There is little recognition of Afro-Latinx communities throughout Latin America, but Puebla’s “Africamericanos” exhibit is seeking to change that. It wasn’t the first time I’d set out in search of African-descended cultures in Latin America. In fact, compared to other excursions, the two-hour bus ride from Mexico City to the self-described “magical town” of Puebla...
Author: Danielle Dorsey (Danielle Dorsey)
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The Price Increase for National Parks is Another Form of Environmental Racism
If approved, the price increase will disproportionately impact low-income families who already lack reasonable access to green spaces and likely stymie efforts to increase diversity in national parks. We’re more than halfway through winter in the Northern Hemisphere and temperatures are starting to warm. Families across America are beginning to plan their spring break and...
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How One Woman is Reclaiming Herbalism as a Form of Resistance
Herbalism has been gaining popularity in tandem with spirituality over the last few years, but few herbalists are going to the same lengths as Sade Musa to call attention to the contributions of the African Diaspora. I was fairly new to the study of plant medicine when I was introduced to herbalist Sade Musa, who...
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Here’s the Problem with the Time Person of the Year Cover
The Time Person of the Year cover is a visual reminder of how white feminism attempts to dictate the direction of progress while BIPOC are expected to do the behind-the-scenes (or between the pages) labor. I held my breath when I saw the TIME Person of the Year shortlist, hoping that the weekly news magazine...
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Black Lives in Libya Matter Too
The situation in Libya is complex and that’s part of the reason it remains so deeply unresolved. The world is finally paying attention after an exclusive CNN report revealed a modern-day slave trade taking place in Libya. The war-torn North African nation has struggled to gain footing since long-time tyrannical leader Muammar Gaddafi was abruptly...
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Universities Need To Do So Much More To Protect Marginalized Students Like Chennel “Jazzy” Rowe
It is up to institutions of higher education to protect their most vulnerable students. One of the greatest values of a college education is the opportunity to live, work, and study with people from completely different backgrounds. It exposes you to new ways of thinking, living, and opens your perspective beyond your own upbringing. When...
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It’s Time for Witches and Healers to Recognize America’s Shadow
What’s taken me by surprise has been the deafening silence from spiritual leaders, witches, and healers in the wake of current events. Over the last year, I’ve seen white supremacists take over the White House, normalize Nazi beliefs and violence, devalue American citizens in struggling U.S. territories and more. Though these events seem to have...
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8 Mental Health and Self Care Resources for QTPOC
Healing is our birthright, and if we can’t claim it in times of unrest and chaos, when will we ever make the time? 2017 has been a challenging year, to say the least. It seems a day hardly goes by without the Trump administration signing a new executive order stripping marginalized people of more rights....
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California Leads the Country in Hate Groups, Proving it’s No Liberal Oasis
When the Southern Poverty Law Group released their “Hate Map” last week, many were surprised to see California lead the nation with 79. I have deep roots in Southern California. My maternal grandparents were part of the Great Migration, and moved from Jackson, Mississippi, to San Diego when my grandfather joined the Navy in 1955....
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53 Years After Freedom Summer, Voter Suppression Still Thrives in America
Voter registration drives are no longer impeded by bombings, but stringent new laws that require multiple IDs and other hurdles. James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. Many won’t recognize these names, but as the Trump administration and other lawmakers make unprecedented attempts to disenfranchise voters, it is even more important that we be reminded...