There is the Essence Festival and HBCU events, and then there is Freaknik! Gen-Zers, you’ve got to sit this one out because this conversation might not be for you. Hulu has brought back all the nostalgia for ‘80s and ’90s babies with “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” showcasing the picnic’s humble beginning to becoming a pivotal role in hip-hop and Atlanta’s broader cultural influence. Freaknik began in 1983 as a small picnic created by DMV students attending college in Atlanta but couldn’t afford to return home for spring break. In the 90s, it gradually expanded into concerts, dance contests and basketball tournaments until reports of sexual assault and safety concerns caused law enforcement to shut it down in 1999. If you haven’t watched it, do you think you’ll see any of your uncles or aunties in any archival clips? Kids these days don’t know that folks back in the day knew how to have a good time.
Happy Ramadan to all our Muslim brothers and sisters
Ramadan experience is marked by communal prayers, and fasting, fostering spiritual growth, self-discipline, and communal solidarity. (Photo by Annice Lyn/Getty Images)
From March 10 to April 9, Muslims worldwide celebrate the revelation of the Qur’an, a book that Muslims consider a source of wisdom and direction for all people. During Ramadan, people fast during the day to become closer to God by practicing self-control, appreciation and even compassion for those less fortunate. Those observing Ramadan must fast from sunrise to sunset throughout the month. When Ramadan ends, Muslims get together to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, also known as the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It’s a time of fasting and spiritual growth. It’s also important for all of us to respect and acknowledge other cultures and backgrounds while supporting our friends who observe Ramadan.
Regina King’s biopic of Shirley Chisholm
Oscar Award-winning actress Regina King plays Shirley Chisolm in a new Netflix biopic. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)
As we count down the last week of Women’s History Month, it is only fitting to shout out Regina King and her portrayal of Shirley Chisholm in the new biopic that began airing on Netflix this month. It’s a poignant tribute to a trailblazer whose contributions to American politics have too often been overlooked. Chisholm’s audacious run for the presidency in 1972 shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in politics. The film delves into Chisholm’s remarkable journey from Brooklyn to Capitol Hill, highlighting her historic achievements as the first Black woman elected to Congress and her groundbreaking bid for the Democratic nomination for president. And Regina, as usual, does what she does best!! The story also serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the archiving of our nation’s history to be taught to the younger generations. Because I can tell you now, if you ask young folks who Shirley Chisholm was, many of them probably couldn’t give you an answer. Black history is American history.
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I cover Houston’s education system as it relates to the Black community for the Defender as a Report for America corps member. I’m a multimedia journalist and have reported on social, cultural, lifestyle,…
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