Medium Posts in 2020
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“Seeing” color is no more a problem than “seeing” height. Disrespect and discrimination are bigger issues.
56. BIPOC, we don’t have to be in competition ~ It’s OK to applaud one group while wanting more exposure for your own group
55. Black Santa has his ear to the street ~ What does Santa do the rest of the year?
54. The one piece of advice car salesmen often miss ~ Whether new money or old money, don’t treat people like they have no money
53. To white parents, one size does not fit all ~ Five tips for white parents trying to raise non-racist children
52. In 2023, pick anyone but Mayor Lori Lightfoot ~ Judging from Anjanette Young hidden video & onward, being a ‘first’ does not make her the ‘best’ political candidate
51. Scary factor: Sasha Obama and black boys with locks ~ Internalizing the intimidation factor hurts dark-skinned black men forever
50. Is Santa black? Or does it matter? ~ If kids ask the race question about Santa, what's your response?
49. Black people didn’t ask you to ‘save’ them ~ Why the savior complex is so exhausting to those who didn’t ask you to be
48. Why black women have mixed opinions on black men in interracial relationships ~ How my opinion went from indifference to frustration to acceptance
47. Know what FAST means, not just one sign of a stroke ~ Strokes are 2xs higher for black people
46. 10 ways to figure out if (s)he really has ‘a black friend’ ~ Note: May not apply for all black people, but it applies to enough
45. 48 hours after Biden wins, black women get shunned again — Eva Longoria, know your stats before you dismiss black women
44. When Pennsylvania and Georgia prove the black vote counts ~ And all the other Blue States, we love you, too
43. Is it ‘not realistic’ or just not in your world? ~ Please stop saying positive black films and TV are unrealistic
42. HBCU graduate: Trump assists with $85 million for HBCUs and I still despise him ~ Funding black colleges doesn’t change America’s history
41. The invisible visibility of black women and police ~ Roll the dice: Women and privilege, or black women and discrimination
40. Yelp is calling out racist businesses ~ As an Elite member of Yelp, this is applaud-worthy
39. Trump supporters should learn from O.J. Simpson supporters ~ Know when to shut up because your guy is so very guilty
38. Black book characters make black kids like me want to read more ~ Why Young, Black & Lit is onto something with its literature nonprofits
37. Yes, Millennials, the Holocaust actually happened ~ Almost 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, but we’re taking selfies
36. When math class becomes a black history lesson ~ How to engage a distracted crowd of black students during the Black Lives Matter movement
35. If you’re not a minority, why are you so sure of your anti-racism tourism? ~ White people, please stop telling me to leave America to escape racism
34. Yes, I’m black. No, I don’t eat chicken. ~ Frustrating food complexities of African-Americans
33. Mixed emotions when black women call the cops on black men ~ Both groups are on the losing side when police show up, even for deck disputes
32. 62% of black women say dating has gotten harder ~ Scams, lies and physical risks are the top culprit to blame in dating woes
31. Chadwick Boseman’s acting resume could be your black history class ~ Virtual teachers, here’s your opportunity to teach what history books leave out
30. Black Lives Matter: The black heart for OkCupid members ~ Online dating site puts controversial topics front and center
29. Netflix gets it wrong again, cancels ‘Patriot Act’ ~ Who has a more valuable voice that fluidly connects African-Americans and Asians?
28. Black girls and Girl Scouts: It’s more than selling cookies ~ From girl’s guy to Girl Scout
27. Are your student’s poor grades due to boredom, laziness or racism? ~ SATs: The diversity argument that may improve a student’s grade
26. Why does your racism appear when the liquor does? ~ The real reason some of your black ‘friends’ and co-workers won’t party with you
25. You, as a minority, can relate to me — but know when you cross the line ~ The invisible line between Hispanics, black folks and racial slurs
24. Dear white people, your black colleagues aren’t required to date ~ Just because your co-workers are the same race does not mean they’re compatible
23. When a black inventor disguised himself as Native American ~ That other reason black folks say they have ‘Indian in my family’
22. Women of color, stop trying to change your hue in photos ~ The photo technician who knows you’re using skin bleachers
21. My first time celebrating Juneteenth was with Mos Def ~ Learning about Chicago’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network
20. Want to combat your prejudices? ~ Expose yourself to ‘others’ The German Shepherd question that explains my take on racism
19. The Black History Month party that made me remember the fine art of silence ~ Trump adds Juneteenth to his horrendous campaigning
18. My grandfather is not the only black birdwatcher I know of — anymore ~ Christian Cooper and Black Birders Week prove there are more
17. Coloring inside the lines with new shades of brown crayons ~ Black art teachers influence support for black artists
16. Andrew on ‘Insecure’ is Issa Rae’s middle finger to Cancel Culture ~ How we learned to love Andrew more than Molly
15. The Joe Biden outrage over ‘You Ain’t Black’ sounds suspicious ~ Pay attention to who is complaining before you shun Joe Biden
14. Dating black women: Interracial dating gone right and wrong ~ Step one: Stop talking about slavery at dinner
13. The ‘seat’ I don’t want at the resume table ~ Why hiding who you are on resumes will only get you jobs you hate
12. Black teachers, please don’t tear down your black students ~ Contrary to popular belief, words do hurt
11. White teachers, please stop judging your black students ~ The fine line between empathy, pity and casual racism in education
10. ‘Uncorked’: For black folks who love wine and Netflix ~ Can we get another round of ‘Uncorked’ comedy + drama films?
