Congratulations, Danielle! I wish you continued professional success and joy. Thanks for what you’ve helped to build here. May you be received there with deep respect and appreciation.

Oh, my word! I am mouth agape. That wasn’t the reply I expected. Not only was the material familiar, but she endured this up here as well. I’m so sorry. Was she in South Philly or was this being done all over? And I can imagine the frustration of the person who wanted to sue. It must’ve felt like profit was being made…

I find your story of how your grandparents journeyed up here touching and bittersweet. Diane McKinney-Whetstone,’s novel TUMBLING describes the beauty and community of an African-American neighborhood (S. Philly) that was threatened by the construction of an unnecessary highway. There’s always been a concerted effort…

I enjoyed the thoroughness of the Pusha T interview, but I stay away from this shameless misogynist and misogynoirist. He’s never taken the time to craft a response like this regarding troubling claims from the women with whom he was partnered (including his co-parent).

Yup, it seems they tend to be culty out there. I’m mostly shouting into the void here since I’m greyed, but on the subject of Seyi Obakin... He’s presumably a Nigerian-Brit, right? He bears the title OBE which bothers me to no end. I find it deeply troubling that any one of you who excels there is “rewarded”/…

Maybe I missed it. I haven’t heard about Italian-American groups in an uproar or sticking their necks out for this jerk. Even the racist choice to go to our folks because he believes we “owe” him is very telling.

Uh, I got the sense that he DID put his thing down. Now she’s “Feenin”. If the Jodeci cats captured her lover’s sentiments then they were in a stalkerish, addictive heaven/hell?

I have two grandma-type elders with whom I’m close for 5 and 11 years. They are 90 and 97, respectively. Both are remarkable elders. Globe-trotters, women of faith, mothers, bilingual/multilingual. Vibrant, inspirational people. And wherever I’ve lived I’ve had some young children who are dear to me. I’m cheesing as I…

AMN. THANK YOU. I truly receive that. I will be printing this last reply and posting it on a wall for reference. It’s interesting, I’d wanted to be a foster mother but felt like I wasn’t where I needed to be achievement-wise to be a worthy mama to foster children. They’ve been through a lot and deserve the best. I may…

Thanks a bunch, dear. I’d be in attendance, too! I hope it won’t be cost prohibitive, I’d be happy to give them some money for creating the opportunity for readers, writers and commenters to connect in person.

I retreated after my last message because I felt super vulnerable and needed to regain equilibrium. Not because of you, but instead those who may read this with derision. I admire your ability to say it and let it be. I still feel shame. What about? That deep down, despite KNOWING these folks ain’t fixing to change…

Amn! Amn! Amn! There were times when they’d mention how someone I didn’t even know they knew told them I was helpful and kind. Times when I did some of the stuff I’d wanted to for them because they’re my parents, there have some good moments and they’ve helped many. It’s really something how they almost have to accept…

The way I just reflexively yelled, “GUUURRRLLL!!!!!” to your finding an article on psychology.com Talk about a visceral experience. Perhaps four years ago, as Mothers’ Day approached, I felt the familiar dread and anxiety I feel most intensely around that day, Fathers’ Day, their birthdays, religious and cultural…

Thank you. I was set to reply and did so before seeing your message. It felt that way, but I didn’t want to be caustic, in case I was wrong. I appreciate the heads-up. There’s got to be a way to vet who we ungrey and for them and their ips to be blocked upon repeated foolishness. I sincerely don’t understand the…

Papa Doc and Baby Doc were vampires and brutal thieves. I hate that the latter got to return home when others displaced for decades because of their actions can’t. However, if we’re to discuss the shadow of events from decades ago, it’s imperative that we address centuries of enslavement and all its effects,…

“Our” U.S. govt’s hands are dirty and have stayed dirty in Haiti. They shout “democracy” while installing dictators. No one can convince me that our fate in the U.S., Africa, Caribbean, etc., hasn’t been tied to the desire to see us permanently broken ever since Haitians declared, “Koupe tet, boule kay”/”Cut heads,…

I’m SO happy for you that your experience of motherhood has been one of deep, mutual love and safety. I would surmise this has been part of your own healing. No lie, I didn’t even want to play the role of mother during games as a child. Then as an I then questioned whether it was ethical for me to become one because I…

Thank you so much. Thankfully and luckily, the test came back negative. My doctor had a cancellation so I can see her tomorrow. My prayers are now of thanksgiving. Girl, I use caps for emphasis, too. Ima learn how to use bold and other functions. If I do anything offensive, I’d like to know as well. (I respect people…

Colin Campbell was a White person born into a very rich family in colonial Jamaica. The nation’s official independence came 11 days before her 13th birthday. Therefore, her family’s wealth come from the exploitation of poor Black people, who are the country’s majority. Funny how neither she nor the queen trotted out…

Cosigning your words, particularly the last sentence. I born to parents were 29 and 33, married for a couple of years and with a bunch degrees and certificates. They’ve been spectacularly abusive. There’s was little to no pushback because they were hometown kids who done good. While they encouraged relatives & their…