FOR HER

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Divine Blush $38

Pat McGrath is not afraid to push beauty boundaries. This is unmistakable in her popular Mothership Eyeshadow Palettes, which are everything. McGrath’s Skin Fetish blush has an ultra-silky finish and comes in a range of flattering shades that compliment any skin tone.

Black Girl Sunscreen $15.99

This formula boasts no eye irritation and no acne breakouts. It layers well with my other skincare and dries completely sheer. It leaves your skin noticeably moisturized and never oily. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer.

Honey Pot Bath Bombs $14

Hopefully, you’ve already tapped into all of Honey Pot’s other feminine products (which are loudly loved by rapper Saweetie). These bath bombs smell so good and will elevate any bath routine with cocoa butter and honey. It’s a spa day at home.

Brown Girl Jane Discovery Set $30

Brown Girl Jane celebrates global culture through fine fragrances that uplift beauty and well-being. The perfect gift to explore the collection and find your favorite combination. The packaging is beautiful and they were named as Refinery 29’s Beauty Innovator of the Year.

Mary Louise Skincare

Each product is a tribute to the wisdom of ancestors, offering a blend of heritage-inspired ingredients and modern skincare innovation. Yes, please!

FOR HIM

Savoir Faire’s Soul Café Fragrance $135

When he hugs you and you get wrapped up in this warm scent, you’ll be so happy that you gave him this. With notes of tobacco, bergamot, blood orange, black pepper, patchouli, private musk blend, amber wood, oud, lavender, Arabic coffee, and firewood, he will smell delicious from beginning to end.

Bevel Pro All-In-One Clipper and Trimmer $279.99

All the men in my life have a beard, and it’s a must that they keep it looking solid. But they don’t have the tools specifically designed for Black facial hair. This holiday season, give him the tools he needs for his facial hair to look its absolute best. Bevel was one of the first brands ever designed specifically with Black hair in mind and they are still at the top of the game.

Bordeaux Watch by SPGBK Watches $79.99

The most valuable thing a man has is his time. Thank him for spending his time well with a new watch. This is actually a unisex watch. The Black-owned North Carolina-based brand has a wide array of colors, with casual and formal options that match anyone’s style.

Navigator Duffle by Leather Made Co. $520

If you’re already talking 2024 travel plans with your better half, nothing inspires that desire to travel like brand-new travel gear. This holiday season, give him the travel bug with Made Leather Co.’s Navigator Duffle bag, currently available in black, cognac, and natural.

Tier Hoodie/Sweatpants $250

Another unisex item that is cozy yet upscale. Tier has structured hoodies and sweatpants that are 100 percent terry-cotton and come in a variety of colors. These comfortable hoodies and sweatpants come in a handful of colors.

FOR THE KIDS

Big by Vashti Harrison $14

Big comes from the illustrator of Sulwe, Hair Love, and Little Leaders and follows the journey of a young girl wrestling with her size in a world that doesn’t fully accept her as she is.

Naturalistas Fashion Dolls $10.99

My nieces love Barbie dolls, yet sometimes it can be frustrating shopping for the perfect doll that they can see themselves in. The Naturalistas Fashion Dolls is a line of toys created by Black female entrepreneur, DeeDee Wright-Ward. These dolls are meant to encourage kids to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their coils, curls, and naturally textured hair.

Upbounders Fun Outside Floor Puzzle $8.99

The best puzzles give kids the opportunity to challenge their minds. The Little Likes Kids Fun Outside Floor Puzzle is something the whole family can enjoy together. This 48-piece floor puzzle is easy enough for kids 3 years old and up to put together on their own as they sharpen their memory and cognitive skills.

Ready Set Go! Bundle $57.95

These tiny books pack a big punch by tackling heavy topics in a kid-friendly way. Designed to make talking about everything from sharing to bravery more engaging for young minds, this bundle will take their little library to another level.

Hopps Skateboards $69.95

Founded by the professional skateboarder Jahmal Williams, this high-quality deck will make the rider in your life feel like the next big thing at the skate park. Made of 100% Canadian Maple, this skate deck is made to last.

The post The Black-Owned Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

After World War II, the General Assembly of the United Nations outlined basic rights that all human beings should have. On December 10, 1948, they created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) — a document that declared those basic human rights would be protected universally, making the UDHR and its message to protect freedom for all people accessible to many communities.

The first article states: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

The Universal Month of Human Rights’ goal is to acknowledge people of all different religions, cultures, races, as well as beliefs. We are all people who deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, these words on paper are not always held up in action.

All over the world, there are groups fighting for their inalienable rights. Over the summer, Iran’s Morality Police unexpectedly reappeared in several Iranian cities. They had been withdrawn after the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody in September 2022, which led to weeks of widespread protests and demonstrations. Now, they have the audacity to say that they will be taking a “softer approach.” A new law would specify the consequences for women not wearing the hijab. But it’s the regime’s fixation with women’s modesty that seems more likely to reignite the protests.

