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Articles by Kay Valley
Exposing The Racism Hidden Behind Shiny Happy Language
We wield words to combat, endorse, or veil racism. Is being polite contradictory in the fight against racism? Society teaches us that creating discomfort is considered impolite. Scratch the record!! Think I was dreaming there for a minute. We live in a racist world. We need to fight racism. And smiling while shucking and jiving like Candy Owens and her ilk is not the way to go about it. So, we need to point it out, advocate for change and make folks as uncomfortable as possible.
Can Community Wealth and Empowerment Fight Anti-Black Racism?
Amanda Marcotte - Salon Republicans aren't for law and order in the literal sense, as their likely presidential nominee is a rapacious criminal who is facing 78 felony counts so far. It's just a paper-thin cover for what MAGA really supports, which is an aggressive police state that uses false pretexts, over-policing, and unfair sentencing practices to relegate people of color to second-class status. I like it when the truth is laid bare in black and white. It makes everything clear.
What Do Black People Owe Whites Who Want to Invite Us Over For Dinner?
I wanted to write something about the rage I feel that I can't seem to quit, even though I already wrote about it here. I wanted to examine this rage, and it is rage, not anger. Dictionary.com defines a strong feeling of displeasure and belligerence aroused by a wrong; wrath; ire. Chiefly British Dialect. pain or smart, as of a sore.
My Rage Against the Entrenched Criminality of the White World
What do we get from not calling out the lies? I’ve been trying for days to write about information I learned from a story written by Jonathan Poletti’. He talks about the lies that whites made up in the bible to justify slavery Maybe this was well known, but not to me. So, I did what writers do, I wrote my fuck-off, break-up letter. The one you never send after you quit or break up. But I’m left with how do we react when we are faced with the unyielding, entrenched criminality of the white world?
INIKO, A Voice that Demands to be Heard
A Legend Making Waves In Front of Our Eyes Planet Earth in the foreground and the rest of the observable universe in the background I'm editing two stories that should have come before this. But like writer, Linda Caroll recently pointed out, I'm an author in real danger of turning them from gold into straw. Yep. A reverse Rumpelstiltskin. So, I'm putting them on the back burner and moving over to up-and-coming musician, our spiritual god with the lungs and vocalizations to match, Iniko.
Raping Male Slaves Was As Common As Raping Women
Ron DeSantis wants us to know slavery was beneficial to Black people. Okay Ron. You want to go there. Let's talk about how slavery benefitted whites. But let's go beyond the usual economics and get into the sex. Slavery allowed white men, women, overseers, and the slave ship crews to get their freak on by raping Black women, Black men, and Black children. Sex with Black slaves was so popular that secret sex plantations became the norm.
A Symptom of America's Deep-Seated Racial Beliefs
The history of racial bias in the American judicial system is deeply troubling, particularly when it comes to the role of all-white juries in cases involving racial violence. There are numerous instances where white juries have acquitted white perpetrators of horrific crimes against Black individuals, despite clear evidence of their guilt. Emmett Till Emmett was a 14-year-old African American boy who was brutally murdered in Mississippi in 1955 for a lie told by a white woman.
A Rebuttal to Commenter “Hot Take’s” Discomfort of Me Calling Out Whiteness
Here’s My Answer to You Using Hitler, Mao Zedong, and the Mongols to Argue Against ‘Demonizing Whiteness’ Here’s my definition and understanding of whiteness. I’m putting it front and centre in this article for clarity. By “whiteness,” I’m referring to a specific ideology and social construct, rather than a skin color or a person of European descent.
Standing Against Racism is a Call for Zero Tolerance
In the Fight Against white supremacy, There is No Room for Silence I’m angry. White supremacy is weaponized hate. And it requires firm, unyielding opposition. It needs hard pushback and zero coddling. Yet society is indulging white supremacists like they’re some wayward relative. I don’t like it, but I get this. Fear of retaliation Standing up against white supremacy means opposing individuals or groups who may have a history of violence or intimidation.
