun from him while repeatedly yelling, "I'm going to kill you!" He also claims that he did not apply pressure to Gonzaga's neck, but only applied his body weight to restrain him. Reports claim that Gonzaga can be seen on video walking towards the guard, falling to the ground, getting up and falling to the ground again moments before the incident occurred.“Security camera video proves there was no attempt to take the security guard’s weapon," tweeted popular Brazilian YouTuber Felipe Neto to his 8.5 million followers. The security guard was immediately arrested and taken in for questioning but was out on bail the very next day.A spokesperson for the supermarket has released a statement denouncing the use of excessive force and taking responsibility for the traumatic event.The company stated that "it does not accept any act of violence, excesses and repudiates all forms of racism."Additionally, the representative stated the market is working with authorities “not exempting itself from the responsibilities of what has occurred."Now, check these out:Police Dismiss Tip About Alleged Jussie Smollett Attack As Judge Approves 12 New Search WarrantsObama Talks About The 'Trap' Of Toxic Masculinity With Steph Curry At My Brother's Keeper ConferenceCalifornia Rapper Killed By Cops In His Car As He Awoke From A Nap Was Shot 25...

A mother whose son was ripped from her arms at the hands of police during a violent arrest gave a moving speech to New York city council members.Jazmine Headley is a single mother who made headlines after a disturbing video surfaced of New York Police Department officers using excessive force on the woman for sitting down in a public assistance office. In a meeting captured by NowThis News, Headley recounts the incident, which took place at the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) office."I am a new mom. I am a single parent. I needed childcare so I can work and build on our future. I want to go back to school eventually," she said. "So after taking off work, waiting many hours with my public assistance case, I was exhausted. I sat on the floor with my son in the stroller, I was just going to wait it out. A simple desire to rest ended with me getting arrested," Headley continued. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news. She went on to say how her son was violently snatched from her when she sat down to rest after the long day. Before continuing, she broke down in tears as she shared the love parents have for their children. As Blavity previously reported,  the 23-year-old was sent to New York's Rikers Island prison after being booked for resisting arrest. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez both advocated for her immediate release, citing the arrest served no purpose. Before receiving a standing ovation from the audience, Headley advocated for the equal treatment and respect for women like herself.The mother whose 1-year-old son was ripped from her arms by police received a standing ovation from the NY city council — here is how she is hoping to effect change pic.twitter.com/69q71MUVMj— NowThis (@nowthisnews) February 19, 2019"Honestly, what happened to me felt like a slap in the face. I've given my life to this city. I was born here, raised here, I pay taxes. I went to school here. I keep and kept good jobs," she said. "Police should never be called in these situations."Speaker Corie Johnson issued an apology along with Laurie Cumbo, a Black city council majority leader.  "I know as a single Black woman, mother, in New York City you have to carry yourself with the 'don't even think about messing with me, I'm the toughest woman in the world' and sometimes all that strength gets misunderstood," Cumbo said. Now, check these out:Mother Speaks Out After 1-Year-Old Was Snatched From Her During Violent ArrestSexual Assault Survivor Granted Parole After Decades Long IncarcerationCourt Rules That NYPD Body Camera Footage Must Be Made...

The Sacramento Kings and the Milwaukee Bucks may be fierce competitors on the court, but off the court, the two NBA teams are teaming up in the name of social justice.On Wednesday, the Kings announced they would host a daylong convention with the Bucks to draw attention to the inequalities that face marginalized communities.Kings Announce “Team Up for Change” – a New Partnership with @Bucks to Bring Two Cities Together to Address Social Injustice » https://t.co/TmqZCy1uAQ pic.twitter.com/Ji4e0XMK3I— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) February 20, 2019Aptly titled "Team Up for Change," the event will be held on Wednesday, February 27 at 9:00 a.m. at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Fresh off his Super Bowl LIII halftime performance on February 3, rapper Big Boi will serve as keynote speaker during the day and will grace the stage during intermission when both teams battle on the court later that evening. The goal of the summit is to "unite, inspire and activate community leaders, law enforcement and youth advocates from Sacramento and Milwaukee by highlighting local and national perspectives from innovators and trusted experts who are advocates for social justice and equality."Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé acknowledged the event's social potential in Wednesday's release and highlighted the ongoing responsibilities both clubs have to make a difference in their communities.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news."We believe it is our responsibility to use our platform to make the world a better place starting right here with our communities. Basketball has the power to bring people together by bridging racial, gender and economic divides. Through the 'Team Up for Change' effort we are committed to continuing to work with the community to support and encourage collective action for change."Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry echoed Ranadivé's remarks and mentioned he looks forward to discussing and finding resolutions to everyday taboo issues."We're proud to work with the Kings to bring both our communities together to identify creative solutions to the challenging issues we face," Lasry stated. "Our two organizations are dedicated to sparking real action through candid and open discussions and the 'Team Up for Change' initiative will make an important impact as we strive to make a difference."The NBA has long been a leading force in bringing awareness to issues that plague the Black community, and it makes no apologies for supporting teams who share similar sentiments. A 2017 piece from NBC News detailed the extent to which other franchises across the association have addressed the growing concern of police brutality and racial discrimination. From mentoring programs to activism panels in communities across the country, there have been multiple initiatives intended to encourage lawmakers to listen to the concerns of Black citizens and adopt policies that will facilitate racial equality. Team Up for Change is a co-sponsored event with NBA Voices, the association's foundation that focuses on ending oppression while championing inclusion and building unlikely partnerships in diverse neighborhoods across the nation. Now, check these out:Obama Is Working With The NBA To Bring A Basketball League To AfricaBaseball Legend Don Newcombe Dies At 92Three Florida Rappers Go Viral After Helping An Elderly Woman Into Her...

