MY PEN IS MIGHTY

I’m one of those people who celebrates her birthday for an entire month. The festivities begin in late August and end late September, and popping bottles complement almost every meal.

But even before that, summer is chock full of occasions designed for liquid indulgences: street festivals, backyard cookouts, rooftop parties, other people’s birthdays, staycations, bottomless mimosa brunches, extended weekend trips, weddings, and so much more. …

Editor’s note: Since the publication of this story, The Activist TV show has been totally reimagined in light of the criticism lobbed at CBS. That said, the author of this piece points out issues that will continue to loom large in society as content creators all vie for more viewers and readers. — Adrienne Samuels Gibbs, Editor-in-Chief, ZORA

Competition shows have evolved as the bedrock of American entertainment. It started with The Amazing Race, America’s Next Top Model, and American Idol. The objective for these shows was to “be the best” and “beat your competitors.” A few weeks ago CBS…

The sad story of Gabby Petito’s disappearance resurrects a timely and much-needed discussion about the inequity of media coverage when it comes to missing women and girls of color. And that discussion is all about how American mainstream media bias further marginalizes non-White women and girls and puts their safety at risk.

Over the weekend, FBI agents and police found a body “consistent” with the description of Petito, a 22-year-old missing White woman whose disappearance has deservedly garnered global attention. Her case is truly heart-wrenching and a clearly devastating loss for her family and friends. The nation is rightfully focused…

This is beautiful. Congratulations! I exclaimed as I walked into my friend’s newly purchased home. Congratulations Mom and Dad, and welcome to the world little one! I rejoiced at seeing the birth announcement of a couple I know. That’s awesome! Congrats! I said to my friend when she mentioned her promotion. These weren’t empty words. I was genuinely excited for each. They were crossing a threshold into a new chapter of life and that was worth celebrating and I was overjoyed for them.

Yet, I couldn’t deny that there was something lurking beneath my joyous expression. Was it jealousy? I…

It all started on Monday when Nicki Minaj tweeted that she wouldn’t be going to the Met Gala because she is unvaccinated. Though the rapper clarified that she is still doing some research about whether she should get the vaccine or not, most people understood this as an anti-vax position. And then, it got worse: when trying to defend herself, Minaj claimed that her cousin in Trinidad refuses to get the vaccine because his friend became impotent after being vaccinated.

Unceremoniously, Minaj tweeted to her 22.6 million Twitter followers: “His testicles became swollen. His friend was weeks away from getting…

Point of view: It’s a gloriously sunny day. Not too hot where I’m dripping sweat and my forehead shines from a mile away, but warm enough where the sun just kisses my shoulders and the light breeze fills my lungs refreshingly. I’m waiting at the crosswalk in the city, any city, and a young Brown girl and her mother walk up beside me. I look down at her and she stares up at my big, full, kinky, curly ‘fro in awe. I smile and feel a mixture of badassery and warmth.

My hair has always meant more to me than…

Hi, ZORA fam, happy Hispanic Heritage Month! For the next 30 days, we’ll celebrate and learn about the histories, cultures, and impacts of our Hispanic and Latinx ancestors, neighbors, and family.

This month, want to hear from you! If you identify as Latinx, Hispanic, Afro-Latinx, or anywhere in between, how do you express pride in your heritage? What are the aspects of your culture that you love the most? Are there any Hispanic or Latina/Latinx women you admire? How do they inspire you? What role do they play in your life? What have you learned about your heritage recently? Have…

This is a righteous rant — so buckle up buttercup this Black chick’s magic doesn’t include a broomstick or Airwick.

Hi, one of the ladies from GFC entering the chat.

I’m a bougie negro who does not enjoy cleaning.

I love bleach and clean often — but only because I was raised that way, it’s not my birthright or a natural inclination.