True Crime
True Crime All That Remained of a Dream of Freedom Was a Single Gold Tooth Patrice Lumumba, was born on July 2, 1925. He became Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on June 24, 1960. The country gained independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960. Lumumba's tenure was short-lived, as he was overthrown in a military coup on September 14, 1960. He was assassinated January 17, 1961 at the age of 35.
White Supremacy is an Illegitimate Ideology
It lacks scientific and historical validity Lack of Scientific Basis Modern genetics and anthropology have thoroughly debunked the idea that racial superiority exists. The Human Genome Project has demonstrated that all humans are 99.9% genetically identical, and the minor genetic differences that do exist don’t align with racist notions of race. These differences certainly do not determine anyone’s inherent worth, ability, or character.
Enslaved: The Story of Chloe Cooley a Black Canadian Woman
The Enslavement of Black Individuals Existed in Canada During the Colonial Era Chloe Cooley was an enslaved Black woman whose story became a significant catalyst in the movement against slavery in Upper Canada (now Ontario). Her courageous resistance and the public outcry it generated played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the inhumanity of slavery and led to the Act to Limit Slavery in Upper Canada of 1793. To Limit Slavery. Because Canadians are just so courageous.
Racists Have Already Lost
By Kay Valley Affordable Housing is Transforming Our Future HomeBAnx Conceptual 3D House Design If I hadn't ventured into the realm of affordable housing development, I would have missed the seismic shift quietly transforming our society. Today, I want to share the story behind why racists have already lost, and how we're making real change happen.
How Changing a Single Word From “And” to “On” Brought the Canadian Racism
Canadian singer Jully Black changed one word in the national anthem and #HateRunsDeep Canadian icon and songstress extraordinaire Jully Black changed one word in our National anthem. And that single word change from “and” to “on” saw the racists slither up into the light to spew their hate.
$10, 000 Pitch Day
By Kay Valley You can't slow down when you've only got three minutes Image adjusted by Author in Canva and PowerPoint I'll tell you straight up, I flubbed the pitch. We had 3 minutes to get through six slides and make our case for ten thousand dollars. This was the qualifying round and I screwed up. I was accepted into a Women's entrepreneur program. For eight months we explored...
Easter's Coming. Child Slavery Has Gone Up. What You Can Do.
By Kay Valley Buy ethical, slave-free chocolate. It does make a difference. Cacao Pods: https://www.flickr.com/photos/26110918@N05/ Easter's coming. That means chocolate for a lot of us. I want to ask you to not buy Cadbury (Mondelēz owns Cadbury) brands. Right now they are embroiled in yet another scandal of using children to harvest their chocolate. They can't...
Ten Things That Make Me Go Yikes!
By Kay Valley Here's my list in no particular order Image by Author Misty Rae I couldn't come up with thirty things, so I stuck with ten things that make me feel gross. Spit. I can't stand it. Can't handle the word, the action, the thought. It was an Edward James Olmos flick that made me this way. I blame him. Spiders. Maybe one killed me in a past life, but...
25 Million Black Canadians Suffer From Severe Depression
Blackkk Depression in Canada I’m one of 65.8% of Black Canadians with severe symptoms People standing on stairs: florian-olivo-T2BaUMnxS_M-unsplash It’s not just feeling worthless or thinking you have no value. It’s knowing you are absolutely, fundamentally worthless. Anything you’ve done, anyone you’ve helped, any good you’ve done is gone as if it never existed. Better yet, any good you’ve done was a fluke, could’ve happened to anybody, but it happened to you.
The Oscars Weren’t Just About Will Smith
Jay z and Beyonce walked the red carpet across a picket line “Jay Z Beyonce” by sashimomura is marked with CC BY 2.0. It’s always good to have people in your corner if you’re fortunate. The comedian Monique recently received a long overdue apology from director Lee Daniels. Turns out a friend of Monique’s was praising her up all over the place and finally in 2022, thirteen years after starring and winning an Oscar for her role in Precious, Monique is allowed to work again.
