Some of the biggest stories for Black people in the past year include issues much closer to home and our daily lives Retrospectives of the preceding year are not simply a recap. They are, in many ways, a forecast for what’s to come. If we don’t take the time to reflect on what’s gone before, […]
Author Archives: Word in Black
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The State of Black homeownership is difficult but promising
Black homeowners and prospective buyers faced serious headwinds in 2023, but 2024 and beyond could provide hope. By Bria OversWord in Black “Challenging.” That is how Courtney Johnson Rose describes the state of housing in Black America in 2023. Rose is the president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), a minority professional […]
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Why Black Christmas means resistance
Since the 1800s, Black folks have used Christmas to resist racial violence and oppression. Here are some social justice organizations to support this holiday season. By Nadira JamersonWord in Black For many of us, Christmas is a time to exchange gifts, indulge in slices of sweet potato pie, and binge-watch movies like “This Christmas” and […]
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Paving the path to justice: Harnessing data for community empowerment
By Tonya Calhoun The power of a “people-first” approach drives authentic community engagement while citing statistical data as a key pillar in addressing climate. Milwaukee is witnessing a transformation — a journey fueled by data, collaboration, and a fervent commitment to justice. Playing a crucial role in this endeavor is Data You Can Use, a […]
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Opinion: Angela Alsobrooks – A Senate bid and Black Power springboard
By Roger House, Word in Black The campaign of Maryland’s Angela Alsobrooks for the U.S. Senate may be the most consequential election facing Black Democrats in 2024. That’s because her candidacy can serve as a springboard to a more inclusive Senate chamber and to the consolidation of Black political power in a Southern state. Alsobrooks […]
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Meet Grant Warner, the leader helping train future Black business owners
By Bria Overs, Word in Black Black people have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. There’s no lack of desire or motivation that stops them from pursuing the path. According to the most recent official numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, there are nearly 3.6 million Black-owned businesses. An estimated 1.3 million people are employed by […]
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Five books by Black women to put on your gift list
By Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier, Word In Black The holiday season is officially here, which means it’s time to make gift lists and start shopping for friends and family. But listen, do folks really need another scented candle, pair of socks, or pricey electronic gadget? Perhaps it’s time to consider a more radical act of giving: books […]
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Making teaching sustainable for more Black men like me
#education By Cedric Jones, Word In Black I remember sitting in a small classroom in Barrows Hall at U.C. Berkeley when I learned of my acceptance into Teach For America, a national education nonprofit that supports public school systems by sourcing talent to lead as anti-racist educators within the classroom. Then — as is the […]
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Seven facts about modern school segregation
#education By Aziah Siid, Word in Black Here’s what you probably know about school segregation in the United States: On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously that racially segregated public schools were unconstitutional in the Brown v. Board of Education case. Many cities across the Jim Crow South refused to comply […]
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To improve our health, change our story
By Joseph Williams, Word In Black From disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes to women being three times more likely to die during childbirth than Whites, the data confirms a simple, indisputable, alarming fact: Being Black in America is hazardous to your health. Multiple studies have shown that structural racism — […]
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Debunking the human value hierarchy myth
By Joseph Williams, Word in Black As George Mason University’s “chief wellbeing officer,” Dr. Nance Lucas wanted to create a positive, healthy environment for stressed-out students. Along with classes on mental and physical health, Lucas’ Center for the Advancement of Wellbeing offered students specialized learning dorms and cultural enrichment programs on art and music. But […]
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Racial healing and sisterhood on two wheels
By Joseph Williams, Word in Black Growing up, riding a bicycle was one of Monica Garrison’s favorite summertime activities. The sense of excitement and freedom she felt on two wheels stayed with her into young adulthood when she commuted to and from work on her bike. Then, life happened — her career, a family — […]