9. If Bloomberg wins, I write in another candidate ~ Why my first time being racially profiled put me in the #NeverBloomberg campaign
8. Why are you rating black churches on Yelp? ~ Should churches receive travel reviews?
7. Stop using the term ‘racist’ unless you’re sure it is ~ Empty accusations on race can make you lose all credibility
6. From childhood to adulthood: Simplest way to stop cultural appropriation ~ When imitation is more offensive than flattering
5. This black vegetarian is so tired of PETA ads ~ The 2020 Super Bowl ad from PETA that deserved a block from Fox Sports and the NFL
4. Harriet Tubman’s legacy made me lose a job ~ My proudest moment of being dismissed as an editor
3. ‘Stop acting light-skinned’ and other stupid colorism comments ~ Why black folks need to knock it off with skin color jokes
2. Stop doing these 5 things to your new black employees ~ I know you think it’s harmless, but it’s usually offensive
1. Why I filter new friends in this tense political world ~ The one thing Drake should’ve said about 'no new friends'
55. Black Santa has his ear to the street ~ What does Santa do the rest of the year?
54. The one piece of advice car salesmen often miss ~ Whether new money or old money, don’t treat people like they have no money
53. To white parents, one size does not fit all ~ Five tips for white parents trying to raise non-racist children
52. In 2023, pick anyone but Mayor Lori Lightfoot ~ Judging from Anjanette Young hidden video & onward, being a ‘first’ does not make her the ‘best’ political candidate
51. Scary factor: Sasha Obama and black boys with locks ~ Internalizing the intimidation factor hurts dark-skinned black men forever
50. Is Santa black? Or does it matter? ~ If kids ask the race question about Santa, what's your response?
49. Black people didn’t ask you to ‘save’ them ~ Why the savior complex is so exhausting to those who didn’t ask you to be
48. Why black women have mixed opinions on black men in interracial relationships ~ How my opinion went from indifference to frustration to acceptance
47. Know what FAST means, not just one sign of a stroke ~ Strokes are 2xs higher for black people
46. 10 ways to figure out if (s)he really has ‘a black friend’ ~ Note: May not apply for all black people, but it applies to enough
45. 48 hours after Biden wins, black women get shunned again — Eva Longoria, know your stats before you dismiss black women
44. When Pennsylvania and Georgia prove the black vote counts ~ And all the other Blue States, we love you, too
43. Is it ‘not realistic’ or just not in your world? ~ Please stop saying positive black films and TV are unrealistic
42. HBCU graduate: Trump assists with $85 million for HBCUs and I still despise him ~ Funding black colleges doesn’t change America’s history
41. The invisible visibility of black women and police ~ Roll the dice: Women and privilege, or black women and discrimination
40. Yelp is calling out racist businesses ~ As an Elite member of Yelp, this is applaud-worthy
39. Trump supporters should learn from O.J. Simpson supporters ~ Know when to shut up because your guy is so very guilty
38. Black book characters make black kids like me want to read more ~ Why Young, Black & Lit is onto something with its literature nonprofits
37. Yes, Millennials, the Holocaust actually happened ~ Almost 6 million Jews were killed in the Holocaust, but we’re taking selfies
36. When math class becomes a black history lesson ~ How to engage a distracted crowd of black students during the Black Lives Matter movement
35. If you’re not a minority, why are you so sure of your anti-racism tourism? ~ White people, please stop telling me to leave America to escape racism
34. Yes, I’m black. No, I don’t eat chicken. ~ Frustrating food complexities of African-Americans
33. Mixed emotions when black women call the cops on black men ~ Both groups are on the losing side when police show up, even for deck disputes
32. 62% of black women say dating has gotten harder ~ Scams, lies and physical risks are the top culprit to blame in dating woes
31. Chadwick Boseman’s acting resume could be your black history class ~ Virtual teachers, here’s your opportunity to teach what history books leave out
30. Black Lives Matter: The black heart for OkCupid members ~ Online dating site puts controversial topics front and center
29. Netflix gets it wrong again, cancels ‘Patriot Act’ ~ Who has a more valuable voice that fluidly connects African-Americans and Asians?