What Battlestar Galactica’s Ressurection Chamber and Earth Have in Common
And how a movie about vampires fits in By Mercury image: NASA/JHUAPLVenus image: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39782734 If you don’t know the tv show Battlestar Galactica, the reboot series with Edward James Olmos and Katee Sackoff from 2004, humans, rather, a human, Dr. Daniel Graystone created war machines. Those machines became slaves to serve humanity. The slaves rebelled and warred with the humans. Same old same old. Humans never learn.
HomeBAnx
HomeBAnx Here’s my radical new system of providing homes and hope Used with permission of Canadian Distributor I say we need a better system than the white supremacist, capitalist zero-sum game we’re all playing. I continually talk and write about a “better way” a “new system,” well, it’s time for me to jump in and see what a “new way” could look like.
Rob Ford, Toronto’s Crack Smoking Mayor
True Crime Rob Ford, Toronto’s Crack Smoking Mayor A picture in privilege — Ford gets rehab, the men he was with get death and jail (left) Ford bucket of chicken: https://www.flickr.com/photos/40592485@N06/7753079278; (centre) Ford mug shot, Miami Dade police (Public-domain); (right) Bruce Reeve; Election sign — marc falardeau: Altered by author in Canva I’m not sure if this truly qualifies as a crime or not. Since it does involve an illegal substance, I’m going to say it’s a crime.
Where do we learn racism - Part V
Where do we learn racism — Part V How to build a society that works “Tower of Babel” by Thomas Thomas is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0 Building a nation on the backs of people. Violating them. Disenfranchising them from full participation…you have to admit, it’s not the greatest strategy. It worked beautifully. For a time. Depending on which side of the line you found yourself, it worked. Not so much on the other side. Oligarchs are increasing their power and wealth.
True Crime
True Crime Well_Hall_Road,_SE9_-_geograph.org.uk_-_229103.jpg It’s April 22, 1993, in south-east London. The day is cool. Forecasts promise a rise from a low of -1.2°C to a high of 10°C. It says to expect light rain and blustery wind. In other words, it’s an ordinary Thursday in London. Stephen Lawrence is meeting up with his best friend, Duwayne Brooks. Instant best friends from the moment they met at Blackheath Bluecoat School.
Alcohol and Racism, Too Hard To Quit
Medium writer, brian g gilmore (bumpyjonas) wrote about this James Baldwin quote, “ I don’t want to be in a rage. It is not healthy, Jimmy Baldwin, not good. I can’t leave this country or perhaps I can. But where am I to go? The hate of here is everywhere. It is like hand sanitizer but it does not clean.” in his piece Baldwin’s Quote. Brian asked writers to use this as a prompt, answer two questions, and tag him. I was always aware of racism. I didn’t always want to believe it was racism.
I Was “UNAWARE” Is The Lie White People Keep Telling
Whites were never UNAWARE — just unwilling to admit you’ve been complicit all along Photo by Taras Chernus on Unsplash I can’t count the articles, notes, comments, with the lie, “I was unaware” of my privilege. I was unaware that my life was built on the blood, back, grief, terror, and hell your Black family was forced to endure.
How to Actually Get Shit Done
And how not to feel bad doing what you have to do Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash My daughter said she wanted to study engineering, hence another year at High school and a fleet of advanced math and physics courses. She was flying along, acing the programs until she stopped. Just refused to open another screen. Every inquiry I made was met with a “you’re breaching my boundaries” and a door slammed in my face.
What if World Leaders Spoke the Truth on Black Lives and Reparations?
Satire What if World Leaders Spoke the Truth on Black Lives and Reparations? Interviewing world leaders without the lie of diplomacy Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash I’ve always been accused of “speaking my mind” as if I was doing something wrong. Later, after I’d been singled out as the troublemaker some lone person would tell me I was right to speak up. Of course, they’d say so…
Dancing Naked for Men Restored My Faith
Getting whole by getting naked “Pole dance” by PralineB is licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ The opening train whistle rings out, high pitched and lonely. Conjuring a desolate frontier town at high noon. Tumbleweeds roll down the dirt road under their own power. Ennio Morricone’s main theme for “The Good the Bad and the Ugly” All sound ceases in the wake of that lonely whistle.
