In Need of Some Care
“I’m always searched at the airport They tell me it’s random But I guess your probability of getting chosen and having an Arabic name rise in tandem. I get on the plane, Afraid to speak my first language Don’t wanna get taken away Weighed and stowed Like baggage. I land in Tel Aviv, Ride to […]
Growing Up MENA in a Post 9/11 Society
You know what’s difficult? Being MENA (Middle Eastern North African) — specifically, noticeably MENA. Apparently, ever since 9/11, being from that region of the world has been a pain. I don’t recall what life was like before that because I was just 1 year old when the attack happened. Being racially profiled and arriving at […]
My Lunchbox Moment: Learning to Embrace My Culture
I was 6 years old when I had my first existential crisis. It was the terrifying moment when all the kids from my first grade class sat down in alphabetical order and opened our respective lunch boxes. I sat there frozen with fear, wondering if it would be worth the humiliation of opening my lunchbox, […]
“Dear Kanye”: An Open Letter to My Favorite Artist
Kanye, this is the most open and active you’ve been with your fanbase in a very long time, however, despite that some of us still feel like we’re losing you.
Dress-Coding and My ‘Disruptive’ Shoulder Blades
Administrators asked, “How could your parents let you out of the house like that?” Leggings aren’t the problem. Talking to high school students in that manner and threatening not to let them go to class is what is truly distracting.
A Black Girl’s Survival Guide to a PWI
As Black women, it is imperative that we are educated and prepared to navigate and flourish in these spaces.
HIV Tried Me. It Lost: My First Year In College
“What do you take medicine for, Kaleb?” Everyone darted their eyes my way. “I have HIV.” I had swallowed all that stigma along with my pill.
Holding Out for a Hero: Miles Morales is Not Your Average Spidey
The latest addition to the Spider-Man franchise is set to leave fans at the edge of their seat, as well as usher in a new era for little ones. Miles Morales is Marvel’s first Afro-Latino Spider-Man in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Morales, voiced by actor Shameik Moore, is the daunting Brooklyn teen sporting Air Jordan […]
In ‘Into The Spider-Verse,’ Anyone Can Wear The Mask
I’ve been an avid Miles Morales fan for the past four years, and have read just about every Marvel Comics volume of every story that he’s featured in. Miles is a very important character to me since I grew up right before the inclusivity boom of the 2010’s, meaning that I spent my most formative […]
‘Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse’ is Better Than ‘Black Panther’
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse” is the best animated film this year. OK, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, let me start from the beginning. I had the pleasure of seeing “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” last week at a press screening. I was greatly surprised by the appearance of film lead Shameik Moore (who plays Miles […]