28. Black girls and Girl Scouts: It’s more than selling cookies ~ From girl’s guy to Girl Scout
27. Are your student’s poor grades due to boredom, laziness or racism? ~ SATs: The diversity argument that may improve a student’s grade
26. Why does your racism appear when the liquor does? ~ The real reason some of your black ‘friends’ and co-workers won’t party with you
25. You, as a minority, can relate to me — but know when you cross the line ~ The invisible line between Hispanics, black folks and racial slurs
24. Dear white people, your black colleagues aren’t required to date ~ Just because your co-workers are the same race does not mean they’re compatible
23. When a black inventor disguised himself as Native American ~ That other reason black folks say they have ‘Indian in my family’
22. Women of color, stop trying to change your hue in photos ~ The photo technician who knows you’re using skin bleachers
21. My first time celebrating Juneteenth was with Mos Def ~ Learning about Chicago’s Inner-City Muslim Action Network
20. Want to combat your prejudices? ~ Expose yourself to ‘others’ The German Shepherd question that explains my take on racism
19. The Black History Month party that made me remember the fine art of silence ~ Trump adds Juneteenth to his horrendous campaigning
18. My grandfather is not the only black birdwatcher I know of — anymore ~ Christian Cooper and Black Birders Week prove there are more
17. Coloring inside the lines with new shades of brown crayons ~ Black art teachers influence support for black artists
16. Andrew on ‘Insecure’ is Issa Rae’s middle finger to Cancel Culture ~ How we learned to love Andrew more than Molly
15. The Joe Biden outrage over ‘You Ain’t Black’ sounds suspicious ~ Pay attention to who is complaining before you shun Joe Biden
14. Dating black women: Interracial dating gone right and wrong ~ Step one: Stop talking about slavery at dinner
13. The ‘seat’ I don’t want at the resume table ~ Why hiding who you are on resumes will only get you jobs you hate
12. Black teachers, please don’t tear down your black students ~ Contrary to popular belief, words do hurt
11. White teachers, please stop judging your black students ~ The fine line between empathy, pity and casual racism in education
10. ‘Uncorked’: For black folks who love wine and Netflix ~ Can we get another round of ‘Uncorked’ comedy + drama films?
9. If Bloomberg wins, I write in another candidate ~ Why my first time being racially profiled put me in the #NeverBloomberg campaign
8. Why are you rating black churches on Yelp? ~ Should churches receive travel reviews?
7. Stop using the term ‘racist’ unless you’re sure it is ~ Empty accusations on race can make you lose all credibility
6. From childhood to adulthood: Simplest way to stop cultural appropriation ~ When imitation is more offensive than flattering
5. This black vegetarian is so tired of PETA ads ~ The 2020 Super Bowl ad from PETA that deserved a block from Fox Sports and the NFL
4. Harriet Tubman’s legacy made me lose a job ~ My proudest moment of being dismissed as an editor
3. ‘Stop acting light-skinned’ and other stupid colorism comments ~ Why black folks need to knock it off with skin color jokes
2. Stop doing these 5 things to your new black employees ~ I know you think it’s harmless, but it’s usually offensive
1. Why I filter new friends in this tense political world ~ The one thing Drake should’ve said about 'no new friends'
Laughing burns calories. Let's focus on our funny bones.
30. New Year’s Eve 2020 is going as expected ~ When the last day of 2020 sums up the ridiculousness of the year
29. Five people who made me embrace my virginity ~ Why Netflix’s ‘Big Mouth’ is awkward and glorious for teens to adults
28. The best way to meditate: Try not to laugh ~ If you could never focus on meditation before, these videos should help
27. 10 funny moments to be grateful for in 2020 ~ What helped save my mind in a 2020 world
26. What really pissed me off about getting burglarized … is not what you think it is
25. Too old to be in the Secret Service but applying anyway ~ My Secret Service agent cover letter — but only if I get to throw Trump out
24. 10 people who call, text or visit while you impatiently wait on another ~ I don’t need dating fact-checkers because I know this is true
23. We can get married, but you can’t live here ~ Pretty good chance I’ll be 'Ms.' forever — cause I don’t like you like that
22. The condo unit that offended and intrigued me ~ We can be friends, but I don’t want to live here
21. 10 irrational gardening thoughts ~ Unsolicited facts from my social isolation gardening days
20. Gen Y and Z are missing out on landline fun ~ How my brother messed up my love connection
19. To woo me, he gifted me a pocket knife ~ The virtual dating gifts that I do not understand
18. Census workers make me run inside for cover ~ Census workers are starting to make me feel like ‘The Walking Dead’ cast
17. Gardening made me the grumpy old man on my block ~ My childhood neighbor would be so proud
16. Raccoons are the comical neighbor I don’t want
15. My dog knows more about men than I do ~ Two men I wish my dog would’ve saved me from
14. Bring curse handwriting back in style so I don’t feel old ~ Generation Y and Z keep reminding me to grab my invisible cane
13. Jada set f — kboys up with a Word of the Day: Entanglement ~ The Word of the Day we simply didn’t need
12. Mom, I know your name isn’t ‘mom’! ~ The reason my grandfather wouldn’t pay his parking ticket
11. Dear business owners, stop asking me to get a fax machine ~ It’s 2020, update your B2B and B2C technology
10. Why do my beauticians like everything but hair? ~ My bad luck with finding the perfect beautician
9. Tall, dark and handsome is cool, but funny gets a bedroom invite ~ Men versus women: Make me laugh vs laugh at me
8. Why I love nightmare Zoom calls ~ No, I’m not dressing up so you can see me from the neck-up
7. What Kevin Hart and my mother taught me about exercise ~ Never underestimate your funny friend as a workout partner
6. Laughing in the hospital ~ No medication will fight off my grandfather’s sense of humor
5. Xfinity is the boyfriend who doesn’t know it’s over ~ Your TV wants to see other people but Comcast wants a monogamous relationship