Nike has released a new Colin Kaepernick jersey.The new piece is similar to Nike’s first post-NFL Kaep jersey, The Hill reports. Like that jersey, this one is black with the number 7 and the player’s last name in white on the back. It features no team or league logos; instead, it has a “K” logo and a silhouette of Kaepernick’s head. The bottom of the V neck, which in standard NFL jerseys features the league’s logo, is empty.On Twitter, Kaepernick dedicated the shirt to “those true to themselves on and off the field. Proudly, unapologetically and against all odds.” The former footballer also teased future releases, writing, “This is only the beginning.” For those true to themselves on and off the field. Proudly, unapologetically and against all odds. This is only the beginning. #TrueTo7 https://t.co/lIzn4MNB77@girlsclubny @JRFoundation @peaceplayers @PowerPlayNYC pic.twitter.com/1sf4Nogs4g— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) February 20, 2019A Nike spokesperson told USA Today the company wanted to celebrate the athlete’s social justice achievements with the jersey.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.“We believe Colin Kaepernick is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward,” the spokesperson said.The piece, known as the Kaepernick Icon Jersey, went on sale Tuesday and is priced at $150. Nike has said like its previous Kaep-related releases, the jersey has been produced in limited quantities and will only be offered for a limited time. The clothing drop comes just days after the former quarterback ended his collusion case against the NFL. As Blavity reported, the case accused league owners of refusing to sign Kaepernick over his anti-police brutality protests. The league paid Kaep an undisclosed amount to end his suit.Kaepernick became the face of Nike last September and remains an ambassador for the brand. Now, check these out:Join Blavity For A Special Tour Of This Exhibit On California's History Of SlaveryColin Kaepernick And Eric Reid Reach Settlement In Collusion Case Against The NFLAtlanta Artists Painted Murals Of Colin Kaepernick All Over The City Instead Of Watching The Super...

Wayne State University's choice to host summer programs for Black Girls Code (BGC), an organization dedicated to teaching girls of color about coding and tech, has drawn the ire of a professor claiming discrimination. Mark Perry, a University of Michigan-Flint’s School of Management professor, claimed the university violated federal Title IX by allowing the org to hold sessions on its ground. According to MLive, the allegation of discrimination stemmed from a coding camp done by the org, which took place on the campus last summer. “I was saying that program should not be hosted at Wayne State,” Perry said in a statement. “That program is discriminatory based on race and sex.”The program is not part of Wayne State, but the school takes federal funds which could violate Title IX, Perry claimed.He has also taken his grievances to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. Because he feels Black Girls Code is an openly discriminatory group that does not allow boys to partake.Wayne State is not the only university to host the camp. Perry has filed 35 complaints which target other universities. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.“I’m challenging the discriminatory, girls-only summer STEM camps at 35 universities across the country,” he said. “After spending a quarter of a century in higher education – there’s systematic and open gender discrimination. I’ve just taken this on as a mission to change the gender discrimination that takes place across the country.”Wayne State University believes the complaints against them and the program are unfounded. Spokesman Matt Lockwood said that there are other programs similar to BGC hosted by the university. BGC allows all girls of different races to participate. “Black Girls Code is a voluntary youth service organization and a 501(c) tax-exempt organization, and Wayne State hosts co-educational programs in coding and other STEM fields similar to BGC for both boys and girls,” Lockwood said in a statement. "Therefore, the university is not in violation of Title IX or any other statute or law prohibiting discrimination based on sex. In addition, Black Girls Code allows girls from all racial backgrounds to participate in its programs.”Now, check these out: Colin Kaepernick, Eric Reid Reach Settlement In Collusion Case Against The NFLVogue Style Director Accused Of Hosting Slavery Themed Party Has ResignedWhite Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Shooting Black Men Trying To Escape Hurricane...

