Culture

Another day, another headline: More Than Two Thirds of Americans Are Overweight or Ob

Why is it when we meet women that we find inspirational, capable, talented, and intelligent, we often find them intimidating instead of wanting to court and friend-date them?

I live my life at the intersections of blackness and womanhood, which means my presence is doubly erased and my words often fall on deaf ears. Even in spaces created to challenge power structures that disempower black women, we often find ourselves seemingly shouting our grievances into the ether.

"I’ve been on three rollercoasters in my life. I hated every second of all of them."

"1. The staff at all four branches of Starbucks around your office know you on a first name basis, and have your “usual” ready for you the minute you arrive."

"Disease takes the body over, and, in the cases of the diseases we vaccinate for, moves swiftly on to other bodies. It does not ask permission to enter. "

If you took US History in high school — and were able to stay awake — you may have been able to retain a few facts about our fine country. But if we're being realistic, chances are no, probably not. Even if you do remember some of the things you heard in between snores, you probably didn’t get the full story.

The first time I watered down my name, I was six or so. I mouthed a simplified version of my name through my milk teeth. My teeth, like my name, were not fully formed or permanent.