4. Don’t judge Trevor Noah for his dead plant ~ When did YouTube users become interior design experts?
3. Go to White Castle on your honeymoon ~ Marriage advice from my grandfather, a real romantic
2. Why the ‘who cooked this’ guest needs to stay home ~ Outsmarting the food critic in your family
1. In 2020, be less weird during Craigslist pickups ~ Why do Freecycle people bring out their “inner weirdo” when getting free stuff?
29. Five people who made me embrace my virginity ~ Why Netflix’s ‘Big Mouth’ is awkward and glorious for teens to adults
28. The best way to meditate: Try not to laugh ~ If you could never focus on meditation before, these videos should help
27. 10 funny moments to be grateful for in 2020 ~ What helped save my mind in a 2020 world
26. What really pissed me off about getting burglarized … is not what you think it is
25. Too old to be in the Secret Service but applying anyway ~ My Secret Service agent cover letter — but only if I get to throw Trump out
24. 10 people who call, text or visit while you impatiently wait on another ~ I don’t need dating fact-checkers because I know this is true
23. We can get married, but you can’t live here ~ Pretty good chance I’ll be 'Ms.' forever — cause I don’t like you like that
22. The condo unit that offended and intrigued me ~ We can be friends, but I don’t want to live here
21. 10 irrational gardening thoughts ~ Unsolicited facts from my social isolation gardening days
20. Gen Y and Z are missing out on landline fun ~ How my brother messed up my love connection
19. To woo me, he gifted me a pocket knife ~ The virtual dating gifts that I do not understand
18. Census workers make me run inside for cover ~ Census workers are starting to make me feel like ‘The Walking Dead’ cast
17. Gardening made me the grumpy old man on my block ~ My childhood neighbor would be so proud
16. Raccoons are the comical neighbor I don’t want
15. My dog knows more about men than I do ~ Two men I wish my dog would’ve saved me from
14. Bring curse handwriting back in style so I don’t feel old ~ Generation Y and Z keep reminding me to grab my invisible cane
13. Jada set f — kboys up with a Word of the Day: Entanglement ~ The Word of the Day we simply didn’t need
12. Mom, I know your name isn’t ‘mom’! ~ The reason my grandfather wouldn’t pay his parking ticket
11. Dear business owners, stop asking me to get a fax machine ~ It’s 2020, update your B2B and B2C technology
10. Why do my beauticians like everything but hair? ~ My bad luck with finding the perfect beautician
9. Tall, dark and handsome is cool, but funny gets a bedroom invite ~ Men versus women: Make me laugh vs laugh at me
8. Why I love nightmare Zoom calls ~ No, I’m not dressing up so you can see me from the neck-up
7. What Kevin Hart and my mother taught me about exercise ~ Never underestimate your funny friend as a workout partner
6. Laughing in the hospital ~ No medication will fight off my grandfather’s sense of humor
5. Xfinity is the boyfriend who doesn’t know it’s over ~ Your TV wants to see other people but Comcast wants a monogamous relationship
4. Don’t judge Trevor Noah for his dead plant ~ When did YouTube users become interior design experts?
3. Go to White Castle on your honeymoon ~ Marriage advice from my grandfather, a real romantic
2. Why the ‘who cooked this’ guest needs to stay home ~ Outsmarting the food critic in your family
1. In 2020, be less weird during Craigslist pickups ~ Why do Freecycle people bring out their “inner weirdo” when getting free stuff?
Let’s chat about my oddball thoughts on family, relationships and activism — with a dose of comedy, too.
82. 2021 and beyond: Know what to wish for at 11:11 ~ And throw block parties for those who get in the way
81. When Trump goes from voter fraud to chicken bullying ~ The exit-in-chief angering animal rights activists is so on brand
80. He brought a bat to a gunfight ~ Two lessons I learned from fathers
79. Half on a mortgage: Is this the man you want to date? ~ 'Ready to Love'; My mixed views on Nyya’s dismissal of Kris and David’s take on raising another man’s child
78. I grew up on 2 Live Crew songs but knew not to twerk in restaurants ~ True Kitchen Kocktails restaurateur wants guests to stay in their seats
77. Donald Trump should befriend Tekashi 6ix9ine ~ When a man’s privilege gets in the way of logic
76. Meeting ‘others’: The other reason to go to college ~ Multiculturalism is the extra credit in your tuition rates
75. Under-voting is not illegal, and other Trump-level voting myths ~ The sore-loser-in-chief is at it again in Pennsylvania
74. The mindset of a Trump-level sore loser ~ If you think you can earn a win, there’s no need to get upset
73. Birthday plan: Hiding if Biden doesn’t win ~ No gifts needed, just don’t want my 39th birthday to be like 2016 Election Day
72. ‘I May Destroy You’ takes on a holistic look at sexual assault, rape, relationships ~ Biagio and the passport scene: He was 100% right
71. His response to Beyonce and TLC tells you what he thinks of women ~ Your music playlist can help reveal his stance on feminism
70. COVID-19 drug offered to diabetics, seniors ~ Before agreeing to be a coronavirus cure guinea pig, know the side effects
69. Pastor pees on black woman on plane, but meds and his name are a secret ~ Missed opportunity to talk about side effects of dangerous medication
68. Parents, teach your sons how to approach women ~ Personal space and verbal communication will get men so much further with women
67. Stash app: The apology to my economics teacher ~ ‘Straight from the Hart’ made me want to pay attention to stocks and IRAs
66. ‘Crying through a Justin Bieber song’ was not on my 2020 Bingo card ~ Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper’s “Holy” song was what 2020 needed
65. I’ll take the handyman over the man in the suit ~ The things women in their 30s find sexy that may not happen in their 20s
64. PODCAST: Rich black men, politics and ‘hostage’ votes ~ Will famous black men speaking out against presidential candidate Joe Biden help Trump win?