Many Black women made headlines after winning seats in the political office. However, after coming out on top, the conversation around their work never saw the light. Instead, other politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Elizabeth Warren have captured the media by storm, with constant stories on their political moves and comments. Although many of the female politicians have lined up in support of each other, there is still constant neglect by the public of the progress that Black female politicians have worked toward since starting their positions. Black women's political work isn't getting the attention it deserves.Often, the public only shines a light on these women when they are the first Black woman to participate in any political race or action. Unless they are making history, Black women are otherwise neglected from political attention. Their visibility then is reduced to headline exploitation and deemed worthy of recognition as a spectacle, rather than as a significant political contributor.For instance, most constituents were not familiar with Stacey Abrams as a politician until she entered the 2018 gubernatorial race and gathered Democratic support as the first Black, female gubernatorial nominee in the state of Georgia. Since her announcement to run for governor, she is now seen as a prominent political figure used as a prop for political moments to display liberalism and diversity. Yet, she didn’t win the position.Although not a career politician, Rep. Ilhan Omar grabbed national attention as one of the first Muslim women to be elected to Congress. However, since her electoral win, most of her political moves such as her lift of religious head wrap ban on House floor have not been heavily broadcasted like the work of her non-black peers. Instead, her mistakes have been given more attention than the bills that she has sponsored.Make sure you're following Blavity:Politics on Instagram and join our daily newsletter to stay engaged and informed.Black female politicians are not immune to the exceptionalism that is given to black women in any career field. Their political performance is held to high standards that have been historically set by white men, who only grant human privileges to those who meet them.Unfortunately, unless black women are in top political positions, their work will continue to be overshadowed by those who benefit from societal privileges. The sense of importance is given to black female politicians’ work when hierarchical government politics grants it to them, elevating their social status into a notable political one.Kamala Harris’ political work was only acknowledged when she became California’s attorney general, and again as a senator of California. Even though she worked with famous politicians such as John Kerry, Ayanna Pressley didn’t become a political household name until she made it to the House of Representatives. To be legitimately seen and respected, Black women have to gain a high political status that often requires constant image maintenance and comes with strict behavioral expectations.When they are not being recognized for being exceptional, Black female politicians also get noticed when their actions are attributed to Black female archetypes or stereotypes. When Black women are trending in politics for other reasons than making history, they are made into familial characters that cater to traditionally sexist and racist ideas. They are only given cultural acceptance as politicians when they portray two particular Black, female tropes: The warm, affectionate mother figure or the angry, strong Black woman.Some Black female politicians even become caricatures of both tropes. When Maxine Waters challenged those who sent her bomb threats or was “reclaiming her time” on the House floor, she was characterized as a tough, no-nonsense politician by white press. But when interpreted by Black people, her actions made her be “Auntie Maxine.” The longest-serving Black woman in the House, Maxine Waters’ political actions throughout the entirety of her career are rarely publicized as frequently as her critical responses and intolerance to blatant racism and sexism. These labels are seen as signs of affirmation, but also undermine the hard work that Black, female politicians put in to meet political goals and be taken seriously by the general public.As long as we have a political system that upholds white superiority and patriarchy, Black women will have to go through extra hoops just to be viewed as significant in politics. With the gates opening up for more black female candidates to join political races, Black women will need more support than ever before to uplift their work. We have to recognize when Black women aren’t being included in political conversations and become aware of the social dynamics that minimizes their political presence.Now, check this out:Here’s 7 Young Black Politicians To Keep An Eye On In 2019Kamala Harris Defends Her Blackness and Interracial MarriageMaxine Waters On The State Of The Black...

A 21-year-old is facing charges for a hate crime after beating an elderly Black man unconscious.According to investigators, Albert Gallegos approached the 92-year-old man from behind at a southeast Houston metro stop. An anonymous witness said she saw Gallegos throw large rocks at the man.In a Harris County probable cause document, law enforcement officials accuse him of attacking the man solely because of his skin color. Officials say it’s because his mother is dating a Black man.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news.According to Click2Houston, the reporting officer said he "read multiple case(s) involving the suspect and the suspect is obviously a violent person and has hatred towards African Americans because (his) mother is dating a Black male. After reading these reports about the suspect's history I can clearly see the suspect is picking his victims on the basis of their skin color, the victim in (the officer's) case is a 92-year-old Black male who has never dealt with or had any type of interaction with the suspect."A recent FBI study showed Black people are targeted the most in hate crimes. Hate crimes, in general, have also been increasing in numbers.Gallegos is also charged with aggravated assault in another case.Now check these out:Black Man Charged With A Hate Crime After An Altercation With White Woman He Believed To Be A White SupremacistHoodlums Face Hate Crime Charges For Calling Black Woman A 'N****r,' Attacking Her Car At WalmartBlack Man Charged With Hate Crime For Allegedly Calling Cops Nazis During...

