Sacrifice & Betrayal

Black soldiers who faced racism after serving America. Despite bravely fighting for a country that often regarded them as less than equal, Black soldiers faced unprecedented violence and harassment upon their return home from World War II. Having recently read “Half American” by Matthew F. Delmont, we learned about so many brave Black Americans who risked their lives abroad to defend the freedoms they were denied at home. These stories spurred us to share the atrocities they faced once they returned. Their service uniforms, symbols of their patriotism and sacrifice, often fueled deeper hatred from white citizens and police, leading to brutal assaults, lynchings, and murderers.

AHUSMay 29, 2024Comment

America: Fuck Your Free Speech

America is a machine designed for the outcomes it was programmed for. It was pre-wired for white supremacy and was fueled by capitalism to preserve racism, classism, oppression, and segregation. And what's most disappointing is that Americans are constantly spoon-fed rhetoric that America stands for things that it doesn't, whether it be our most "sacred" bullshit documents about how everyone is entitled to rights and the pursuit of happiness without any strings attached. And after decades, we find ourselves in another example of how America has once again failed to do what it says it stands for

Kirk BaltimoreMay 23, 2024Comment

The Cost of Integration: Examining the Consequences of Brown vs. Board of Education

In an age where attacks on DEI, Black Hair, and anything to do with Black Culture are rampant, an uncomfortable reality has been revealed about America's Education System. The reforms seemingly advocating for a more egalitarian society are deeply entrenched in racist white supremacist ideology. Coupled with this reality is the unsettling truth that Black people may have been faring much better before the 1954 passing of Brown vs Board of Education.

Mishel WilliamsMay 16, 2024 Comments

Activism III: Activism Is Not Monolithic

I’ve been an activist for as long as I can remember—though I didn’t always understand that. My journey into activism was not defined by any grand campaign but rather by the quiet moments that shaped my understanding of navigating the world in community, for community, by community.

Amira BargerMay 2, 2024Comment

Shitty Cop City

Housing segregation, redlining, and a historically negligent criminal justice system have plagued the city of Baltimore for decades. State officials' underfunding and chronic disregard toward Baltimore City continue to contribute to the harsh conditions residents have learned to deal with. Over the past five years, Baltimore has continued to be one of the nation's highest crime cities.

Kirk Baltimore & Felicia DavenportApril 25, 2024Comment

Activism II: 10-Year Old Activist

As a little girl growing up, I didn’t know I would one day be an activist. Though looking back, I remember a particular defining moment… The Boston Tea Party. My 5th/6th-grade combination class teacher had organized a special lesson to teach us about "no taxation without representation."

Tina StrawnApril 18, 2024Comment

Activism I: You're Not an Activist!

MLK, Sojourner Truth, Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and your inconsistent social justice retweets don't add up; we hate to break it to you, but you're not an activist! It's tempting to perceive the upsurge of public communications as a bridge to advocacy, and in many ways, it is. However, a clear distinction exists between using social media tools to shed light on injustices more effectively vs. public impression.

Kirk Baltimore & Felicia DavenportApril 11, 2024Comment

Who Is an Activist? What Does It Mean to Be an Activist?

Earlier this year, we asked our audience some questions about activism. Now, our focus has shifted to the individuals themselves—who are the driving force behind actions seeking social justice? Who is an activist? This time, we'll present glimpses of the answers given by our dear writers, who are embarked on the perpetual quest of advocacy.

AHUSApril 10, 2024Comment