63. If you can buy a value meal, you can buy new condoms ~ Unofficial sex-ed course: Let’s settle these condom myths here and now
62. Want a tattoo? Wait until you’re 30 ~ What melanin-rich people need to know about tattoos, tattoo removal
61. I’ll never wear weave but relaxers don’t bother me ~ Why I keep walking the straight-hair tight rope
60. To gentlemen in a COVID-19 world ~ How chivalry battles with a worldwide health outbreak
59. Becoming the ‘look it up’ adult ~ With the Internet at our fingertips, why do some still choose to not learn more?
58. Chadwick Boseman passed away: When the quietest wheel really needs the grease ~ Reminding oneself to check on your quiet friends
57. Weddings have gotten cooler in 2020 ~ Creativity and activism are top-notch in the COVID-19 world
56. What I learned from joining 17 online dating sites ~ It’s not always worth paying for, but dating sites teach you about your own hangups
55. Why I did a 180-degree turn on ‘WAP’ ~ Conservatives made me like the Cardi B., Megan Thee Stallion collaboration more
54. Yelp companies, you should’ve taken a writing workshop ~ How a writing workshop toughened me up for journalism, leadership, life and beyond
53. Is social media going to ruin black ’90s sitcoms? ~ Twitter is making the teen version of me fight with my adult self
52. What do you gain from being a difficult neighbor? ~ My mixed opinions on removing police from neighbor disputes
51. Can men and women truly be platonic friends? ~ While my immediate answer is ‘yes,’ attraction level is the barrier
50. COVID-19 is the ultimate Love Language blocker of flirting in 2020 ~ At what age do we outgrow flirting and say what’s on our minds?
49. Why must you be the decider of who is attractive? ~ The Jill Scott tweet that Kyle Queiro could’ve left in draft mode
48. Start-up companies, start your research first ~ Nothing says inexperienced like hiring people without knowing what they do
47. The careless danger in dismissing COVID-19 ~ Hoping the Chicago inspector makes it safely through quarantine
46. Newsroom editors can cripple or embrace reporters ~ Stories you want: Holding local and national news accountable
45. The smile behind the mask ~ How social isolation has made us master the art of the smize
44. TeaMarrr’s ‘Kinda Love’ proves even Build a Man won’t make women happy ~ Yet another reason clingy partners are awful
43. Tone deaf job posts in a COVID-19 working world ~ Take notes from Twitter and allow workers to stay home
42. I don’t care about your new shoes. Can you pay your mortgage? ~ An odd shoe turnoff, according to Harry from ‘Straight from the Hart’
41. The failed friend: Can they be trusted as a work reference? ~ Why I’ll never agree with Molly’s side of the ‘Insecure’ recommendation debate
40. We know about Ophiuchus, so stop blaming your zodiac sign for everything ~ Astrology is fun but don’t avoid dating someone b/c of it
39. Let’s CTRL + ALT + DELETE 2020, shall we? ~ The history class that’ll take up the whole semester for the next generation
38. Thanks to COVID-19, Mother’s Day will be virtual ~ 17th anniversary of my college graduation
37. Denzel made journalist Katie Couric ‘uncomfortable’ with her questions ~ Should journalists feel ‘shaken’ when interviewees challenge their questions?
36. In social isolation, baby boomers and Gen X grow nostalgic for drive-in movies ~ COVID-19: The one reason we didn’t know drive-in movies were better than movie theaters
35. Every boss can benefit from Phil Jackson’s coaching ~ Don’t try to make a Michael Jordan out of a Dennis Rodman
34. Saying ‘I miss you’ without saying it ~ How a jar of coins and 50 questions became a familial lesson
33. Creating a social isolation exercise video playlist ~ 22 free fitness videos to get you active indoors
32. Smokers, social isolation is your time to quit ~ Cigarettes lead to 7 million deaths annually, so why is COVID-19 scarier?
