by Wisdom Baty


I believe art has a universal language of engagement, transformation, and education. I've come to realize through teaching and parenting that art is not only vital to the growth of young people, it is necessary. Art creates a vehicle that can change the hearts and minds of people. For as long as I can remember, visual art has always been fun and challenging; it came natural to me. It’s been my safe haven. However, in school there were always two spectrums where I resided: the first being in art classes engaged and committed to assignments, the second being the only black girl/woman student in the class. I slowly, but surely became aware of the absence of my own reflection. Most artists I learned about rarely looked liked me. These artists and art styles were far removed from my everyday living experiences. Even when introduced to higher level art history classes in college, I noticed that there were little historical references to cultures outside of Europe.

by Nneka M. Okona


There's a lot of hype recently about Black women wanting to venture out and see the world. This is great… except we’ve been here, there, and everywhere in-between. We’re artists, entrepreneurs, mothers, teachers, lawyers, and doctors with a passion for life and experiencing different locales and cultures around the globe. A 2011 report issued by Mandala Research overwhelmingly supports this notion, as well. According to their findings, 59 percent of African American travelers are Black women. Couple that fact with 13 percent of us (Black men included) take six or more trips a year and we know it’s a viable conclusion we’re seeing the world one flight, one trip, one vacay at a time.

Ethel Waters

June is Black Music Month. According to the website for the National Museum of  African American Music, Black Music Month was founded in 1979 by Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams to celebrate the impact of black music. While there are countless female musical pioneers remembered today, there are many that aren't. Here are just twelve women in black music history you should know. Of course there are many more, but here are just a few.

Recently, the blogging world has been annoyed by a Forbes article titled "Hip-Hop is Run by A White, Blonde Australian Woman". And rightly so, because Nomane Gypsy and many other black women in hip-hop are making their mark on the world. Move over, Iggy.  Here are ten black woman in hip-hop you should know.