While many continue to examine the complexities of hate speech versus free speech and the role of Black media in taking Kanye West to task, a younger – and perhaps more influential – generation appears at a crossroads with the controversial superstar.
“Many millennials viewed West as an older brother — losing hope in him can feel like losing hope in ourselves, like we’re looking at what’s waiting for us after a few more successes after we find out that white validation is gold-plated and something green and corrosive waits for us beneath it,” Minda Honey, a Louisville, Kentucky based writer and founder of TAUNT, wrote in an earlier editorial.
“If West can’t be Black and brilliant in America, someone like me can’t survive it either. So, we’re resistant to giving up on him,” Honey assessed.
Then there’s Damon Young, a Pittsburgh-based writer and the author of “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays.”
Following his baseless and false attack on George Floyd and a slew of anti-Semitic remarks on Drink Champs, West, who prefers the name “Ye,” finds himself at a crossroads in his career and life.
Young said he’s “still working and thinking and writing my way through the ambivalence I possess about the relationship people like me — terminally online, 40-ish and once stans of Kanye West — have with Kanye West today.”
Young’s Kanye dilemma? “Is he a zeitgeist-steering demagogue?”
“Or do we largely overstate his present-day influence because we know that a pithy tweet about why Kanye sucks is guaranteed social capital? I lean toward the latter,” Young decided.
Black Twitter, particularly millennials and Gen Zers, have expressed an outright willingness to cancel West or an ambivalence to his continued relevance.
“Honestly, Kanye is just a microcosm of the Black cishet men whose ‘revolutionary ideas’ only exist within the framework of white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism,” Cleveland blogger Lex wrote on Twitter.
“They don’t want to upend the system. They want an equal exchange of power with their white counterparts,” Lex concluded.
Ernest Owens, an award-winning journalist and author of “The Case for Cancel Culture,” argued that West’s behavior explains what Black women mean when they say that straight black men are the white men of the community.
“There are a lot of individuals in our families, offices, and networks who think just like [West],” Owens declared.
“They are protecting Kanye West because they think like him.”
Known recently as much for his unfiltered rants than his creativity, West has begun to feel the backlash in his billion-dollar pockets.
The Balenciaga fashion house, which has a relationship with Kim Kardashian, became the latest to cut ties with West.
“Balenciaga has no longer any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist,” parent company Kering said this week.
Adidas reportedly has continued to re-evaluate its ties to the icon.
Influencer Tony Posnanski decried those who point to West’s alleged mental illness as an excuse for his behavior.
“He is a racist a-hole,” Posnanski concluded. “There is no amount of medication or therapy that will help resolve that.”
Added Tim Black, the host, and founder of “Coffee with Tim Black,” “Many people defending Kanye say he was just exercising free speech. I wonder why they didn’t feel that way about Colin Kaepernick exercising his.”
Finally, Bishop Talbert Swan said West, like several others, deserved cancelation.
“Kanye West, Candace Owens, Jason Whitlock, Brandon Tatum, and any Black person out here parroting the false narrative that white men in America are oppressed are willing tools of white supremacy and sycophantic, bootlicking, traitors, that deserve to be shunned by the culture,” Swan asserted.
Click here to view a broader conversation about Kanye West and the Black Press.

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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