tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499Wed, 04 Feb 2026 07:27:37 +0000blackLGBtQqiidentitybLaKObamacivil rightsclasselection 2008genderheterosexismlesbianmarriagemass mediaprivilegeeconomyqueerracismsexual orientationaccountabilityhomophobiasame sexwhitenessHillary ClintonHurricane KatrinaMIPbLaKtivistquestionable judgementsocial justiceyouthCalifornia Supreme CourtNYCNew OrleansNu AmerykahOccidental Collegeempowermenterykah.badufatbellybellafeministracewhite identitywomanistwomen"Nu Amerykah"EntrepreneurshipMaatPSAWireTap Magazinealternative energyeducationgayhealthmentoringpanmasculinepovertypublic transitrecessionsexismspiritualitysustainabilitytolerancetransgendertransmasculine"Network""Telephone""Zeitgeist"42 laws of powerAC TransitAfrican AmericanBUTCH VoicesBiking for ObamaDee ReesDionne SearceyEric ZornGovernor PattersonHIVHaitiHaitian lootersIowaJ. DillaJames YancyJay-ZJeanne CordovaJeremiah WrightJoe LeBlancJohn EdwardsJohn McCainKatt WilliamsKevin NobletKrys FreemanLATimesLawrence KingLehman'sMa'atMalkia CyrilMarc LaceyMary J. BligeMaster PMayetNYTimesNekisa CooperNew York TimesODBOaklandPariahRalph NaderRyan BowenS. Bear BergmanSFMuniSGLSakia GunnSarah PalinSept 11Sex and The CitySimon RomberoTavis SmileyUncle TomWall Street JournalYM Blog-A-Thonabusedentitydocumentarydramaegyptfashionhealerinsurancelatinosegregationsexual abuseshortslave rebellionslaverysurvivaltranssexualvolunteerismwoman of colorbLaK·tiv·ist [blak-tuh-vist]: promoting the positive voices + perspectives of people who are often overlooked + overstepped - including BIQTPOC women, people of color, and differently abled persons. (also spelled blacktivist or blactivist) –noun 1. an especially active, vigorous advocate of a cause, esp. a bLaK political cause.http://blog.blaktivist.com/noreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)Blogger38125en-ustag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-4378840493532945654Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:30:00 +00002020-09-20T20:49:20.996-04:00 On Friday, the Solar Impulse became the first aircraft of it's kind to complete a flight of more than 24 hours powered by renewably generated energy alone.  In addition to being the first solar powered aircraft flown after dusk, it was also the longest and highest flight in the history of solar aviation.  The flight lasted for a total for 26 hours and 9 minutes, reaching a maximum http://blog.blaktivist.com/2010/07/solar-impulse-becomes-first-sun-powered.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-6155875006161934845Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:11:00 +00002010-02-22T15:20:57.396-05:00Dionne SearceyEric ZornHaitian lootersHurricane KatrinaKevin NobletMarc LaceyNew York TimesracismSimon Romberoslave rebellionslaverysurvivalWall Street JournalEvery other day, when I peek in at Haiti, my heart starts beating fast… I click through pictures, and I read “nearly 200,000 dead.” And I try to imagine: What would Oakland (where I live now), or Flushing, NY (where I grew up), look like if there were upwards of 200,000 dead people lying in the streets?  I close the screen. I am once again overwhelmed by that bewildering feeling that I http://blog.blaktivist.com/2010/01/dear-journalists-looting-doesnt-exist.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-7983804477039562972Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:45:00 +00002010-01-25T04:11:41.109-05:00economyhealerhealthinsuranceMaatObamaOccidental CollegeWireTap Magazine…is what my modern ‘medicine woman’ asked me over Facebook. I'd just returned from a trip to NY where I fell ill. My mom, concerned about my lingering cold, wanted to send me to a doctor straight away. There’s just one complication… I've been ineligible to receive benefits from my mom’s employer provided health insurance coverage since February 18, 2008 – the day I turned 23. I explained that http://blog.blaktivist.com/2009/10/green-or-yellow-mucus.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-2192998784205335398Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:11:00 +00002010-01-05T00:02:57.240-05:00bLaKtivistBUTCH VoicesgenderJeanne CordovaJoe LeBlancKrys FreemanLGBtQqiMalkia Cyrilmass mediaMIPpanmasculinequeerS. Bear BergmantransmasculineI'm so long overdue for a blog... But I've got a good excuse ;)So many things have been going on at the same time this summer. I've been ramping up efforts to promote my social networking site for masculine identified women and transmen, The Definition, while juggling work responsibilities, promoting amazing movies like Pariah and a bunch of other things as they come. In the midst of it all, http://blog.blaktivist.com/2009/08/on-npr-tell-me-more-about-butch-voices.