31. Domestic violence + social isolation = Mind-numbing combination ~ Helping abused friends seek help during COVID-19 outbreak
30. Play it safe instead of having coronavirus babies ~ Why safe sex is a better option during social isolation
29. Why single people need a will, too ~ Don’t blow off writing a will — even if you’re childless
28. Should recycling programs be suspended during coronavirus outbreak? ~ Recycling, reusing and reducing during a worldwide outbreak
27. Creating a ‘social isolation dream board’ ~ My ‘fix it’ dream board and other useful ways to spend your free time
26. What to love and loathe on Tyler Perry’s ‘Sistas’ and Ava Duvernay’s ‘Cherish the Day’ ~ Exploring positive relationships through the eyes of these couples
25. Hey toilet paper hoarders, you’re already in a bathroom ~ From the biased opinions of a bidet owner
24. Linking and un-linking songs from memories ~ When a song you love becomes a song you hate (and vice versa)
23. Why women should charge their salary ‘worth’ ~ How a dog-sitting assignment taught me a valuable lesson about the gig economy
22. That rape joke wasn’t funny — ever ~ When Twitter teaches you all the people you need to block
21. Don’t weigh in on positive black shows if you only support ratchet TV ~ How “The Photograph” supporters made me reevaluate my take on African-American entertainment
20. Everyone needs one ‘happy’ friend ~ How a college friend proved to me that birds of a feather do not have to flock together
19. A boy’s experience from the #MeTooMovement ~ How a childhood friend taught me about sexual harassment, from a male’s point of view
18. To the man who stood me up, thank you! ~ R. Kelly and the problematic mindset of 'consenting' teens dating older men
17. Who told comedians we’re required to laugh at all their jokes? ~ When comedians grew more sensitive than their audiences
16. Stop enabling liars ~ They can only upset you if you’re willing to believe them
15. The most efficient way for black businesses to never succeed … is to let self-hate and self-doubt get in our way
14. The award for tactless apparel marketing goes to repeat winner: Fashion Nova ~ Knowing the difference between responsible marketing and shameless advertising during the COVID-19 outbreak
13. Does My Editor Understand My Audience? ~ Know your marketing deal-breakers ahead of time
12. When and When Not to Submit Your Work to Medium Publications ~ Not every publication is meant for you
11. Using Volunteer Work to Market Yourself ~ How free work can lead to paid opportunities
10. Cultural Appropriation: How To Not Lose Your Loyal Audience ~ The case of Shea Moisture
9. Using the 34 CliftonStrengths to Understand Your Marketing Clients ~ This simple tool will provide helpful character types
8. Why Nike’s Move to Play the Fence Works to Their Benefit ~ How to do business in this politically charged environment
7. How To Properly Give Away Free Samples ~ Giveaways can increase sales, but only if you follow the rules
6. The Diversity Question All Graphic Designers Must Answer ~ Does this material match our target client base?
5. Marketings Lessons From 'The Jetsons' ~ What can a 58-year-old TV show teach us about modern sales?
4. What Neiman Marcus’ Latest Ad Can Teach You About Diverse Marketing ~ Taraji P. Henson trapped in a store was both fun and smart
3. 5 Ways to Ace Your Book Signings ~ Don’t just sit there — walk around!
2. Using Radio Shows to Market Your Book ~ How to connect with your readers through traditional and online broadcasting
1. Why Customers Choose to Insta-Boycott Fashion Nova ~ Turns out spamming and violating privacy rights still doesn’t work
81. When Trump goes from voter fraud to chicken bullying ~ The exit-in-chief angering animal rights activists is so on brand
80. He brought a bat to a gunfight ~ Two lessons I learned from fathers
79. Half on a mortgage: Is this the man you want to date? ~ 'Ready to Love'; My mixed views on Nyya’s dismissal of Kris and David’s take on raising another man’s child
78. I grew up on 2 Live Crew songs but knew not to twerk in restaurants ~ True Kitchen Kocktails restaurateur wants guests to stay in their seats
77. Donald Trump should befriend Tekashi 6ix9ine ~ When a man’s privilege gets in the way of logic
76. Meeting ‘others’: The other reason to go to college ~ Multiculturalism is the extra credit in your tuition rates
75. Under-voting is not illegal, and other Trump-level voting myths ~ The sore-loser-in-chief is at it again in Pennsylvania
74. The mindset of a Trump-level sore loser ~ If you think you can earn a win, there’s no need to get upset
73. Birthday plan: Hiding if Biden doesn’t win ~ No gifts needed, just don’t want my 39th birthday to be like 2016 Election Day
72. ‘I May Destroy You’ takes on a holistic look at sexual assault, rape, relationships ~ Biagio and the passport scene: He was 100% right
71. His response to Beyonce and TLC tells you what he thinks of women ~ Your music playlist can help reveal his stance on feminism
70. COVID-19 drug offered to diabetics, seniors ~ Before agreeing to be a coronavirus cure guinea pig, know the side effects
69. Pastor pees on black woman on plane, but meds and his name are a secret ~ Missed opportunity to talk about side effects of dangerous medication
68. Parents, teach your sons how to approach women ~ Personal space and verbal communication will get men so much further with women
67. Stash app: The apology to my economics teacher ~ ‘Straight from the Hart’ made me want to pay attention to stocks and IRAs
66. ‘Crying through a Justin Bieber song’ was not on my 2020 Bingo card ~ Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper’s “Holy” song was what 2020 needed
65. I’ll take the handyman over the man in the suit ~ The things women in their 30s find sexy that may not happen in their 20s
64. PODCAST: Rich black men, politics and ‘hostage’ votes ~ Will famous black men speaking out against presidential candidate Joe Biden help Trump win?
