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Your search for Daren W. Jackson returned 53 results.
Dear Marvel: Asian People Are More Than Ninjas
There has been continuing coverage of the lack of opportunities and recognition for black actors and actresses in Hollywood while the industry struggles to save face. While diversity in entertainment is an immensely important conversation to have, other minorities, like Asian folks, have been left out too. And though I am a true Marvel fan at heart, this is one area ...
Meet BJ The Chicago Kid: R&B Music’s Savior
It's no secret that R&B is going through a bit of an identity crisis. But BJ the Chicago Kid's In My Mind looks to reinstate everything that made the genre great to begin with. If you watched the 2016 Grammys, you didn't see any R&B. Clearly, that genre of music isn't important or popular enough to get a slice of the 2 1/2 hour airtime. But that doesn't ...
The Pained Importance of WGN America’s ‘Underground’
I watched the beautifully shot and passionately portrayed Underground on WGN America Wednesday night. While watching, I couldn't help but recognize how important it is that shows like this be celebrated. At the same time, I lamented how it might be received by white audiences. Underground tells the story of slaves in the Antebellum South, dreaming of escaping ...
If Only Black Artists Today Were Like Black Artists in 1998
After reading Jenn's reflection on Lauryn Hill's Miseducation, I was triggered into remembering the magical year in music that was 1998. For all of its merits and flaws, '98 was a banner year for good black music. The 90's were a great decade for black music. And in my life, 1998 was the point when I really grew my interest in music, exerting my teenage freedom to ...
Yes, White People Have Won BET Awards
All the racists and their token black friends (cough Stacey Dash cough) keep telling us that we shouldn't be upset about #OscarsSoWhite. They say that white people don't get to win BET Awards and they're not complaining about it. First of all, that is the definition of complaining. Second of all, it's actually not true that white people haven't won BET Awards. In ...
Why ‘Blackish’ Is The Show We Need Right Now
This week, Blackish tackled the topic of police brutality with laughter, anger, passion, and love. Last night, Blackish aired an episode that exemplified why diversity is so important in entertainment. Within its short 30 minutes, a tough and divisive issue was handled with intelligence and depths of which hour-long shows typically seem incapable of achieving. I ...
Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Black Depression
At times it seems no matter how high you reach, you cannot escape the obstacles of being black in America. It might shock you to know that I have been battling depression for years. As I got married, as my career progressed, as I was blessed with children, and as I've blossomed as a writer, the depression never left. So to me, I'm not shocked to hear that even as ...
5 Things White People Need to Stop Asking During Black History Month
Dear white people: Black History Month is a reminder of the important place black folk hold in history and in the present; it is not a moment to feed white people's curiosities about blackness. White people tend to have one of two reactions to Black History Month. Either they act like it doesn't exist, or they see it as an opportunity to do and say things they ...
Why Isn’t Idris Elba A More Respected Actor?
His resume is extensive. He's played award-winning roles both on TV and in movies. Still, I'd argue that he isn't seen to be in the same league as other "big name" actors. If nothing else, Idris Elba is a shining example of hard work and determination paying off. He's done it all, from guest roles on shows like Law & Order and CSI: Miami to starring in his own ...
The 2016 Grammys: An Exercise in Whiteness
During the 2016 Grammys, there was a concerted effort to center whiteness at all costs, further proving that the awards are worth less than their gold-plating. We've been accused of being racists and race baiters a million times. But we're not looking to point out the racial aspects of everything. They are just so unavoidable that we would be dishonest if we ...