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-5058059060924916288Thu, 11 Jun 2009 10:39:00 +00002020-09-20T21:04:20.777-04:00African AmericanblackbLaKtivistDee ReesdocumentarydramagenderheterosexismidentitylesbianLGBtQqiNekisa CooperPariahqueersexual orientationshortwoman of coloryouthAs the lights went up, more the year ago, I sat in the balcony of the Egyptian theatre, with Kai - my twin, sobbing uncontrollably and only marginally concerned with who might be watching. For any of you who know me very well, that's not normal. I'd sooner hide my face behind a soaked cotton t-shirt than let anyone see me publicly cry. But I was at an the OUTFEST Los Angeles screening of "Pariahhttp://blog.blaktivist.com/2009/06/i-am-pariah-through-film-dee-rees-tells.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-121134825827796049Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:45:00 +00002009-12-19T17:04:40.196-05:00bLaKfeministgenderidentitylesbianLGBtQqiMIPpanmasculinequeersame sextransgendertransmasculinetranssexualwomanistThis post is my response to a group of folks I was working with on a conference. We got into a heated email discussion about the target audience, which for some should be exclusive to female born, woman identified, masculine persons only; rather than all those who fit under a transmaculine umbrella. Once again I find myself disappointed by the way uncritical analysis rears it's ugly head in http://blog.blaktivist.com/2009/03/little-transmasculine-identity-that.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-2867801614401551165Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:40:00 +00002009-12-23T16:18:20.756-05:00accountabilityblackclassempowermenthealthHIVidentitylesbianLGBtQqiMIPNYCqueersexual orientationSGLwomenThe "HIV: We're Not Taking it Lying Down" campaign has a multi-layered message which speaks to the strength and empowerment of women, while recognizing the realities of women's lives including trauma, stigma and injustice. It gives voice to women's impatience with public complacency regarding the impact of HIV on women of color. Visit the folks at GMHC to learn more.http://blog.blaktivist.com/2009/02/hiv-were-not-taking-it-lying-down.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-448425294753841579Wed, 11 Feb 2009 02:10:00 +00002009-12-19T16:56:26.564-05:00Biking for ObamablackbLaKidentityObamaraceRyan Bowenwhite identitywhitenessThere are some days you just wake up and the sunshine dares you to have a unpleasant disposition. I think Inauguration day was like that for me. The energy was different. It was as if all the nation were rejoicing together, celebrating the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama. Everything felt full of potential, and everybody appeared to be a vehicle for Obama's message of "change" - http://blog.blaktivist.com/2009/02/there-are-some-days-you-just-wake-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-953361131734525371Sat, 22 Nov 2008 21:19:00 +00002020-09-20T21:38:38.068-04:0042 laws of powerblackbLaKegypterykah.badufatbellybellaidentityLGBtQqiMa'atMaatmarriageMayetNu AmerykahspiritualityAmerykahn Promise is, quite possibly, the track I underrated most on "Nu Amerykah." That's probably due in part because I wanted to groove when I first got the album, I wasn't really listening. It is also due in part because Track One kinda freaked me out even though I really didn't understand it at first. Nearly 9 months later, and with yet more perspective behind me, I have a better grasp. http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/11/amerykhan-promise-vs-42-laws-of-maat.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-5954667596669423404Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:25:00 +00002009-12-23T16:21:53.423-05:00blackclasseconomyelection 2008identitylatinomass mediaObamaprivilegequestionable judgementracismRalph NaderUncle TomwhitenessWhether or not his deeper meaning has an iota of truth in it is becomes irrelevant if he is incapable of addressing his inappropriate use of a racially charged and derogatory trope to offer a message. This isn't a KRAMER situation because it isn't the N-word, but it is in a similar vein. I'm appalled that this fool has the NERVE to be INDIGNANT! Shame on you Ralph Nader. You just set the third http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/11/on-naders-whiteness-uncle-tom-obama.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-5553022370618976373Tue, 04 Nov 2008 20:35:00 +00002020-09-20T21:52:31.406-04:00election 2008Obamavolunteerism I'd been disappointed in myself for not contributing more to Barack Obama's campaign - and then last night, on the last leg of my commute home, I stopped to spend two hours phone banking for his campaign in Downtown Oakland. It was AMAZING. And not because it was in any way glamorous, there were people at tables making phone calls from their cell phones in a last effort to make sure to get http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/11/cautious-optimism-on-election-day-2008.