The Israel-Hamas war has inflicted unspeakable horrors, with a particularly devastating impact on women and a rising toll of sexual attacks. Amongst the destruction of homes, schools, and hospitals, and the killing of civilians, there has been disproportionate suffering of women and children. The images we see on social media only paint a surface level picture of what is happening. Israel has executed a targeted assault on the very heart of Palestinian society, which are mothers, daughters, and sisters.

More than 16,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict; over half are women and children. The situation is particularly terrible for about 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza, who are confronted with the reality of childbirth under the most awful conditions — in makeshift shelters, within rubble, or in overwhelmed health care facilities where there is the risk of infection.

Audre Lorde once said, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” Over forty years later, her words are still poignant and relevant.

The hard truth is that human rights laws have failed to accomplish their objectives. The weaknesses seem to undermine the laws, while there is not much evidence that human rights treaties, on the whole, have really improved the well-being of people. The reason is that human rights have never been universally applied in the way that people hoped for; the idea that they could be forced upon countries as a matter of law was misguided from the very beginning.

The human rights movement shares something in common with economic development, which has tried and failed to eradicate poverty. Top-down solutions for developing countries just don’t work. But where development economists have modified their approach to adjust from the bottom up, the human rights movement has yet to acknowledge where it has failed. After looking at the charter, it never gave the General Assembly the power to make international law. Additionally, the rights were described in vague terms that could be interpreted in many different ways. We’ve seen this time and time again with civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights.

Human history has a way of saying one thing, yet doing another. The history books continue to teach that slavery ended in the United States with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. However, there were many who ignored the law and continued the institution of slavery. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865 — what we now refer to as Juneteenth — that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the war had been won and slavery must come to an end.

We must stay mindful that the application of equal justice has to be intentional, and as citizens, we have to act with purpose. December is a busy month, and it is easy to bypass what people are going through in other parts of the world. So, while the season is a great time to celebrate and spend time with loved ones, it is also the perfect time to research a human rights movement you feel led to support; to remember that we are not all free. It’s time to wrap up the year resolving to do what we say, in the name of equity for us all.

The post December Is Universal Human Rights Month appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The Christmas Catch: A Sweet Holiday Novella by Toni Shiloh

This was a refreshing read without the spice and truly gave Hallmark movie vibes. It was actually a fast read and gave me happy feels. I loved there were so many important themes of family and finding yourself outside of just a romance. This would be a great Christmas read if you’re looking for a Christian romance that will give you butterflies.

Jahleel and Bebe grew up next door to one another and were high school sweethearts. But a pre-college breakup and subsequent ghosting has left them in an awkward place. So, when they see one another for the first time in decades, Bebe’s left to figure out if she can truly forgive and forget. Jahleel had a football injury which has brought him back home to live with his parents — and his father feels like his worst critic. So, he has some forgiveness to do as well.

I’ve read another one of Toni Shiloh’s Christmas novellas and she is now a go-to Christmas author for me.

I’ll Be Gone for Christmas by Georgia K. Boone

I enjoyed this book. I always read the synopsis of books, and glad I make a habit of that. If not, I would have thought the romance in this story was between the two main characters on the cover. But no! This story follows Bee who’s from an affluent part of the city and Clover who lives in a small town with her family farm. Bee feels overwhelmed because of the business she runs with her twin sister and Clover is dealing with a breakup. They both decide to swap houses to take a break and get away from their lives for the Christmas season and that leads to them both finding friends and romance.

I liked the feel of the characters and the romance developed well. Clover becomes friends with Bees’ twin sister after not initially getting along, and they become attracted to one another. Bee meets Clover’s ex-fiancé on her first day in the small town, and as they get to know each other, they also like each other and eventually get together. Both romances were slow burns. Overall, this is a cute and diverse holiday read.

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello

A Black romance set in a London Black-owned bookstore at Christmas time — yes please! The chemistry between the main characters is palpable. The pacing will keep you turning pages all night. This book was published in 2023 and I enjoyed it so much that it was added to my list again this year.

The story centers around a Black-owned bookshop on the brink of closing its doors. Trey Anderson’s grandfather opened the bookshop years ago, but after a corporate bookstore moves in down the street, Trey teams up with Ariel, an artistic classmate, in order to try and keep Wonderland from having to permanently close its doors.

In the age of big corporations and the fight to keep independent bookstores open, this story just feels so appropriate and timely. I also appreciate the focus around the importance of supporting businesses owned by marginalized groups. This story also contains very real depictions of grief, everyday struggles, and romantic hardships as college students.

I knew that this was going to be a five-star read for me early on in the book and I found myself unable to put it down. Although the main characters’ choices were a little baffling at times, I ended up appreciating the characters more because there was a real and human element to them.

The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen

This story takes place during the Christmas season, but it reads more like a fiction-romance novel. It’s a coming-of-age story that mainly follows two women — one from Malibu and the other from Chicago that decide to house swap during the holiday season. This is a common theme this season!