‘I Don’t Even ‘See’ You As Black,’: Why Skin-Tone Bias Is Naive at Best and Dangerous at Worst
3 reasons, explained “White people think it is a compliment when they do not ‘see’ you as a black person.” — Morgan Jerkins, This Will Be My Undoing When you’re friends with a white man or woman, sometimes you wish skin-tone bias doesn’t exist. That it doesn’t show itself in your conversations with your friends. Except, almost always, it does. “You know, after working with you for 18 months, I have never once seen you as a black woman,” he said. “I don’t even see you as black,” he continued.
The Cat that Doesn’t Hang With Me Wins the Award
It’s not the best pic of Blacksie (my name for her) but it’s what I’ve got. Pic by Author’s daughter. An award is usually given because the receiver has done something outstanding or is in some way deserving of recognition. In my home, cum office setup, the winner of this honour is our cat Blacksie aka Blacks. That’s not her real name, it’s Karie. My two daughters are big Anime fans and named Blacks and her sister for characters they adored. Kari and Amie.
How to trick people into thinking you’re racist
How to trick people into thinking you’re racist 3 Ways to Fool people into believing you’re something you’re not Photo by AllGo - An App For Plus Size People on Unsplash We all know racism is an uncommon one-off act committed by a few bad apples. When you’re working and you want people to believe you’re not a racist, here are three simple ways guide to trick them into thinking you’re something you’re not.
Dancing Naked for Men Restored My Faith
“Pole dance” by PralineB is licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/ The opening train whistle rings out, high pitched and lonely. Conjuring a desolate frontier town at high noon. Tumbleweeds roll down the dirt road under their own power. Ennio Morricone’s main theme for “The Good the Bad and the Ugly” All sound ceases in the wake of that lonely whistle. Expectation hangs in the waning strain. A breathless pause.
Because There’s Something Seriously Wrong with White People
It’s called malignant narcissism and whites have it to one degree or another. The Street near our house — by Author White people know they’re being racist. They’ll act out their bigotry especially if they believe they can get away with it — and they mostly do. Monday morning September 16 I drove my daughter to school. This is in Ontario, Canada. We’re both double vaccinated, masked, and school is pretty safe — so no real worries on that front.
Stop Trying to Take Down White Supremacy
Satire I wanted your pity, that’s why I wrote about race “The Highwayman.” by Neil. Moralee is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0Listen to the Writer Read the Article Here Apparently, Black anti-racism writers like me are talking about racism waaaay too much!! We should get a job, pay our bills, and stop blogging for pity. That’s the message I’ve been getting from some Black (and white) male writers. The number of these anti-anti-racism writings and writers is increasing.
The Upcoming Canadian Election Means More for All of Us than You think
Why I’m Using My Black Woman Perspective to Examine the Three Main Parties and What They Offer The World https://www.cp24.com/news/here-s-how-the-federal-leaders-will-pitch-voters-as-an-election-campaign-kicks-off-1.5546407 Over the next few weeks leading up to the Canadian election, I’ll be writing about the main Canadian parties courting the people for power. I’m doing this because I believe that this election is more pivotal than we realize.
Justin Trudeau, a Joss Whedon wannabe who hides behind Women’s Rights to Maintain the Status Quo
Why this Canadian Black Woman is NOT voting for lying Trudeau in the 2021 Election https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/tab-for-trudeau-family-fashions-including-india-outfits-not-paid-by-taxpayers-1.3888985 Justin Trudeau sells himself as the quintessential nice guy. Unfortunately for the people who get in his way, he reveals his “nice guy” persona is an act he uses to get his way. And that’s not nice. It’s entitled.
