police brutality

American Skin: Uncovering an American Tragedy

There was a survey circulating the internet towards the end of the year, asking people what place have they missed going to the most during the Covid-19 restrictions? I had three; museums, bowling alleys, and the show, aka the movie theater. I’m an avid museum-goer, bowler, and have gotten into movies a little more nowadays. One of the reasons I’ve become more interested in movies is because of the diversity of Black stories that are being told now. Part of the diversity stems from the fact, we as Black people are telling our own stories, whereas in the past they were being told from other people’s perspectives. From the likes of Lena Waithe and Ava Duvernay, to Ryan Coogler, Jordan Peele, and Nate Parker, they each have brought a unique way of Black storytelling to TV and the movie screen. Nate Parker seems to be the rebel of the bunch, and his latest film, “American Skin,” is a great depiction of where he stands. 

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Titus Kaphar: Articulating a Void

Following the murder of George Floyd, another unarmed black man who was brutally killed by police on May 25 in Minneapolis, the #BlackLivesMatter movement once again put their boots to the ground igniting protests worldwide garnering international attention. This movement contributed to amplifying and supporting the voices and work of black entrepreneurs, leaders, and artists. One of the notable artists whose work was highlighted is Titus Kaphar, a 44-year-old painter born in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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Martellus and Michael Bennett: All African-American

All eyes and ears have been paying attention to what's going on in the NFL. Viewership has been down from a season ago, due to multiple protests and boycotts of the NFL for opposite reasons. The NFL and fans alike are fundamentally a part of a civil war of sorts, where one side is protesting and choosing to kneel during the national anthem, locking arms, or placing their hands on the shoulders of their teammates who choose to take a knee. This comes at a time where racial injustice in America has caused a massive divide among citizens, and has spilled over into the world of sports.

The stars of today have been more vocal in their support for the fight against racial inequality and police brutality that Colin Kaepernick originally decided to take a knee for. Majority of the guys who have been participating are doing so to bring awareness to the hypocrisy of the country when it comes to social injustice and police brutality, piggybacking on the Colin Kaepernick protest. While the other side is going as far as burning season tickets, jerseys, and other team paraphernalia based on their favorite team's participation in the protest. Their feeling is that it's disrespectful to the flag, the military, and the country altogether.

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