mamablack

Twelve members of Black Women's Blueprint traveled to Oklahoma City - ten of us by van - to show support for the survivors of former police officer, Daniel Holtzclaw during his sentencing. For many of us, we could easily have lived half a lifetime within the range of emotions and obstacles we sat with and fought through. All survivors in this work, it was important to us to reflect on the experience during and after and to share some of our reflections with those who have sup

The morning after an all-white jury recommended ex-cop, and now-convicted rapist Daniel Holtzclaw to receive 263 years in prison, political strategist and crisis management professional Tezlyn Figaro stood next to two of Holtzclaw’s victims (now survivors) on the steps of the Oklahoma City courthouse waiting to speak. She waited patiently what was a few more minutes after a months-long fight for justice on behalf of the Black women Holtzclaw terrorized during his reign? When

A chance to speak A chance to shout A chance to be recognized, considered, telling you what it's all about. Not your conclusions Not your stereotypes Not bowing down dimming our lights Not solely freaks in your bedroom and nuns by your daylight No bowing down gracefully Not when disrespected No 'Well why would you be out that late?!' "You wore WHAT?" cause Tom or Tyrone feared rejection We won't stay down while you uplift Becky We're there on these front lines after Officer J

I was only about 5 years old when N.W.A. ruled the airwaves. I vaguely remember hearing their records on the bus rides to and from school in later years. So, I didn’t know the Dr. Dre that made headlines for assaulting women. I didn’t know the Ice Cube who made excuses for calling women “b-tches.” The Dr. Dre I am familiar with is the Dre who produced hits for R&B heavyweights like Mary J. Blige (“Family Affair”) and rappers like Eve (“Satisfaction”), Eminem (“My Name Is”), a