Both women are going through some major life events and are in need of a change. Anyone who is a people-pleaser can relate to Ramona. I love how the author takes the reader on the journey of watching Ramona change her perspective on life, including the relationships she has with her friends and family.

Allen uses imagery well and has a gift for taking a moment and slowing it down, while putting you in that space as a reader. When she describes the scenery, I was transported there as if I was in the Pacific Ocean or on Lake Shore Drive. I could feel the intensity of the conversations in the book, as well as the back and forth of the inner thoughts. There is also some spice that was unexpected but I didn’t mind at all.

Christmas in Spite of You by K.C. Mills

This was my first book by K.C. Mills and it was super cute. The author perfectly crafted a very heartwarming read, filled with romance, spice, passion, miscommunication, and of course a little drama. There was a slow build in the beginning but the premise was interesting enough to keep me engaged.

Sharing your place with a complete stranger for a week because of a minor Airbnb mistake sounds outrageous. But it turns into the best week for main characters Noel and Kanton. Their relationship unfolds rather quickly at the expense of Kanton’s generosity. He isn’t into the holidays much but something about Noel that brings out a different side of him. He is dropping a major bag and doesn’t even know this woman. Despite Noel’s initial irritation with Kanton, she can’t deny there being a strong connection between them.

Overall, I enjoyed this one and definitely recommend it for the holidays. Everything was well-balanced from the dual perspectives, gaining insight on their backstories and past relationships, and seeing their feelings for each other being brought to the forefront. The author also explored themes of letting go of past hurts, opening up to someone new, and the complexities surrounding uncertainty.

Consider purchasing these books from Bookshop.org, where every purchase financially supports independent bookstores. The platform gives independent bookstores tools to compete online and financial support to help them maintain their presence in our communities.

The post 5 Black Holiday Romance Novels appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The best Black shows on TV today stem from an interesting legacy. The first Black sitcom-type program, The Amos ‘n’ Andy Show, began its run in 1951, but it sparked controversy. Protests against it claimed that it portrayed Black people in an unfavorable, lower-class light. Black sitcoms began to come into their own in the 1970s with Sanford and Son, which many critics believe prepared the public to receive The Cosby Show in the 1980s. Far different from Amos ‘n’ Andy, The Cosby Show featured Black characters who were educated and intelligent, earning it a spot as one of the best Black comedy shows.

Although there have been great Black shows on television, they eventually would come to an end. We hated to see them go; however, most of us can recall the final episodes — iconic endings that we will be sealed in history forever. Interestingly enough, there seems to be a running theme with how several of these shows did their final goodbye. Here are my picks for the 10 best Black show endings of all time.

10. The Game “Pow, Pow, Pow!”

On the series finale of BET’s The Game, Tasha Mack finally got her happy ending. But it came at a price. We see Tasha, Pookie, and the baby move from her apartment to a big, beautiful house. Then Tasha pulled out a welcome mat that read: “Pow! Pow! Pow!” At the end of the episode, we learn that Melanie carries both babies to term. But it was Malik who captured the entire series with his line: “Malik Wright. Best to ever do it. Out.”

9. Moesha “Paying the Piper”

The sitcom followed Moesha Mitchell, played by none other than R&B singer Brandy. The finale was a cliffhanger ending with the reveal of a positive pregnancy test. By the time of the show’s ending, Moesha and Hakeem are back together, Moesha’s best friend Niecy is dating Hakeem’s roommate Jerome, and Moesha’s roommate Alice is in a relationship as well. It’s uncertain which of the three girls the pregnancy test is from, and we were all left sitting on the couch with our mouths dropped to the floor.

8. black-ish “Homegoing”

The Johnson family said a major good-bye within the show: to their beloved house, as Dre and Rainbow decided to move from Sherman Oaks to a more culturally diverse neighborhood in Los Angeles. The ending was this heart-felt, beautiful celebration with Stevie Wonder’s iconic song, As playing, while they dance and in the street.

7. Being Mary Jane “Becoming Pauletta”

I’d like to believe that most Black women had fully-vested, long-standing history with this show. The writers were kind to MJ (played by Gabrielle Union), and us for that matter, giving her closure by marrying Justin. As Lalah Hathaway serenades with Angel, MJ and Justin take their first dance. Her ending affirmation: Let go and let love.

6.  Insecure “Everything Gonna Be, Okay?!”

We all wondered what would happen to our favorite awkward Black girl. Insecure showed us, in the end, that the romantic and realist in us could coexist, with Issa riding through the city of Los Angeles and seeing where she’s been to appreciate the new life she’s stepping into. It was the best, Issa’s “Mirror B*tch” was nowhere in sight, implying everything was going to be just fine.

