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4/1/2023

Being Black Is Not a Monolith

1 Comment

Read Now
 
Soooo we’re still putting limits and restrictions on what Black is??? I thought we’d addressed this before…but maybe not. I’m not going to hold you, but yeah…about that. Saw a post on Facebook about the Jonathan Majors Ebony Magazine cover shoot. The individual who wrote the post was pitting the February Valentine’s shoot of Majors against Black masculinity. Stating that images such as those of Jonathan Majors were emasculating and promoting Black men being feminine.
The pictures of Majors are soft (some were based on an Anime character). The colors are pinks, reds, blushes…colors not traditionally associated with masculinity. His poses are thoughtful, emotional, sensual, and relaxed. The clothing is minimal (IYKYK J), but the textures and patterns are again not traditional of those of a “man.” Even in that…what are manly poses, colors, or textures? Which brings me to my point. Why are we putting limits on what presents as a “man”? More specifically, a Black man or just a Black person.
 
How many times have we attached a negative description to a Black person based on them just BEING? Being Black is not a monolith. Black people represent over 13% of the population…that’s over 40 million people! 40 million people from different communities, political views, expectations, backgrounds, perspectives, and so much more. So someone please tell me how we can demand another Black person fit into these made-up categories. We allow space for other races to be their seemingly authentic selves; however, that may present, but for some reason, Black people put boxes around other Black people, and if you don’t fit into those sometimes warped views, you’re ________ (fill in the blank with whatever negative adjective of your choosing).
Look at the Black TV shows that have run within the last 2-3 years…Grand Crew, Harlem, Abbott Elementary, First Wives Club, and so many more showcase the eclectic personalities, styles, and preferences of Black people. We see in these shows Black people being nerds, quirky, eccentric, sexual, reserved, and a lot more! There’s space for that.
 
Being Black is not a monolith. We require other races to see Us, but I want US to see US. Open your mind, reevaluate your thought process, and question yourself. Where did I get the idea that a particular attribute must look like this? Who taught me that “cool” only behaves one way? Allow people to just BE. If you rock with it, you rock with it; if you don’t, you don’t.

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1 Comment
Roudy Neree link
5/29/2023 08:02:27 am

I Rock with it! Well said.

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    NishaSpeaks, COLUMNIST

    Tonisha, affectionately known as “NISHA” by family and friends, has always had a flair for words. ​So much so that she would later acquire the moniker "NishaSpeaks". Her talents have made room for her with several on-air radio broadcasts, including her podcast, The NishaSpeaks Podcast, JoyNet Radio, Hot 96.5 LR, and KWCP 98.9. She has also been featured in Curvy Connect Magazine. Her experiences have inspired her to become one of the Greats.

    NishaSpeaks is an advocate for plus-sized women, and an active model for the Kurvy Kuties Full Figure Modeling Group. Her playfulness and fierceness is effortless on the runway and it shines through her frames, her speech and  her strides. And when NishaSpeaks...You Listen!

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ur·bane \ər-ˈbān\: adj. notably polite or polished in manner
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  • HOME
  • CURRENT ISSUE
  • URBANE's Finest of 2023
  • HIGHLIGHTS
    • URBANE Stories
    • Arkansas Black History
    • NishaSpeaks
    • Readers' Choice
    • Listen First
    • Business Spotlight
    • URBANE Eats
    • Black Arkansas Graduates >
      • 2023 Graduates
      • 2022 Graduates
      • 2021 Graduates
    • Mothers' Day Tributes >
      • 2022 Mothers
      • 2021 Mothers
    • Fathers' Day Tributes >
      • 2022 Fathers
      • 2021 Fathers
  • GALLERY
    • 2023 >
      • QLC 2023 Springfest
      • CBR'z Catering's Food Truck
      • Sisters in the Movement: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
      • UAPB Black History Month Program 2023
      • 2023 UAMS Midsouth Black Expo
      • Alivia Beauty Co Grand Opening
      • 2nd Friday Art Night
      • 2nd Anniversary Mixer
      • 2023 MLK Recommitment Celebration
      • CAAC 2023 Founders Day
      • Honorable Swearing-In
    • 2022 >
      • 72nd Annual Debutante Ball
      • Kappa Christmas Ball
      • Realtist Choice Awards Gala
      • 2022 Wingtips Blazers & Stilettos
      • Truth Sauce Story Premier
      • 2022 Black Empowerment Awards
      • Frank Scott Watch Party
      • Chris Jones Watch Party
      • 2022 John H Johnson Day
      • 2022 LR Full Figure Fashion Show
      • Flyght Black
      • Charley Palmer
      • Black Mayors Association 50th Anniversary
      • Black Owned NWA Expo
      • Tjuana Byrd Internship Program Closing Reception
      • 2022 UAMS Midsouth Black Expo
      • 2022 NBA Championship Trophy Tour
      • HMTC 50th Reunion
      • Scott Campaign Office Opening
      • Chief Keith
      • Sister Friends United 14
      • Camp Unidad
      • The Black Derby Brunch
      • Delois J Braggs
      • Coach Davis Dedication
      • 1st Anniversary Mixer
      • Who Is Scipio Africanus Jones
      • Stephanie Hobbs
      • 2022 King Kennedy Awards
      • Emerging Arkansas Artists Showcase
      • Bank On America
    • 2021 >
      • MLK Christmas
      • Fredrick Love
      • Black Caucus
      • 2021 Wingtips Blazers & Stilettos
      • Arkansas RGB Music Showcase
      • Korto Momolo Fashion Show
      • Flyght Black Wine Tasting
      • New Black Panther Party
      • Speak Now
      • Same Different Amazing
      • Return of The Mac
      • Bobby Portis Foundation Back-2-School
      • Bobby Portis Foundation Gala
      • Worship Recharge Concert
      • Jones Bar-B-Q
      • Natalie James
      • We The People
      • Being Your Own Boss
      • Meet The Editor
      • BizAr Networking Mixer
      • The Honorable Choice
      • Creme de la Creme
      • Green Book Exhibit Opening Reception
      • Sister Friends United
      • Brae Leni & Friends
  • LOCAL GUIDES
    • Central
    • Northeast
    • Northwest
    • Southeast
    • Southwest
  • CALENDAR
  • STORE
    • Giveaways
    • Donate
    • Sponsorships
    • Individual Issue
    • Subscription
  • Advertise with Us
    • Purchase Ad
  • CONTACT URBANE
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    • Press Releases >
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      • Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
    • About URBANE
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