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Reads
Photograph: Jaclyn Rivas
Photos from Chance the Rapper's Magnificent Coloring Day
If you all know me at all, you know that I love me some Chance the Rapper! Whether you were able to head to Chicago this past weekend or not, check out these beautiful photos from Chance the Rapper's Magnificent Coloring Day Festival at Chicago's U.S. Cellular Field through this week's #FIRSTFAVS.
HARRY E. WALKERMCT VIA GETTY IMAGES
Kaepernick saga raises questions about the media
In all honesty, I don’t believe I started reading ESPN’s online content weekly until I discoveredThe Undefeated. The way in which culture, history and sports are all intersected uniquely with every piece of work is something I savor. This read in particular focuses on how Kaepernick’s boycott has sparked a conversation around the lack of diversity amongst journalist of color working for major media outlets. Lack is almost generous, while an unreasonably small percentage is a more accurate description. In fact, according to the article:
According to the 2014 Associated Press Sports Editors Racial and Gender Report Card, black men make up 6.8 percent of the sports reporters at more than 100 newspapers and websites surveyed, while black women totaled about 1 percent.
The feature also made me think about how the general mindset behind acquiring success and gaining notoriety is more than often limited to being lauded by major outlets - the same major outlets that are also barely hiring people of color. Yikes. Why do we keep doing this?
On Twitter in February of 2016 - yes I’m citing Twitter, deal with it - Kanye West made remarks about his frustrations around the lack of diversity within the music critique writing space:
To Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, New York Times, and any other white publication. Please do not comment on black music anymore. I love love love white people but you don't understand what it means to be the great grandson of ex slaves and make it this far.
Valid points. I wonder though how many smaller media outlets, founded by people of color, Kanye has turned down over the years due to almost exclusively working with major media outlets? Should media outlets be held accountable for hiring more journalists of color? Absolutely. But if the mentality around making it is only confined to being featured in the NYT, Pitchfork and other predominantly white media outlets, then that mindset has to shift too.
That’s my take. Click the title above, and check out the full article.
Photograph via Twitter
Mark Zuckerberg Covers His Laptop Camera. You Should Consider It, Too.
After watching most of the Person of Interest series, how was I not hip to the dangers of leaving one’s laptop camera and earphone jack exposed? So apparently this is a thing, and you need to know about it! Check out why Mark Zuckerberg is practicing the tech version of protecting one’s neck in the full article.
Know of any other good articles, documentaries or podcasts sharing privacy hacks? Share with us on social media using the #FIRSTFAVS hashtag!
In its Best Episode Yet, 'Atlanta' Finally Lets Viewers Breathe
When Earn points out that Darius is black and knows about Steve McQueen, he quickly responds with, "Yeah, but I’m Nigerian."
This took me back to a time when we didn’t have cable at home, so I’d watch hours of BET at my Jamaican grandmother’s house while being asked if I was watching those “Black shows” again. I could write several essays on my experiences around this (maybe I’ll sit down and write one someday), and I love how ‘ATLANTA’ weaves these intimate, authentic conversations into scenes. Make sure to check out the full piece.
Other Reads + Gentle Reminders
5 Ways to Integrate Self-Care Into Your Job Search
Let’s be real: job searching when you actually need a job sucks, badly! You might as well take care of yourself while you’re doing it! Check out how to integrate self-care into your job hunt routine.
I'm not exactly sure where to place this, but you should definitely check it out:
Bad With Money With Gaby Dunn: Tokens for Tokens
Defining your worth and sticking to it, especially as a freelancer, can feel impossible at times. Tired of hearing “but you’ll get major exposure” when “exposure” won’t pay the bills? Check out the entire podcast episode.
Gucci Mane Talks Life After Jail, New Album, Collabs & More With Funk Flex [VIDEO]
Gucci Mane speaking truth about the youth pushing the culture. Watch the entire Hot 97interview.
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