5. Pose “Series Finale (Part II)”

This was a show that changed the culture — period. Blanca and Pray Tell fight for access into a clinical trial that, in a stark reminder of the racial injustices that continue to exist today, favored white men. Ultimately Pray sacrifices his own life so Ricky can survive. Yes, we all lost it in that moment! In the end, they gave a nod to Sex and the City with Blanca, Elektra, Angel, and Lulu meeting for drinks as they celebrate their accomplishments. It seemed fitting as survival and acceptance was what the show represented all along.

4. Living Single “Let’s Stay Together”

You know one of those shows that you rush home to watch, because watching it later will never do? That was Living Single for me. In the final episode, Khadijah (played by Queen Latifah) leaves the apartment stating she’s never looking back. We’re left looking at an empty apartment, until she opens the door and says, “Well, maybe just a little bit.” She takes one more look around and turns the light out.

3. Martin “California, Here We Come”

As far as I’m concerned, Martin is one of the best comedies ever. It had an energy that no other show had. In the final scene, Martin takes one last look at the apartment. As he is walking out, he stops and picks up a marker and writes “1 LUV” on the wall. He signs it “Martin L.” “L” is in reference to his real last name, Lawrence. His character’s last name was Payne. It was a moment!

2. A Different World “When One Door Closes”

A Different World definitely left its mark in pop culture, giving us representation of life on an HBCU campus. The final episode was a host of goodbyes and memories from everyone, but Whitley’s speech about always having a home was it for me. In the final scene, Whitley says, “Off to a different world,” as her and Dwayne walk out hand in hand. The music was so dramatic but it worked!

1. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air “I, Done”

You knew this was coming, right? We all know the words to the song, as soon as it comes on. After six seasons and nearly 150 episodes, we said our final goodbyes to Will and the Banks family. In the final episode, Will is trying to discourage potential buyers from purchasing the Banks’ home, as they prepare to move to New York City. Will is left in an empty house, takes one last tearful-eyed look around, turns off the light for the last time, and walks out. Just as we’re about to cry, all of a sudden, we hear Carlton say, “Hey, who turned out the lights!?” It was the perfect ending to a show that meant so much to our culture.

With so many shows to choose from today, we’re never at a loss for what to watch. Black shows may have changed over the years, but the best of them will continue to be enjoyed for years to come thanks to streaming. Did your favorite Black show ending make the list?

The post 10 Best Black TV Show Endings of All Time appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

The persistence of these claims reveals less about the genealogical truth of these leaders and more about this country’s unresolved relationship with race. Whether or not the rumors are factual is almost beside the point. The larger picture is they expose the symbolic weight of Blackness in the national narrative, including how it has been used as both weapon and lineage, threat and inheritance.

The presidents at the center of these rumors share some common traits. They are overwhelmingly presidents or national leaders whose actions were deeply entangled with questions of race, citizenship, and American identity. Their presidencies marked moments of cultural tension and social transformation.

Thomas Jefferson’s life remains defined by contradiction: author of the Declaration of Independence, enslaver of over 600 people, almost certainly the father of Black children he refused to free. Historical research and DNA analysis have established that Thomas Jefferson fathered children with Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman in his household. Sally Hemings had six children fathered by Jefferson, and their descendants form a Black family line of his descendants. There are numerous descendants such as news anchor Shannon LaNier.

Similarly, rumors about Abraham Lincoln’s ancestry attach themselves to his role in ending slavery. Also, about his own lineage. While we know that Lincoln worked alongside abolitionists, understand that he didn’t consider himself one. His ending slavery was a political move. It was his platform for election.

Warren Harding faced public claims of Black ancestry during his 1920 presidential campaign. The charge was meant to be a political smear which is proof of the enduring racism that Blackness was seen as disqualifying.

The hard truth is that perceived proximity to Blackness is tricky when applied to leaders who either shaped racial policy, or were shaped by it. This country continues to grapple with the boundaries of who gets to be an American. Black ancestry functions as a floating symbol. For white supremacist ideology, it has historically been treated as a stain and a mark of impurity.

For a president to have Black ancestry is to rewrite the narrative from within. It suggests not only that Black people have always been here, but that they have always been at the center. So, all these rumors function on multiple levels: As political weapon; As cultural fantasy; As historical redress; As a challenge to national memory.

It is storytelling that wrestles with the truth we know: Black blood is in the soil, in the culture, and in the body politic of this country. These rumors cannot be separated from the racial logic that has defined American life. The one-drop rule – placing anyone with even a trace of Black ancestry into the category of “Black” – was both a tool of control and erasure. It created this fearful fascination with genealogical purity that still lingers to this day.

These rumors also signal a cultural awareness that whiteness, particularly political whiteness, has always depended on strict policing of lineage. To suggest that a president had Black ancestry is to puncture an illusion of that boundary.

From the earliest days of colonization, white and Black lives were together: forced and consensual. Enslavers fathered children with enslaved women; communities blended under the cover of silence; lineages were forgotten, or strategically reinvented. The politicians in these rumors often came from regions and families deeply bound to these histories. The rumors persist because they ring psychologically true, whether or not they are accurate.

