Articles by: Jamilah Lemieux

For years people have felt the need to mention the fact that Black History Month is observed in February — the shortest month of the year. As a reminder, the yearly observance stemmed from Black History Week, which was created by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 in order to implore historians to include the contributions of African-Americans in the annals of United States history. Woodson chose the second week in February because it included the birthdays of both Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. The week was extended to a full month in 1976 as part of the celebration of America's Biennial. There was no conspiracy to saddle Black folks with the shortest month in the year. I repeat: there was no conspiracy involved...

In 1993, Jamie and Gladys Scott were sentenced to double life sentences in prison because of their roles in a Forest, Mississippi armed robbery that netted only a few hundred dollars. For years, critics of the case have cited the extreme nature of the prison terms handed to these two Black, lower class women who had no prior criminal history. A 1996 appeal made to the Mississippi Court of Appeals was unsuccessful, as were subsequent appeals made to the United States Supreme Court and a petition made to Governor Haley Barbour in 2006...

Last week, Joan Rivers sat down for an interview with Howard Stern, in which she revealed she scrapped a potentially offensive quip about the First Lady from her routine last year. The aging comedienne stated that her "We used to have Jackie O, now we have Blackie O!" line may have offended folks, though she thought it was "an adorable joke". You don't say...

It didn't take long after the release of Kanye West's debut album "The College Dropout" in 2003 for the rapper/producer to become known as one of the most fascinating personalities in pop music. Introduced to mainstream audiences as an artsy "backpack" rapper with an awkward stage presence and confidence to spare, the Chicago native managed to galvanize both hardcore hip-hop heads and top-40 music fans almost instantaneously, but over the past few years West's over-the-top antics and boisterous personality have stolen the show from his music. With the upcoming release of "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," the artist again fights to restore his name in the public eye and remind people that his work is supposed to be the focus... Here's what you had to say: Ashley commented via Facebook: "The best teacher is experience. He will get it together." Fatimah wrote via Facebook: "He's hurting and trying to recover and make peace with himself, but that's got to be hard in the public eye."

Last week, US District Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Proposition 8, a piece of legislation which banned gay marriage in California, was unconstitutional. In his 137 page opinion, the judge stated that "Proposition 8 singles out gays and lesbians and legitimates their unequal treatment" and "perpetuates the stereotype that gays and lesbians are incapable of forming long-term loving relationships and that gays and lesbians are not good parents..." Here's what you had to say: Zaccai commented: "If more people would study religions other than their own and speak with people with lifestyles different than their own we would have a much more harmonious society." Tiffany wrote via Facebook: "I could never support anything that denies any group equal rights...period!"

In Oakland, California, riots and looting occurred just hours after a White police officer was convicted on a lesser charge for killing 22-year-old Oscar Grant III on New Year's Day in 2009. Hundreds gathered in what initially seemed to be a peaceful protest. But once the officer was charged with involuntary manslaughter, the ruling sent shockwaves to Oakland natives.  ESSENCE.com contributor Jamilah Lemieux wonders what message the California courts are sending about the value of a Black man's life... Here's what you had to say: Kristina commented via Facebook: "I felt that the verdict was proof that police officers aren't expected to take responsibility for their actions and get away with murder. Literally." Stacy wrote via Facebook: "The verdict was unjust and unfair, but that is why people need to get actively involved in the legal system."

I've watched the tape of a Washington State Police officer punching a 17-year-old Black girl in the face at least a dozen times, and I still can't make any sense of it. I cannot figure out how this man, who was trained to restrain suspects, finds himself incapable of subduing this young lady any other way than a fist to her face. How can someone so incompetent be allowed to police the streets, protected by both his gun and his badge? Here's what you had to say: Nikki commented via Facebook: "This is an abuse of power." Anonymous wrote: "...My guess is two women fighting [the police officer] made him react. I think his reaction was justified..."

In the past two weeks, we have heard (and said) much about the death of Aiyana Jones. As we should. We should speak her name until there is justice. We should scream her story until it wakes up the masses of people in this country realize what centuries of racism have done to our ability to live freely. How this poison has the very hands trained to protect us tightened around our necks, making it impossible to breathe. We must continue to speak of Aiyana. But what about Thomas Wortham?

By now, you should be aware that 7-year-old Aiyana Jones was killed by officers of the Detroit Police Department, as they raided her family's home early Sunday morning. The specific details surrounding her death are not clear yet, nor will they be until the family is able to speak freely. What we know for sure: a sleeping girl was burned by a "flashbang grenade" and then shot in the head and neck because the police were attempting to capture the suspect in the shooting death of a 17-year-old. Another senseless loss... Here's what you had to say: Anonymous commented: "We call the cops when it's convenient for us but won't "snitch" when one of us is killed. It makes no sense." Reign wrote: "Black people are not the only people who commit crimes. There's good and bad in every culture, but you wouldn't know that by the images portrayed in the news. Everybody is being desensitized to our pain, even us."