By C. Imani Williams

Air Media.org is hosting a Full Spectrum National Storytelling Intensive in Brooklyn, New York, from Dec. 14-18. The conference is of interest to storytellers, artists, mid-level journalists, and those with backgrounds in technology and multimedia. I wanted to know more about the opportunity and who would be sharing information that addressed where and how this new thing can help empower Black people.

by Kimberly Denise Williams

Before recognizing Grace Jones’ talent, you are first struck by her appearance. The smooth dark skin coupled with androgynous style is not one often portrayed and glorified in mainstream media. It was her looks that helped catapult her into early success as a model, where she walked in shows for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and appeared on covers of publications like Essence, Vogue Italia, and Elle. She translated her success as a model into music and acting, while leaving an indelible stamp on the art world. Her memoir, entitled I’ll Never Write My Memoirs is an unabashed celebration of her life and a lesson for those coming up. It also serves as a reminder that women can create their own visions for themselves, own their stories, and should stand confidently and unapologetically in their grace.

by Anna Gibson

At the MTV Video Music Awards, Nicki Minaj decided to read award show host Miley Cyrus like an open book. Shortly after Nicki ascended the stage to accept the Best Hip-Hop Video award, she ripped Miley for her comments about Nicki earlier this week. She said, “Now back to this b**** that had a lot to say about me in the press. Miley, what’s good?”

Interview by Moiyattu Banya

As For Harriet is a digital media space and online community for Black women across the Diaspora, we seek to celebrate and shine light on other women doing similar work. Patricia Miswa is one of these women. Miswa is the founder and editor-in-chief of AfroElle Magazine, a digital publication that celebrates women of African heritage. She started the platform 5 years ago and has made tremendous strides in achieving the goals she set out to achieve. AfroElle magazine has featured over 500 stories of women in Africa and the Diaspora. They are business owners, change-makers, artists, non-profit directors, and more—including women like Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter Zoleka, Hollywood actress Lisa Raye and many more.

by Inda Lauryn

When Nicki Minaj went on Twitter to express her dissatisfaction with the VH1 Music Awards' snub of her video for "Anaconda" for a Video of the Year nod, she spoke of a criticism many Black artists have had with mainstream recognition of their work. Her criticism more specifically addressed Black women's struggle to be accepted on their artistic merit and their contributions to pop culture. The criticism, aimed directly at MTV, explained that if she were a different kind of artist, "Anaconda" would have been nominated for VOTY as well as best choreography and stated that videos that celebrate women with very thin bodies get VOTY nominations.