I suppose the question we should ask is: “Why do so many Americans keep returning to this conversation?”

Maybe it is a desire to claim power by claiming ancestry, or another sloppy attempt to soften the brutality of history. Maybe it is a way to question hypocrisy: How could presidents who harmed Black people have badly treated their own blood? Or maybe it is simply a reminder that history is never as clean as textbooks try to twist.

Whatever the reason, the rumors insist that Blackness remains central to the American story. We know this. The nation, no matter how it tries, cannot distance itself from the people who built it.

I believe these rumors endure not because they reveal something definitive about the presidents themselves, but because they reveal something definitive about us. They shine a bright light on this country’s shame and denial. They reflect our ongoing struggle to reconcile myth with truth.

America is slow-coming with telling the full story. Perhaps, these recurring rumors provide us with the same reminder every time:

Black ancestry is not a secret; it is a foundation. It has always been here. This country keeps circling back because, deep down, it knows this story belongs to all of us.

The post Rumors Of Black Ancestry Persist About The Same Presidents: What Do They Have In Common? appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

In October 1863, President Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation to officially celebrate the holiday, months after signing the Emancipation Proclamation earlier that same year. Thanksgiving was usually a time when the enslaved planned escapes, due to the ending of crop season. With the new law, it transformed into a time where newly freed Blacks could actually come together.

In the Black community, Thanksgiving began in the church. Black pastors preached about struggles, hopes, and fears. These sermons usually denounced the institution of slavery and carried the belief that a slave-free America would one day be a reality.

For many of us, Thanksgiving means spending time traveling to visit family and friends. Growing up, Thanksgiving was one of my favorite holidays, simply because my whole family was together. The turkey, dressing, collard greens, sweet potatoes, and Nana’s cherry cobbler were what we all looked forward to.

But let’s be clear: The images of Pilgrims, in big hats, large belt buckles, and heavy black shoes, breaking bread with Indigenous American presents a broken view of the founding of this country. The local Indians taught the Pilgrims how to plant and hunt; a tenuous peace seemed possible, until things took a horrendous turn. The American colonies expanded; Indigenous people were slaughtered for their land and driven thousands of miles from their home. The truth is that the watered-down version in the history books masks the violence and oppression, and it manages to both legitimize and whitewash our country’s terrible actions against Indigenous people.

During the peak of the civil rights movement in 1964 speech, Malcolm X delivered a speech with a famous line: “We didn’t land on Plymouth Rock. The rock landed on us.”

This line has withstood the test of time because it exposes the long history of injustice towards Black people and marginalized communities that predates the writing of America’s Constitution. Initially, the line drew laughter and applause from the audience, but sometimes it takes dark wit and irony to shed light on the truth of a situation. It makes us stop and think about what is actually going on.

In 2020, the toll of COVID-19 and the struggle over racial inequity made it a perfect time to reevaluate the Thanksgiving holiday for many Indigenous Americans. Along with teachers and professors, they rethought the holiday that has marginalized the United States’ violence and cruelty against Native Americans, with names like “Takesgiving” and “The Thanksgiving Massacre.”

On the National Day of Mourning, Native Americans gather in Plymouth, Massachusetts, for a day of remembrance for the millions of Indigenous people who were killed by European colonists. Prayers and speeches take place along with beating drums before participants march through the Plymouth Historic District.

Thanksgiving is complicated. The special place that Thanksgiving holds with Black people and religious tradition is full of the same contradictions of pain and joy. For Black people, celebrating Thanksgiving is similar to celebrating Independence Day — they are both rooted in oppression but we have found ways to infuse our own spirit into it. Even religious holidays at the center of Black culture carry the complex past of both salvation and enslavement. The fact that we celebrate and participate in so many traditions that are burdened with these contradictions is a central part of our complicated story.

I think about my nieces, who are five and seven years old, and what they are learning (and not learning) in today’s history books at school. I think about how necessary it is for them to know the truth about their history, even if it’s difficult and complicated. Our children deserve to know the history behind why we do the things we do. More importantly, we have to make a concerted effort to know the truth so we can teach them. It’s really a matter of building our own family traditions that will pass down through generations, essentially reframing the narrative.

So, here we are at another Thanksgiving. We know that scraps became soul food; spirituals born of out of pain and struggle became jazz, gospel, and blues. Religious holidays became reasons to escape from the hardships of slavery, then from Jim Crow. We know how to survive because we know where our help comes from.

Perhaps one day we’ll come to terms with the shared history of holiday contradiction and complicated feelings with many of the practices that we know as American. But until then, the secret to Nana’s cherry cobbler? Now that’s rebellion. You can’t help but go back for more.

The post Thanksgiving Is Complicated: Reimagining How We Celebrate appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Throughout U.S. history, these two groups have shared significant struggles, from the fight against enslavement and colonialism to the ongoing battle for justice and recognition. By reflecting on their intertwined histories, we can better understand the resilience that has shaped both communities.

