Category: Social Commentaries

Random Thoughts, Social Commentaries

From Cairo to Compton: a self reflection

I traveled to Cairo, Egypt this summer.  But by no means am I a “deep” siSTAR belonging to an Afrikan consciousness group whose members have changed their names to something that reflects their Kemet energy.  As a matter of fact, besides the commercialized ankh—which I’ve tattooed thrice on my body; the pyramids—which I throw up to express my sorority affiliation; and Queen Nefertiti—whose 18k gold … Continue reading From Cairo to Compton: a self reflection

Kendra N. Bryant5 Comments
Social Commentaries

from “Women Sweet on Women” Atlanta to Riots in Baltimore, Maryland: Love Is All There Is

I’ve been struggling with how to begin this blog post.  I want to gush about the magic I experienced last weekend at Atlanta’s ZAMI NOBLA & OLOC’s “Women Sweet on Women II.”  But, I also want to describe the war scene I’ve witnessed driving thru downtown Baltimore today. My mind is racing, & I am high & low. HIGH: Just three days ago, I was … Continue reading from “Women Sweet on Women” Atlanta to Riots in Baltimore, Maryland: Love Is All There Is

Kendra N. Bryant2 Comments
Social Commentaries

Women Sweet on Women: Remembering Maryam’s Touch

Saturday evening, I attended a roundtable discussion in an auditorium complete with African-American lesbian women circa 35 years old & up. The event, so perfectly titled “A Conversation with Women Sweet on Women,” was moderated by poet Nikky Finney, supported by panelists Trey Anthony, Maisha Najuma Aza, Kyndra Frazier, & Doris Davenport, & orchestrated by Black woman lesbian activist Mary Anne Adams. During the talk, Finney recalled … Continue reading Women Sweet on Women: Remembering Maryam’s Touch

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Social Commentaries

“Black Jesus”: Bless McGruder’s Heart

I recently watched Aaron McGruder’s controversial sitcom, Black Jesus. Lawd have mercy. If folks found his Boondocks blasphemously outrageous, then Black Jesus will undoubtedly be–& I say this in the spirit of Black folks who repeat words to emphasize truth–for real for real blasphemously outrageous. The 30-minute show, which airs on Adult Swim Thursdays at 11pm, is about a brother named Jesus who lives in Compton.  … Continue reading “Black Jesus”: Bless McGruder’s Heart

Kendra N. Bryant1 Comment
Social Commentaries

describing Dubai for my folk at home, especially for Kiley

When I first told my mother I was going to Dubai for Spring Break, the first thing she asked me was, “Are you going toward upheaval?”  After (laughing &) answering her “no,” she then asked me if I were traveling with a group.  Again, I answered “no.”  I totally get my mother’s concern (& ignorance), for, like her, I’m not world traveled–& with the exception of a … Continue reading describing Dubai for my folk at home, especially for Kiley

Kendra N. Bryant4 Comments
Social Commentaries

While in Dubai (Today’s World Women’s Day)

I was sitting in a coffee shop at The Walk on Jumeirah Beach Residence when I realized (thanks to Google) that today’s World Women’s Day.  As a tourist in Dubai, UAE, where women are second class citizens, I thought about what World Women’s Day means for Arabic women–the traditional ones, especially–who wear the abāyah & the niqāb.  I mostly thought about their bodies–how confided their breasts were, … Continue reading While in Dubai (Today’s World Women’s Day)

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Social Commentaries

On Meeting Edwidge Danticat

Last night I heard Haitian novelist Edwidge Danticat read from her most recent novel, Claire of the Sea Light. I had not heard Danticat read before, but I became acquainted with her through her first novel Breath, Eyes, Memory—an Oprah Book Club selection—that I read some years ago. I am not sure what or who pointed me in Danticat’s direction, but I am guessing one … Continue reading On Meeting Edwidge Danticat

Kendra N. Bryant2 Comments