63. If you can buy a value meal, you can buy new condoms ~ Unofficial sex-ed course: Let’s settle these condom myths here and now
62. Want a tattoo? Wait until you’re 30 ~ What melanin-rich people need to know about tattoos, tattoo removal
61. I’ll never wear weave but relaxers don’t bother me ~ Why I keep walking the straight-hair tight rope
60. To gentlemen in a COVID-19 world ~ How chivalry battles with a worldwide health outbreak
59. Becoming the ‘look it up’ adult ~ With the Internet at our fingertips, why do some still choose to not learn more?
58. Chadwick Boseman passed away: When the quietest wheel really needs the grease ~ Reminding oneself to check on your quiet friends
57. Weddings have gotten cooler in 2020 ~ Creativity and activism are top-notch in the COVID-19 world
56. What I learned from joining 17 online dating sites ~ It’s not always worth paying for, but dating sites teach you about your own hangups
55. Why I did a 180-degree turn on ‘WAP’ ~ Conservatives made me like the Cardi B., Megan Thee Stallion collaboration more
54. Yelp companies, you should’ve taken a writing workshop ~ How a writing workshop toughened me up for journalism, leadership, life and beyond
53. Is social media going to ruin black ’90s sitcoms? ~ Twitter is making the teen version of me fight with my adult self
52. What do you gain from being a difficult neighbor? ~ My mixed opinions on removing police from neighbor disputes
51. Can men and women truly be platonic friends? ~ While my immediate answer is ‘yes,’ attraction level is the barrier
50. COVID-19 is the ultimate Love Language blocker of flirting in 2020 ~ At what age do we outgrow flirting and say what’s on our minds?
49. Why must you be the decider of who is attractive? ~ The Jill Scott tweet that Kyle Queiro could’ve left in draft mode
48. Start-up companies, start your research first ~ Nothing says inexperienced like hiring people without knowing what they do
47. The careless danger in dismissing COVID-19 ~ Hoping the Chicago inspector makes it safely through quarantine
46. Newsroom editors can cripple or embrace reporters ~ Stories you want: Holding local and national news accountable
45. The smile behind the mask ~ How social isolation has made us master the art of the smize
44. TeaMarrr’s ‘Kinda Love’ proves even Build a Man won’t make women happy ~ Yet another reason clingy partners are awful
43. Tone deaf job posts in a COVID-19 working world ~ Take notes from Twitter and allow workers to stay home
42. I don’t care about your new shoes. Can you pay your mortgage? ~ An odd shoe turnoff, according to Harry from ‘Straight from the Hart’
41. The failed friend: Can they be trusted as a work reference? ~ Why I’ll never agree with Molly’s side of the ‘Insecure’ recommendation debate
40. We know about Ophiuchus, so stop blaming your zodiac sign for everything ~ Astrology is fun but don’t avoid dating someone b/c of it
39. Let’s CTRL + ALT + DELETE 2020, shall we? ~ The history class that’ll take up the whole semester for the next generation
38. Thanks to COVID-19, Mother’s Day will be virtual ~ 17th anniversary of my college graduation
37. Denzel made journalist Katie Couric ‘uncomfortable’ with her questions ~ Should journalists feel ‘shaken’ when interviewees challenge their questions?
36. In social isolation, baby boomers and Gen X grow nostalgic for drive-in movies ~ COVID-19: The one reason we didn’t know drive-in movies were better than movie theaters
35. Every boss can benefit from Phil Jackson’s coaching ~ Don’t try to make a Michael Jordan out of a Dennis Rodman
34. Saying ‘I miss you’ without saying it ~ How a jar of coins and 50 questions became a familial lesson
33. Creating a social isolation exercise video playlist ~ 22 free fitness videos to get you active indoors
32. Smokers, social isolation is your time to quit ~ Cigarettes lead to 7 million deaths annually, so why is COVID-19 scarier?