The histories of Native Americans and Black Americans have shared experiences of displacement, oppression, and resistance. Although often viewed separately in mainstream narratives, their connections date back centuries and reflect a common struggle in the face of colonialism and systemic racism.

The first encounters between Native Americans and Black Americans in North America occurred in the early 17th century, as the transatlantic slave trade brought millions of Africans to the Americas. While some Black people were enslaved, others, particularly those who escaped, sought refuge with Indigenous nations. These runaways, often referred to as maroons, found support and solidarity in Native American communities, where they were sometimes accepted and integrated into the societies of various tribes.

In the southeastern United States, the Creek, Seminole, and Cherokee nations formed alliances with runaway enslaved people, offering them protection in exchange for military support and cooperation in trade. Black people often intermarried with Native people, adopting their customs, languages, and social structures. Over time, many of them and their descendants became part of a new, cultural identity: Black Indians.

The Seminole Nation in Florida, in particular, is a notable example of this historical alliance. The Seminoles became one of the few Native American nations to actively resist removal during the 1830s, when the U.S. government began forcibly relocating Native peoples to the West. Black Seminoles fought alongside Native Seminoles in the Second Seminole War (1835–1842), creating a long-standing bond between the two communities.

After the Civil War, the relationship between Native Americans and Black Americans continued to evolve. The Reconstruction period brought a new sense of hope for Black Americans, but it also marked a time of turmoil for Native communities, as they faced pressure from the U.S. government to surrender their land and rights.

Many Black Americans, largely from the South, continued to forge ties with Native nations. In the post-emancipation era, former enslaved people sometimes found work and shelter in Native communities, particularly those that had adopted Black refugees.

The presence of Black people in Native nations was not always accepted. In some cases, Native groups wanted to maintain their racial and cultural purity and distanced themselves from Black people. This was evident after the Civil War when certain tribes were pressured by the U.S. government to sign treaties that would reduce their sovereignty and force them to accept Black citizenship within their borders.

The Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek nations, known collectively as the “Five Civilized Tribes,” signed treaties with the U.S. government that recognized the right of freed Black people to live within their territories, but only under certain conditions. Many were descendants of Black enslaved people who had been owned by Native Americans prior to the Civil War. Over time, these freedmen often found themselves marginalized within Native communities.

This time of year, it always widens my eyes even more to the fact that Thanksgiving is deeply complicated. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is celebrated as a time of harvest and gratitude, symbolized by the story of the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people coming together in 1621. However, for Native Americans, this narrative severely glosses over the centuries of violence and colonization, as Europeans stole Indigenous lands and decimated Native populations.

For Black people, Thanksgiving also carries a painful history. While it is not directly tied to the experiences of slavery, the holiday falls within a broader context of systemic racism and oppression. For enslaved Black people and their descendants, the story of Thanksgiving contrasts with the lived reality of exploitation and dehumanization on plantations.

The histories of Native Americans and Black Americans are linked, as both communities have been subjected to systemic injustice and marginalization since the arrival of European colonizers. For Native Americans, this time of year symbolizes a reminder of the beginning of the end of their way of life. For Black Americans, it can serve as a reminder of the broader struggles for freedom and equality that persist today.

While the relationship between Native Americans and Black Americans has been complex, both groups have shared experiences of segregation, and most importantly, cultural erasure. Both have been subjected to the brutal realities of American slavery. These similar histories of trauma have created deep-rooted empathy that makes us stronger.

The history between Native Americans and Black Americans is one of conflict but also cooperation. It is shaped by colonization, slavery, and racism. As both groups continue to assert their rights and demand recognition, our shared history provides a powerful foundation for collaboration and mutual understanding in the ongoing fight for reparative justice.

The post Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Exploring the Ties Between Native Americans and Black Americans appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

Endometrial cancer primarily affects the lining of the uterus and is most common among postmenopausal women. Symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and changes in urinary habits. Early detection is crucial, as the prognosis improves significantly with timely intervention.

Screening for endometrial cancer is not as standardized as it is for other cancers, like breast or cervical cancer. It is recommended that women report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare providers, who may then suggest diagnostic tests such as transvaginal ultrasound or endometrial biopsy. However, these tests can produce false negatives — results indicating no cancer when, in fact, cancer is present.

Research shows that Black women are less likely to receive accurate diagnoses during screenings for endometrial cancer. Some studies suggest that Black women are more likely to have aggressive forms of the disease, which might not be detected by standard screening methods. There also may be genetic and biological factors that affect how endometrial cancer presents in Black women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), access to quality healthcare can differ significantly based on socioeconomic status and geographic location. Black women are often at a disadvantage in terms of access to preventive care, which can lead to delays in diagnosis. Implicit biases among healthcare providers can also affect how symptoms are interpreted. Black women’s concerns are often dismissed or underestimated, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses. Clinical trials and research studies have also underrepresented Black women, leading to gaps in understanding how they experience diseases like endometrial cancer.