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-4040589232071818132Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:10:00 +00002020-09-20T22:18:31.663-04:00bLaKtivistCalifornia Supreme Courtcivil rightsgayLawrence KinglesbianLGBtQqimarriagequeerSakia GunntoleranceWireTap MagazineYM Blog-A-ThonOn November 4, California voters will decide on proposition 8. If passed, Prop 8 would undo the California Supreme Court decision to grant same sex couples the right to equal marriage under law. The change would exist on the grounds that marriage between two people of the same sex impedes on the religious freedom of some. But since when did my rights to love someone of my choosing have anything http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/10/on-cali-prop-8-tolerance-isnt-enough.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-4489913242994275162Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:26:00 +00002009-12-19T19:11:42.653-05:00alternative energyclassEntrepreneurshipquestionable judgementsustainabilityIn a struggling economy where, in particular, energy resources are scarce, it is no wonder that green related thefts are growing . I recently came across a couple of articles reporting on the rise in PV (solar) Panel thefts throughout California. Where victims range from homeowners, to large businesses.Thinking about it, the situation has it's pros and cons. While on the outset, it might suggest http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/09/green-is-new-blackmarket.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-8469924364183975058Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:10:00 +00002020-09-20T22:33:40.335-04:00"Network""Nu Amerykah""Zeitgeist"blackbLaKclasseconomyerykah.badufatbellybellarecessionA friend of mine recently posted a YouTube link on my facebook profile of the movie Zeitgeist and it reminded of this post (which I started in March but never published) about how apropos Erykah Badu's most recent release was to this year, 2008. But more specifically the track Twinkle. I'm sure it was at least in part a consequence of the political fervor at the time. Late February to mid March http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/09/living-in-cycles-twinkle-07-network-76.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-1358798006832982894Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:52:00 +00002009-12-19T18:08:00.040-05:00economyelection 2008John McCainLehman'sObamaOccidental CollegeracismSarah PalinFor all the "right" has to say about Senator Obama not laying out his plan, this video seemed to nip that in the BUD. If you support McCain, DO YOU, but I am tired of people acting like Senator Obama is some sort of slouch or buffon, because the man is brilliant - PERIOD. Human still, but brilliant nonetheless (and I'm not just saying that because we both went to Occidental!)All that aside. I http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/09/obama-economy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-4462979603126612207Fri, 12 Sep 2008 23:47:00 +00002009-12-19T19:33:10.183-05:00election 2008genderLGBtQqiMIPpublic transitSFMuniI see and experience all kindsa random ish since moving to the bay, especially since I have been riding public transportation. There is so much that you miss (good and bad) when you rely on the modern convenience (or not- in this economy) of a car. On my way to work, last Monday morning, I saw this in front of the local bar, and I HAD to take a picture.::chuckle::It says all that it needs to. Andhttp://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/09/typical-day-bay.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (bLaKtivist)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-3237868561770025066Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:50:00 +00002009-12-19T18:15:05.620-05:00blackcivil rightsHurricane KatrinaidentityNew OrleansracismIt seems too easily forgotten that 3 years ago today Hurricane Katrina and it's aftermath ravaged so many lives, did irreparable damage to families and left so many homeless in the Gulf.And while today marks the three year anniversary, I have seen little dedicated to remembering these folks and the concern that yet another storm might hit this blighted area that our nation has YET to really http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/08/3-year-anniversary-of-katrina-preparing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-1150949129582290511Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:51:00 +00002020-09-20T22:42:21.768-04:00AC TransitblackgenderheterosexismhomophobiaidentitylesbianLGBtQqiOaklandpublic transitsexual orientationyouthThere are some days where my optimism for the world's potential is blindsided by the coarseness of stubborn ignorance. I’m new to Oakland, and for that reason I’m usually quiet. I spend most of my time observing the good and bad about my surroundings. I make notes about things that I haven’t seen since my childhood, and things I’ve never seen before. I am reminded why I was so pressed to get http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/08/communication-skills-ac-transit-57.