Afro

Article 1 In the article “American Racial and Ethnic Politics in the 21st Century: A cautious look ahead”, the author (Jennifer L. Hochschild) discusses the dynamic lives of the African-American community and points out the complication and competition that follows along the main ethnic groups. More specifically, he focuses on the different classes, such as the middle class and the lower class of African-American and proposes the material success that each class value and put commitment. The…

It's an unseasonably warm Friday afternoon for October and I am making my way to Manhattan's Lower East Side to chat with artist M. Tony Peralta. His newest exhibition, Rolos & Icons had opened the night prior to a packed house of family, friends, and supporters. This was the first time he had ever held an opening downtown, and the incredible turnout was a feat in itself. I had been following the works of the Dominican-American artist by way of Washington Heights for a few years now as we have…

Throughout the Harlem Renaissance time period, many black Americans struggled to make ends meet and live a fulfilling life. Most black Americans were poor and unhappy, while few had the luxury of working and living among white Americans – often rejecting their identity as a black person. In addition, many poor black Americans hid their frustration and/or depression by appearing to be satisfied through smiles and singing. In Zora Neal Hurston’s “Sweat,” Delia Jones hides her frustration about her…

Audible Voices: A Chorus of Women It is the middle of June 1954, the excitement in the air is palpable, accosted by the sweltering southern heat the women begin to poor into the auditorium. An eager chatter can be heard above the three large industrial fans churning arduously sweeping the oppressive heat from one side of the room to the other. As I scan the room it fills quickly, I can’t help but notice the large banner on the south wall. My attention is quickly diverted from the beautifully…

As a young black woman living in America, I am constantly exposed to harmful imagery and situations that attack both my race and womanhood, two very important parts of my identity. The struggles that we face as a community include but are not limited to, dehumanization and general disregard for our lives (Aiyana Stanley Jones, Sandra Bland, Rekia Boyd, and the countless other black wo(men) who were victims of police brutality), Mysogenoir (ie. oversexualization of our bodies, the 'welfare queens…

The definition of a black film would seem to be an easy standard to mutually agree on. Films about the people and culture of the African diaspora would satisfy most definitions, but issues arrive when black people are poorly represented and stereotyped or when the definition excludes other cultures from discussing black culture when they could also give a fair and thoughtful representation in Black Cinema. Thomas Lott argues that it can be hard to identify what makes quality black films because…

As we grow up we come to a point in life were we struggle to find and own our identity. Most importantly, we come to a point were we wrestle with being ourselves and being what others want. That being said, race also has a big role in one finding and owning their identity. Although difficult to admit race and what others think come hand and hand. Resulting in sometimes letting others and race dictate our life choices. In Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin, we are introduced to “Viveca…

In 1957, a historic event occurred that changed the racial demographics at The Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania: Dr. Viktor Lowenfeld hired the first African American faculty member in the history of the University in the newly created art education department. Her name is Mary Godfrey. Godfrey grew up in New York City; she attended Pratt Institute and Columbia University for Art Education. Prior to her tenure at Penn State, Godfrey became the first black assistant…

The environment I was raised in isn’t the place i’ll say shape me as a person but, I will say it made me think outside the box. I was raised in a small city in Mississippi. Probably never heard of it because we aren’t even on the map but I raised in a small city name Indianola and Moorehead. You can easily look it up online, look at picture, and/ or visit. You can easily look at that place and give me a quick glimpse and just know that the small city that you see didn’t completely shape as a…

The perception of normal in America has become a hindrance for African American women to express their unique beauty in today’s society. The ideal image that has been pushed through media is the Eurocentric beauty, causing Native American, Hispanics and African Americans to conform to look more American. African Americans have been working hard to mold themselves to what they feel is most acceptable in society for years now. Since post emancipation, the African American culture has two methods…