Receiving a false negative result can have serious consequences. Delayed treatment may result in the cancer advancing to a more severe stage, reducing the chances of successful intervention. Black women, who already face higher mortality rates from various cancers, may find these disparities even more pronounced when it comes to endometrial cancer.

The implications of false negatives extend beyond physical health. The emotional and psychological toll of navigating cancer symptoms, seeking help, and facing a healthcare system that may not prioritize our concerns can be overwhelming. This is what leads to feeling invisible and unheard in healthcare settings, as well as having a lack of trust in medical professionals.

Historically, there have been incidents that provide context for mistrust in medicine, particularly towards Black women. In the 1840s, Alabama physician James Marion Sims conducted experimental gynecological surgery exclusively on Black women, bound to the surgical table by chattel slavery, physical force, and opium. The drug did not alleviate their pain, and some historians think that they became addicted to it.

Sims wanted to repair disabling complications of protracted childbirth — including vesicovaginal fistulas — that cause constant leaking of urine. The resulting pain, infection, odor, and skin problems left many women of that era pariahs. For enslaved women, the condition also meant that they could not work, and as a result became valueless in the eyes of their owners and white society. Sims was faced with justified accusations of surgical violence and forcible exploitation but insisted that the women were willing participants. His use of Black bodies as subjects in medical research echoes a troubling history that includes the Tuskegee syphilis experiment and the case of Henrietta Lacks.

Given the challenges associated with endometrial cancer screenings and the higher risk of false negatives for Black women, advocacy becomes necessary. We have to stay informed about the signs and symptoms of endometrial cancer. It’s also important that we are familiar with the various screening methods available to us. If you feel that your concerns are not being taken seriously, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. Persistence is key; advocating for your health may require multiple conversations or consultations.

I find it comforting and helpful to take a trusted friend or family member with me to appointments. They can provide support and help me to articulate concerns. Another aspect that makes me feel more comfortable is having culturally competent and sensitive doctors. We have unique challenges as Black women, and I need healthcare professionals that look like me and understand the challenges I face. Building a trusting relationship with a healthcare provider who understands your background can increase communication and your level of care.

Endometrial cancer screenings present a complex challenge, particularly for Black women who may face a higher risk of false negatives. By understanding the unique challenges within the healthcare system and actively advocating for our health, we can better navigate this landscape. Remember, your health should always be a priority, and seeking the care and attention you deserve is your right. Stay informed, be persistent, and advocate for yourself and your health.

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Scrolling social media, it would be easy to think self-care is just perfectly curated Instagram posts, candles, and your favorite ice cream. In some respects, I suppose it can be. However, I gained a different perspective about self-care, while listening to activists Angela Davis and Ericka Huggins speak on a Zoom webinar. Both trailblazing women are former members of the Black Panther Party who were incarcerated for their activism.

Huggins discussed asking her attorney for a yoga book, because she wasn’t able to stretch in her cell. The time she spent in solitary confinement sparked a meditation practice that she still does to this day. Davis struggled with bouts of anxiety and depression, as she awaited her trial in solitary confinement. She was prescribed medications and even tranquilizers but nothing seemed to help. One day, the Black Panther Party’s primary doctor suggested yoga and gave her a book. Both women began to think less about their incarceration and more about their well-being.

One of my favorite writers, Audre Lorde, amplified what self-care looked like as she documented her battle with cancer. Her book, A Burst of Light: and Other Essays, is now a statement for the Black woman identity. Lorde writes, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

By the time we had to self-quarantine last year, I had been working from home for five years. I had no transition to make; however, I quickly started to feel confined. Part of my self-care routine was working from my favorite coffee shop or bookstore a couple of days a week. I no longer had that to look forward to. Also, meeting in person with my writing group took away a much-needed community.

So, here is where I further changed my perspective: Self-care is not about being selfish. Self-care means taking care of yourself, so that you can be healthy, you can be well, you can do your job, you can be creative, and you can do all the things you need to and want to accomplish.  

As someone who has battled anxiety all my life, I lean into practices that focus on my emotional and physical health — writing, reading, journaling, walking, and meditation. Within my four walls, I began to check in with myself every day, to see how I was doing and what my mind and body were telling me. I stayed in touch with family through FaceTime, opened the cookbooks I had on the shelf, and rediscovered how much I love to create in the kitchen. I started showing myself grace if I was having a rough day, downloaded the Calm app (which helped me sleep better), and spent less time on social media.

With the uncertainty of a global pandemic glaring at me each day, it was more about expanding my scope of what self-care actually looked like. It’s different for each person. As self-care has become more mainstream, the definitions have started to become more relatable. Self-care is anything that you do for yourself that feels good and nourishing. That can certainly be something relaxing or calming, or it can be something that is spiritual, intellectual, or physical.

