Category: CULTURE

— CULTURE, FEATURE STORY —

Big Sean’s ‘Detroit 2’ Album Has Been on Heavy Rotation at My House (and for a Very Good Reason)

October 17, 2020

Every night when he comes home from work, I can hear Elijah’s music playing loudly on his portable speaker. He attaches it to the handlebars of his bike so he can listen to his music while he rides to and from work. This is also how I know he’s made it home safely because I… Read More Big Sean’s ‘Detroit 2’ Album Has Been on Heavy Rotation at My House (and for a Very Good Reason)

— CULTURE —

Remembering Medgar Evers

June 12, 2020

Today is the 57th anniversary of the assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. He was killed on June 12, 1963 by Byron De La Beckwith, a Ku Klux Klan member, in the driveway of his home. Evers’ wife Myrlie and their children were inside of their home at the time.  “On June 12, 1963,… Read More Remembering Medgar Evers

— CULTURE, FEATURE STORY —

What You Can Do If You’re Not Able to Participate in a Peaceful Protest

June 3, 2020

I am amazed at how many cities across the country are holding peaceful protests. I’ve been seeing more and more communities coming together to protest against police brutality and seek justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other African Americans who have lost their lives to police violence.  In the last few days, there have… Read More What You Can Do If You’re Not Able to Participate in a Peaceful Protest

— CULTURE —

On Speaking Out

May 29, 2020

The last few days have been hard. I’ve been reading news articles, op-eds, blog posts, and social media posts about the tragic death of George Floyd and how others are feeling right now. Many people are hurting and are devastated because of his death. I can’t even begin to imagine what his family, friends, and… Read More On Speaking Out

— CULTURE, FEATURE STORY —

I Vote Because…

March 9, 2020

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday in our state of Michigan, as well as Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, and Washington. Are you planning on voting? We all have a candidate and national/local issues that are important to us so this is not a post to advocate for a particular candidate. Instead, I thought I’d share a… Read More I Vote Because…

— CULTURE —

54 Must-Read African American Books Recommended by The Wright

February 21, 2020

In celebration of Black History Month, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History compiled a list of 54 must-read African American books. The book list is divided into three categories: adult fiction, nonfiction, and children & young adult African American literature. You can scroll down to see The Wright’s recommended reading list. My… Read More 54 Must-Read African American Books Recommended by The Wright

— CULTURE, INTERVIEWS —

T-Boz on TLC’s Legacy, Touring with Chilli and Beating the Odds

January 6, 2020

TLC’s Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins’ life is one filled with overcoming insurmountable odds and finding blessings in unexpected places. Watkins was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at the age of seven and spend much of her childhood in and out of hospitals due to episodes with the potentially fatal condition. She was told she wouldn’t make… Read More T-Boz on TLC’s Legacy, Touring with Chilli and Beating the Odds

— 2019 Blog Posts, CULTURE —

On Creating Peace and Positive Change Within Our Communities

November 26, 2019

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Sabina invited me to a special event called “A Peace Symposium: Building Communities Across National, Cultural, and Religious Boundaries” at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Rochester Hills, Michigan. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association of Greater Detroit hosted the event and welcomed women from the community from all faith… Read More On Creating Peace and Positive Change Within Our Communities

— 2019 Blog Posts, CULTURE, INTERVIEWS —

The Grace, Beauty, and Grit of Vanessa Williams

November 12, 2019

By Allison Kugel Vanessa Williams is a creature unlike any other. It’s as though she came here to impart the ins and outs of living life on one’s own terms. From unwitting societal lightning rod during the 1980s to multi-platinum selling recording artist; and Broadway, film and television star, Vanessa Williams slayed the male-dominated Hollywood… Read More The Grace, Beauty, and Grit of Vanessa Williams

— 2019 Blog Posts, CULTURE —

Weekend Vibes!

November 2, 2019

THE RETURN OF THE CLARK SISTERS The two-time Grammy-award winning group The Clark Sisters are back with a new single called “Victory”! The song will be released on Friday, November 15 on all major digital platforms for streaming. It is the first single from The Clark Sisters’ new album set to be released in March… Read More Weekend Vibes!

— CULTURE —

Photographs from “The Burn Kill Ego” Art Exhibition ft. Errin “Lightheart” Whitaker

October 18, 2019

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve attended my friend’s two art exhibitions, but I wanted to share a few photos from my visit. Last year, I had featured an interview with Detroit artist Errin “Lightheart” Whitaker introducing you to his world of art. I first met Errin at a Mack Alive event in Detroit.… Read More Photographs from “The Burn Kill Ego” Art Exhibition ft. Errin “Lightheart” Whitaker

— CULTURE, INTERVIEWS —

Rick Ross on Living the American Dream and Not Fearing Death

September 17, 2019

By Allison Kugel One conversation with rapper Rick Ross will have you questioning the definitions of success, wealth and opportunity; how to identify opportunity, how to achieve success and how to maintain it while keeping your soul and bodily faculties intact. Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II, rose to prominence in 2006 with his breakout… Read More Rick Ross on Living the American Dream and Not Fearing Death