If insensitive pronouncements and disingenuous statements could earn a “Peak Audacity Award,” this week’s winner would be Tyler Perry. The popular playwright, actor and filmmaker—best known for his outrageous pistol-packing matriarch alter ego, Madea—sparked instant outrage with his assertions during a recent podcast that successful single Black women could find mates more easily if they… Continue reading Mr. Perry, No Thanks: The Misguided Musings of A Delusional Black Man
Category: Raising Families
Relationships 101: What NOT To Do
In less than a month’s time, we’ll be experiencing a family first: a freshman and senior attending high school. Their classes have already been chosen, back to school shopping is underway and both of our girls are looking forward to the lessons they’ll learn and the friends they’ll make. However, thanks to a pair… Continue reading Relationships 101: What NOT To Do
“Conscious,” “Gentle,” Whatever: PLEASE Just Be a Parent.
It happened earlier this Spring: my mother was visiting and we had all just wrapped watching the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect. As I was clearing out the dishes and getting her a refill, she asked Nia and Layla if they had something to do in their rooms as she wanted to discuss some family… Continue reading “Conscious,” “Gentle,” Whatever: PLEASE Just Be a Parent.
“What Do You Want, A Cookie?”: Hustling Backwards With Lowered Expectations
Last fall, the week before Thanksgiving, I was at home preparing for a flight when Nia called: she had been practicing after school for choir and both of us were under the impression that her older brother Darius was picking her up. Nia said she was still waiting and for some reason, Darius wasn’t reachable… Continue reading “What Do You Want, A Cookie?”: Hustling Backwards With Lowered Expectations
Daddy Dearest: When Hypocrisy and Ignorance Goes Viral
Earlier last week, when the majority of us were focused on sports, elections and stormy weather, rapper, actor and reality star Clifford “T.I.” Harris became a one-man viral news sensation. Not because of his rhymes, this time, but his reasoning—-or lack thereof—-when it comes to sexual autonomy and parenting daughters versus his sons. The cringe-inducing… Continue reading Daddy Dearest: When Hypocrisy and Ignorance Goes Viral