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Articles by: Jamilah Lemieux

Are Today’s Politics Reminiscent Of Yesterday’s?
News

Are Today’s Politics Reminiscent Of Yesterday’s?

Black women have been at the forefront of politics and activism for centuries.
By Jamilah Lemieux · Feb 4, 2020
Sound-Off: Newburgh Mom Murder-Suicide is a Warning
News

Sound-Off: Newburgh Mom Murder-Suicide is a Warning

The small city of Newburgh, New York is coming to terms with an unspeakable tragedy: a young mother drove her four children into the Hudson River in a shocking murder-suicide this Tuesday night. Lashanda Armstrong's 10-year-old son La'Shaun was the only survivor; the boy was able to roll down the minivan's power window and swim to safety. According to the New York Times, he told investigators that his mother had grabbed him, along with his siblings (aged 5, 2 and 11 months) as the vehicle began to sink and said "If I'm going to die, you're going to die with me." He also said that his mother shortly thereafter had a change of heart and attempted to reverse the car. By then, it was too late...
By Jamilah Lemieux · Apr 14, 2011
Sound-Off: Black History Month Too Short?
News

Sound-Off: Black History Month Too Short?

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...

By Jamilah Lemieux · Feb 18, 2011
Sound-Off: Scott Sisters' Undying Family Values
News

Sound-Off: Scott Sisters' Undying Family Values

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...

By Jamilah Lemieux · Jan 31, 2011
Sound-Off: Joan Rivers Calls First Lady 'Blackie O'
News

Sound-Off: Joan Rivers Calls First Lady 'Blackie O'

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...

By Jamilah Lemieux · Jan 25, 2011
Sound-Off: Can Black Women Get Along?
News

Sound-Off: Can Black Women Get Along?

Love her or hate her, Nicki Minaj is certainly going into the books as one of the breakout stars of 2010. While female emcees have long had a hard time establishing themselves in both independent and mainstream markets, the Queens native is (sadly) one of the few who seems to be making any above-ground noise right now... Here's what you had to say: Brenda commented via Facebook: "There is too much jealousy and envy." Shaketa wrote via Facebook: "When strong Black women who have it going on encounter on another it's all good."
By Jamilah Lemieux · Dec 20, 2010
Sound Off: Kanye's Beautiful Dark Twisted Career
News

Sound Off: Kanye's Beautiful Dark Twisted Career

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."

By Jamilah Lemieux · Nov 17, 2010
Commentary: What If Lindsay Lohan Were Black?
News

Commentary: What If Lindsay Lohan Were Black?

Even folks who routinely avoid entertainment gossip are probably vaguely aware of actress Lindsay Lohan's never-ending saga of arrests, drug charges and illicit behavior. While the former child star has certainly seen her career take a turn for the worse in wake of her troubles, there is still a great deal of public support for her. Not just sympathy, but forgiveness for the actress -- even as she seems unwilling to take responsibility for her misdeeds. (Does anyone recall her stealing a car in 2007, running over a man's foot and then saying, "The Black guy did it!"? 'Cause I do.)... Here's what you had to say: Lisa commented via Facebook: "I don't think color has anything to do with it." Alexandrea wrote via Facebook: "Special treatment doesn't help her or her problem. It just makes people realize the favoritism and racism still exist."
By Jamilah Lemieux · Sep 27, 2010
Commentary: I Am a Fierce Black Woman
News

Commentary: I Am a Fierce Black Woman

Over the years, people have questioned my reasons for using my race and my gender to "define myself." It isn't up to me; Black and female are inextricable and essential parts of my being. And I'm not mad at that. I'm proud to be a sister and I'm glad that so much of who I am is tied to that identity. What I have decided, however, is that I don't simply let Black and female define me. I define what it means to be Black and female in 2010. Peep game...
By Jamilah Lemieux · Sep 13, 2010
Commentary: Why Prop 8 and 9/11 Mosque Matter to Us
News

Commentary: Why Prop 8 and 9/11 Mosque Matter to Us

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!"

By Jamilah Lemieux · Aug 17, 2010
Commentary: How Much was Oscar Grant's Life Worth?
News

Commentary: How Much was Oscar Grant's Life Worth?

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."

By Jamilah Lemieux · Jul 9, 2010
Chicago's Response to Overturned Gun Ban
News

Chicago's Response to Overturned Gun Ban

Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that state and local governments cannot violate anyone's constitutional right to bear arms. The ruling, McDonald vs. Chicago split the court 5 to 4; it doesn't strike down any existing gun-control laws nor does it offer any specific definition of what kind of laws would be in violation of Second Amendment rights. As gun ownership is to be considered an inalienable right, this may provide a legal advantage for anyone who may have earlier been barred from buying and registering guns because of local laws regarding criminal and mental health background checks. So what does this mean for the streets of Chicago, which some feel are already oversaturated with senseless gun violence?
By Jamilah Lemieux · Jul 8, 2010
Commentary: And the Beatings Go On
News

Commentary: And the Beatings Go On

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..."

By Jamilah Lemieux · Jun 17, 2010
Commentary: Are We Numb to Black-on-Black Crime?
News

Commentary: Are We Numb to Black-on-Black Crime?

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 Jamilah Lemieux · May 26, 2010
Commentary: Another Black Youth Dies, Now What?
News

Commentary: Another Black Youth Dies, Now What?

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."

By Jamilah Lemieux · May 18, 2010
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