I love Islam and cream soda

In American culture, the concept of what it means to be "American" has often been framed through a lens of whiteness, creating a complicated dynamic in racial relations, particularly between Black and white communities. This essay explores how the understanding of identity, privilege, and power dynamics has evolved, particularly in light of historical and contemporary issues surrounding race, gender, and cultural perceptions. From the arrival of African slaves, the notion of Americanness was interwoven with the idea of whiteness. Enslaved Africans were among the first to recognize the societal construct that privileged white identity. This realization ignited a yearning for acceptance, leading to a complex dialogue around skin color, cultural identity, and the futile attempts of some to imitate or assimilate into white society. The desire to be perceived as "white" has historically manifested in various cultural debates, including present-day discussions about inter...

**"I originally wrote this in 2004... If you paid attention in civics class you remember that Trump is not really new and in regards to presidential elections, he has set us up for deja vu. 1912 we elected a president very similar to him. Woodrow Wilson is historically known for his support of white supremacy and for his efforts to remove many of the advances and freedoms of black people, especially in government and in the military. his post- World War bungling of bringing soldiers back home actually caused the race riots of 1919 where disgruntled and disenfranchised white former soldiers rediscovered their inherent racism and began attacking and killing black workers out of jealousy and economic desperation. His foreign policy missteps post World War 1 created the climates that allowed for the control of  international territories by allied victors such as Japan, who colonized parts of China,  Asia, and even the Middle East, which later led to Brazilian jujitsu a...

By Brother Taj   - June 2019 In 2007 and 2008 while working as a political market research manager I had the privilege of having then–candidate Barack Obama as a client. However, I would have voted for him anyway on the basis of one consideration: he was Black. Voters who would admit to this motivation are decried as reverse-racist and a traitor to the idea of post-racism, but given a national culture that rides on 4 centuries of enslavement and exclusion, no apologies are needed. We have had enough of inhumane consideration and treatment. Enough of institutionalize bigotry. Enough of racially motivated violence and murder. Enough scourging by drugs and brutal policing. And, enough of mass incarceration. It should all cause Black Folk to rise up in protest, refusing to perpetuate anything similar with our own hands. What more effective repudiation to white supremacy and its insidious effect, then for a Black person to refuse to shoot, rob, assault, rape, chea...

For several reasons might voting in this year's midterm elections. I was proud to have voted in a state with the second highest percentage of voter turnout. Colorado trailed only Minnesota, who I was happy to see voted another Muslim into Congress. On the candidate front, two races were of interest to me: governor and Atty. general. I voted for the victorious Jared Polis mostly because walker Stapleton was an offshoot of his races grandfather (I did not know Polis was gay, and that is the point, is it not?) Stapleton touted a policy of stripping funding from schools to use torch prisons - a policy of doubled-dipped racism. The woeful state of education in our country is a consequence of white rage over school desegregation, and the cancerous growth of incarceration is a product of similar origin, aimed to steer blacks and other minorities out of mainstream society. I voted against George Brauchler running for the Atty. General in response to his malicious over prosecut...

As a Muslim, when I pray, it is usually at a quiet place for the sake of focus and solace. On Saturday, February 4 th , I prayed in a place in Denver where I experienced the most powerful silence in my life. It is hard to imagine the moment occurring on a blustery afternoon in the midst of nearly Thousands, observing the prayer 10,000 people gathered in protest and support – protest against the current administration and support for the local Muslim community. The event was (aptly named) “Support Our Muslim Neighbors”, held at the Civic Center Park, and organized by several local activists led by Queen Phoenix and Nadeen Ibrahim. I was immediately impressed as I walked into the park, coming across about 7-8 thousand people but to be honest, my first impression, despite the many signs of support for Muslims and lambasting Trump’s ban, was that most were gathered moreso to protest Trump than to support Muslims. I wondered to myself as I wove through the crowd how many ...

When Barack started his campaign, I had the pleasure of managing the operations of a good portion of his market research. He took on a great and experienced team of strategist including colleagues and friends Joel Benenson and Carl Rossow. We were optomistic (we ran Clinton in 06) but cautious, but as time went on we saw the chance for history upon history. For me the inauguration is just a culmination of not only hopes of my parents and ancestors but an unlimited future for my own child, and for this nation if it dares to reach beyond it's comfort zone. I am proud to be part of history, glad to have been cocky late '07 when I told everyone Barack would be Pres, and am glad to be alive at the same time that many of my people are who struggled for civil rights in the 60's, and struggeled with oppression in the 50's and above. I am glad to try to explain to my daughter who has no idea that about bus boycotts and lunch-ins, or names like Till, Evers, Lowry, Washington, Dub...