This Black History Month the Saddle Up and Read Literacy Program (SUAR) is bringing the history of African-American cowboys and cowgirls to classrooms throughout North Carolina. SUAR is visiting schools, churches, libraries and child care centers to share stories about Black farmers, ranchers and cowboys and girls. Among the stops are the Grow N' Learn Child Care Center in Knightdale, Lake Myra Elementary in Wendell, Bright Horizons in Durham and Zebulon Library in Zebulon. “It is important to encourage reading. Reading is essential to a child’s success and joy. We want to work with schools, churches, libraries, and child care centers to promote a passion for reading. We are here to support their efforts," SUAR Program Director Caitlin Gooch said.  SUAR's mission is to increase literacy throughout North Carolina. The organization also uses and provides information about the nationwide 4-H youth development program which serves as a U.S.-based network of youth organizations.Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news. Gooch says that she is also doing this work to celebrate Black History Month in efforts to honor more historical figures than what schools typically teach. She hopes to create more engagement around their learning. “Well, the three-year-olds I left on Monday will remember Bob Lemmons!! Black cowboys/cowgirls and Black farmers have almost been erased from history," Gooch, who also serves as the leader of Wake County's 4-H program, said.She also added the books donated to SUAR had furthered the program's efforts. "I could only find about ten children’s books that were based on Black cowboys/cowgirls. Luckily, people from all over the community, including different states, have donated those ten books to us," Gooch added. Liking this content? Check these out:These 10 Classroom Door Decorations Are Dripping With Black PrideThis February, We Recognize How ‘Black History Made Us’Mississippi Teacher's Powerful Black History Month Lesson Goes Viral: 'I'm Woke And I Plan On Waking Up Every...

Despite enduring arguably some of the toughest weeks of his career, rapper 21 Savage is keeping his spirits high and laughing at the internet's savagery despite having been the subject of it. On February 3, Savage, whose legal name is She'yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested in Atlanta, Georgia, after ICE officials claimed he overstayed his visa, issued from the United Kingdom where the rapper was born.Hours after news of Savage's detainment broke, the internet couldn't help but find amusement in his misery. Like clockwork, memes surfaced online, poking fun at the "X" rapper's alleged British accent and giving his stage name a formal title. He no longer 21 Savage .. That’s Sir Savage the 21st 👌🏾😭😭😭😭— mary-go-round 💃🏼 (@trustmeimmary) February 3, 2019people are too fast lnfaooooooooo what is this pic.twitter.com/gBNZY1fodF— ife the child of God (@NEELRXH) February 3, 201921 Savage eating a crumpet in the studio while no ones looking pic.twitter.com/EkPxxYb36D— Elliott ⁶𓅓 (@Significxnts) February 3, 2019Now that the "Bank Account" rapper has been released from ICE custody and has given his first interview following the ambush, 21 is finally addressing those now-viral memes that had sides splitting from laughter. Blavitize your inbox! Join our daily newsletter for fresh stories and breaking news."Some of them was funny -- I ain't gonna lie. I was appreciative of that," Savage said in an interview with The New York Times. "I coulda been another person who just, 'He locked up? Damn,' and nobody said nothing. Some people, I see why they was mad. It ain't about the meme, it's about the bigger picture. But I done been through way worse things in my life than somebody putting me on a meme."Fans interpreted his reaction as a jab toward fellow rapper Wale, who criticized singer Demi Lovato for tweeting about the memes being her favorite part of the Super Bowl. Wale tweeted a response to a prying Lovato fan on Wednesday and informed them he "never insulted or talked down to her," so an apology on his behalf is unnecessary.Na. I never insulted or talked down to her... ur entitlement is showing and it’s crazy .— Wale (@Wale) February 18, 2019 Even after fans of the "Neon Lights" singer called him a coward for refusing to admit fault, Wale doubled down on his stance. Y’all wasting time . Ain’t nobody disrespect her. I said what I said with the level of respect I didn’t receive . This entitlement gotta stop . https://t.co/6pyx7mY3Gk— Wale (@Wale) February 18, 2019Now, check these out:Demi Lovato Checks Into Rehab Following Following Backlash Over 21 Savage Memes21 Savage Is More Than An Unfunny Meme: Why Black Immigrants Are Disproportionately Targeted By ICEICE Drops Aggravated Felony Charges Against 21...