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-443272165931127164Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:43:00 +00002009-12-19T18:14:28.353-05:00blackEntrepreneurshipidentitymass mediaMaster PI reminded why one should never doubt the seeds of Black Ambition - 'cuz a tree will sneak up on you!I've been settling in, post my move to the Bay Area, and have neglected to offer any new posts. But an email I just received was just the right thing to spring me back into action.I got wind of a press release stating that in a year, New Orleans native and Hip-Hop Entrepreneur (Percy) "P. http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/08/bbtv-make-bet-say-uhhhh-na-na-nana.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-2032361294314730363Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:59:00 +00002009-12-19T18:30:40.086-05:00bLaKclasseconomyempowermentfeministpovertywomanistThank you Rebecca Walker for sharing.http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/07/girl-effect.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-4768953626931536423Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +00002009-12-19T19:15:46.229-05:00abuseaccountabilityblackheterosexismhomophobiaidentitylesbianLGBtQqiqueersexual orientationyouthMeet Big "Granny" KaneBack Story:Granny walks in on teenage lesbians having sex Non-familial lesbian exits Granny commences to beat the crap out of familial lesbian Granny THEN takes familial lesbian (limping) To non-familial lesbian’s house to make sure HER parents know too. If this wasn't the content of my worst nightmare comin' up I don't know WHAT is. I used to have these dreams ofhttp://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/07/big-granny-cane.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-1842084656841241409Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:57:00 +00002010-01-20T02:25:46.421-05:00accountabilityblackeducationheterosexismhomophobiaidentityLGBtQqimass mediamentoringprivilegePSAsame sexsexual abusesexual orientationsocial justicespiritualitySo I published this piece about Sakia Gunn a few weeks back (thanks to those of you who checked it out) and I have to say the number of responses that it's gotten was overwhelming; in a good and a bad way. I've read EVERY comment (all 230 of them - last I checked). The responses have been both refreshing and alarming. But it set off a light bulb... So... I'm working on a project and I wanted http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/06/black-gay-questions-straight-folks.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-2811720536628528935Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:22:00 +00002008-06-21T19:33:12.024-04:00http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/06/sketchin-in-samo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-3592685345342289763Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:30:00 +00002009-12-19T17:50:37.770-05:00blackbLaKcivil rightsLGBtQqimarriageFrom the Jordan Rustin Coalition: On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that restricting the word "marriage" to opposite-sex unions was discriminatory, unnecessary and unconstitutional. This decision also proclaimed that sexual orientation is as protected a class as race, gender and national origin and prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.This ruling will http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/06/why-same-sex-marriage-should-matter-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6063214943131172499.post-3704588378065727768Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:00:00 +00002009-12-19T18:31:57.754-05:00classeconomyHurricane KatrinaIowaNew OrleanspovertySept 11youthI feel as though it would be redundant to say that “The world is a scary place to live in today,” because such has been the case for as long as I can remember. But it is in the context of those past periods of fear and insecurity, that I look at what is going on in the world today as being particularly frightening. Perhaps that has something to do with my full awareness of the world as it http://blog.blaktivist.com/2008/06/coming-of-age-amid-depression-20.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Unknown)1