My Cat Ran Away Because Her Sister Was Mean to Her
How I ended up in my bra and shorts outside Ahmie on the left. I call her Leo. Doggo is on the right. Picture by Author My traumatized cat ran away. My girls and I adopted Ahmie (she) and her sister (Kharie) four years ago. Tiny and adorable as kittens are, they were inseparable. Snuggling together next to us, or curled into a tight ball of love on a chair or bed. Snowy, our snow white rescue from a feral mum, became their protector. And until last year, the three cats did everything together.
I Worked as a Stripper
And I’m Good With That By K. Valley “Nicole Williams Performs at the California Pole Dance Comeptition” by convergentmediapr is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 Ever get the feeling you’re a step out of time? At one point during university I needed money. A friend, for the life of me, I don’t remember who she was, introduced me to stripping. Or dancing. We got on the circuit, traveling throughout Ontario. West to Niagara and Fort Erie, East to Toronto, Kingston and the little towns in between.
Get Rid Of Poverty in Four Years
Basic Income and Direct Giving Photo by NATHAN MULLET on Unsplash By: K. Valley Poor people aren’t poor because of some inherent flaw, or due to the poor gene. We’re poor because we lack cash. We’re poor because rich people hoard our money like the world’s biggest creeps. We’re poor because rich people and their governments, bought with our money, ensure there’s always a group of people desperate enough to take their shitty jobs at shitty pay.
When White People Ask How to Help
It’s not that you can’t help, but you haven’t for 400 years By: K.Valley A white woman recently asked me, “How can I support you? What can I do to help?” Let’s take a quick, but vital exit She caught herself and apologized saying, “She recognized this wasn’t my responsibility.” All great. I genuinely understood and it’s fine. But this? This exposition right here? This explanation I’m about to do makes me furious.
When White People Ask How to Help
It’s not that you can’t help, but you haven’t for 400 years By: K.Valley A white woman recently asked me, “How can I support you? What can I do to help?” Let’s take a quick, but vital exit She caught herself and apologized saying, “She recognized this wasn’t my responsibility.” All great. I genuinely understood and it’s fine. But this? This exposition right here? This explanation I’m about to do makes me furious.
Thank You Medium - That Was Quite a Surprise
Because of Your Gift, I Was Able to Keep Ownership of My Story Puppy, Courtesy of the Author By K.Valley Thank you Medium. I appreciate your gift, your vote of confidence. I’d never heard of Medium before I joined in 2020. I’d been working towards being a copywriter, the course I took was exceptional and the materials seriously focused on the student achieving the best possible outcome. That course introduced me to Medium and I realized that’s where I want to write.
I’m Ready to Die for Our Freedom
“If you’re not willing to die for it put ‘freedom’ out of your mouth” Malcolm X “Freedom” by Bohman is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by: k.valley The world is changing. The world is changing because brave people, together with all the people who believed we could have something better than this fought and died for it. Too many met violent ends at merciless hands. Too many sacrificed themselves because they couldn’t live with the pain and horror. Too many died alone, forgotten.
On a Dazzling Day, the Cat Ran Out and White Supremacy Howled
Working While Black Behind Closed Doors “Ministry of white supremacy” by suceda is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 The belief that being white is special. That the cosmic lottery has favored you with superior intelligence, beauty, and ability. Yours is the unique ability to know what is best for the world down to the peskiest detail, like Dr. Biden in patterned hose. To be so blessed because your skill in all things and built-in wonderfulness heralds your rightful place — above all other non-whites.
When Justice League’s Cyborg Dreamt of Justice
Movies and Justice To Crush Your Enemies like the Rich and Powerful Use These 3 Tools https://www.flickr.com/photos/34128007@N04/45168405374 Hollywood has a problem with racism and abuse. After Me Too, Black Lives Matter, and Times Up, with studios mouthing “we support, we vow to do better” you’d think Hollywood would’ve stepped up its game to protect the abused. You’d be wrong.
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