On Instagram, celebrities shared their self-care routines and tips. Kourtney Kardashian offered calming techniques and advice on sexual health. Gwyneth Paltrow advised people to “write a book, learn an instrument or language, or learn to code online, draw, or paint.” Our favorite girl Lizzo played her flute in a room filled with crystals promoting healing.

Resources such as BetterHelp and Talkspace have not only made professional counseling accessible but affordable. Through online chat, video, or phone, people can speak with a licensed therapist from anywhere at any time. I found both services were covered under my insurance.

There’s no right or wrong way to practice self-care because everyone’s definition is their own. It doesn’t have to be about spending money or having extravagant experiences (though it certainly can). Whatever brings you more joy, do that.

Truth is, self-care requires a personal commitment and intention to invest in your well-being. It’s a personal choice that is well worth the time and effort. If the pandemic year taught us nothing else, it’s normalizing being kind to and taking care of ourselves.

We all experienced various forms of change and indifference last year — not being able to mentally or physically stretch. It caused us to develop our own definitions of self-care so that we could survive through a difficult time. We also realized that self-care doesn’t have to be something to practice during difficult times, but it’s more about maintaining peace and focus at all times. It’s what we all deserve.

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Since the beginning of the pandemic, at least 90,000 restaurants have closed – some permanently, according to data released by the National Restaurant Association. Although many have reopened their doors, the industry is still slowly recovering. October is National Cookbook Month and the perfect time to celebrate the mouthwatering selection of cookbooks available, as well as support Black women chefs, and restaurateurs by purchasing their cookbooks.

With that being said, I have my five cookbook picks that you’ll love.

Cooking From the Spirit by Tabitha Brown

For more than a year and a half, Brown lived with an undiagnosed illness and was willing to try anything to stop the pain. So, she decided to try a thirty-day vegan challenge, and the rest is history. Since then, we’ve seen her cook up plant-based recipes on social media with that signature voice we all have come to adore.

I love that, with this cookbook, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy the recipes. They are easy to prepare and taste so delicious. If you’re new to cooking, or to vegan cooking, her recipes are stress-free and may have you eating healthier without realizing it. She shares personal stories and inspirational Tabisms. There are more than eighty recipes.

The Way Home by Kardea Brown

In 2015, Brown took a leap of faith by quitting her job in social work to pursue a career in the food industry. She opened New Gullah Supper Club, which centers on the food she grew up eating at her grandmother’s house in South Carolina. After she appeared on Food Network, Brown caught the attention of the executives and appeared on various shows.

Because of her warm personality and inspiring meals, she landed her own show Delicious Miss Brown. I love that her recipes are passed down by her grandmother. It’s really a love letter to her family’s roots. Some think that soul food is just fried chicken and macaroni and cheese, but her recipes prove that it’s so much more.

Justice of the Pies by Maya-Camille Broussard

When I think about pies, it takes me back to my childhood and being in the kitchen with my Nana. She taught me how to bake from scratch, including my favorite cherry cobbler. In Justice of the Pies, Broussard shares about 85 recipes for sweet and savory pies, tarts, and more. There’s Salted Caramel Peach Pie and Brandied Banana Butterscotch Pie. Come on now! Broussard is also the owner of Justice of the Pies bakery in Chicago — in honor of her father, a criminal defense attorney.

Well, Shut My Mouth by Stephanie Tyson

Tyson is the owner and chef at Sweet Potatoes restaurant in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. This cookbook features family recipes from her and Vivian Joiner, the restaurant’s co-owner. Most of the recipes include a commentary from the chef, with tips and tricks for the best result and a little bit of history. For example, the Spicy Greens: “If you are faint of heart (burn), eliminate the red pepper altogether.” Or read the brief definition that introduces Crackling Cornbread: “Cracklings are deep-fried crispy skins of various animals – in this case, pork.” It’s good food, and narration rolled into one.

Sylvia’s Soul Food by Sylvia Woods

An absolute classic. That’s the best way to describe this cookbook. Sylvia Woods was known as the Queen of Soul Food. You’ll find more than 100 of her recipe secrets, which are also served at her world-famous restaurant in Harlem in this book. Woods published this cookbook in 1992, before she passed away, and includes stories from her childhood, which was rooted in gathering family and friends together. Listen, if her Fried Catfish, Smothered Chicken, and Candied Sweet Potatoes don’t save you, I don’t know what will. Sylvia’s Soul Food is the next best thing to eat in her restaurant.

Using a cookbook means you’re cooking from home more than you’re eating out. You’re saving money too, which is always a win! It promotes a healthier lifestyle and allows you to spend more time with family and friends. The fun about cookbooks is that they are usually themed, so go for something you’ve been wanting to try – a new culture, a new tradition. There are so many to choose from to create your own memories and traditions.

The best way to celebrate National Cookbook Month is to buy yourself a cookbook and try out a new recipe. Use #NationalCookbookMonth on social media to share your masterpiece.

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