31. Domestic violence + social isolation = Mind-numbing combination ~ Helping abused friends seek help during COVID-19 outbreak
30. Play it safe instead of having coronavirus babies ~ Why safe sex is a better option during social isolation
29. Why single people need a will, too ~ Don’t blow off writing a will — even if you’re childless
28. Should recycling programs be suspended during coronavirus outbreak? ~ Recycling, reusing and reducing during a worldwide outbreak
27. Creating a ‘social isolation dream board’ ~ My ‘fix it’ dream board and other useful ways to spend your free time
26. What to love and loathe on Tyler Perry’s ‘Sistas’ and Ava Duvernay’s ‘Cherish the Day’ ~ Exploring positive relationships through the eyes of these couples
25. Hey toilet paper hoarders, you’re already in a bathroom ~ From the biased opinions of a bidet owner
24. Linking and un-linking songs from memories ~ When a song you love becomes a song you hate (and vice versa)
23. Why women should charge their salary ‘worth’ ~ How a dog-sitting assignment taught me a valuable lesson about the gig economy
22. That rape joke wasn’t funny — ever ~ When Twitter teaches you all the people you need to block
21. Don’t weigh in on positive black shows if you only support ratchet TV ~ How “The Photograph” supporters made me reevaluate my take on African-American entertainment
20. Everyone needs one ‘happy’ friend ~ How a college friend proved to me that birds of a feather do not have to flock together
19. A boy’s experience from the #MeTooMovement ~ How a childhood friend taught me about sexual harassment, from a male’s point of view
18. To the man who stood me up, thank you! ~ R. Kelly and the problematic mindset of 'consenting' teens dating older men
17. Who told comedians we’re required to laugh at all their jokes? ~ When comedians grew more sensitive than their audiences
16. Stop enabling liars ~ They can only upset you if you’re willing to believe them
15. The most efficient way for black businesses to never succeed … is to let self-hate and self-doubt get in our way
14. The award for tactless apparel marketing goes to repeat winner: Fashion Nova ~ Knowing the difference between responsible marketing and shameless advertising during the COVID-19 outbreak
13. Does My Editor Understand My Audience? ~ Know your marketing deal-breakers ahead of time
12. When and When Not to Submit Your Work to Medium Publications ~ Not every publication is meant for you
11. Using Volunteer Work to Market Yourself ~ How free work can lead to paid opportunities
10. Cultural Appropriation: How To Not Lose Your Loyal Audience ~ The case of Shea Moisture
9. Using the 34 CliftonStrengths to Understand Your Marketing Clients ~ This simple tool will provide helpful character types
8. Why Nike’s Move to Play the Fence Works to Their Benefit ~ How to do business in this politically charged environment
7. How To Properly Give Away Free Samples ~ Giveaways can increase sales, but only if you follow the rules
6. The Diversity Question All Graphic Designers Must Answer ~ Does this material match our target client base?
5. Marketings Lessons From 'The Jetsons' ~ What can a 58-year-old TV show teach us about modern sales?
4. What Neiman Marcus’ Latest Ad Can Teach You About Diverse Marketing ~ Taraji P. Henson trapped in a store was both fun and smart
3. 5 Ways to Ace Your Book Signings ~ Don’t just sit there — walk around!
2. Using Radio Shows to Market Your Book ~ How to connect with your readers through traditional and online broadcasting
1. Why Customers Choose to Insta-Boycott Fashion Nova ~ Turns out spamming and violating privacy rights still doesn’t work
New posts for this publication have ended as of Sept. 2020. However, you're welcome to read the prior posts. It's for readers who are into retail and food news, business tips and Internet shopping, read on.
24. School uniform stores losing money: Are these retailers necessary anymore? ~ School uniforms are not nearly as fashionable but save parents’ money
23. Hardware stores are ‘essential’ for work-at-home employees ~ Why your local hardware store managed to stay above water during the quarantine
22. Jeans sales go down, money stays in pocket ~ Jeans apparel companies may be in trouble for socially isolating consumers
21. Make up your mind, stores: Use a plastic bag or don’t ~ Retailers brainstorm on new alternatives for plastic bags
20. Enough is enough: Save cashiers from mask-less, non-distancing customers ~ If customers are ‘always right,’ then make them do the right thing
19. Getting rid of male and female work uniforms in retail ~ If you’re wearing the work uniform, should it matter which one you choose?
18. The prom scene during COVID-19 ~ Dressmakers, retailers and duct tape are having a moment
17. Retailers, hire minorities in management and mid-level positions ~ Why entry-level positions simply aren’t enough
16. Store closings: Complex reaction to protesting versus looting ~ Protesters force retail America to speak up on social justice issues
15. Why Starbucks branding remains undefeated ~ Even during social isolation, people still act like they don’t know how to make coffee
14. Date night gets a little harder: Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works closing in large numbers ~ COVID-19 is still leading to more store closures
13. The hand-washing sensor more stores need ~ Can 2020 be the year we shame customers into washing their hands, too?
12. NRF releases blueprint for safety tips during store re-openings ~ Recommended statewide rules for retail stores after social isolation lockdown ends
11. Realtors call retailers ‘bad actors’ for not paying rent ~ Customers will relate more to the retail chain than the property managers
10. Apparel retailers, read the room ~ Why have I gotten more COVID-19 emails from Victoria’s Secret than my mortgage company?
9. Beauty industry fights to survive during during social isolation ~ Small businesses learn from grocery store setup
8. State election boards need to take notes from retail stores ~ Grocery stores are making better decisions on coronavirus prevention than state government
7. Benefits: When the retail industry outranks the gig economy ~ The highs and lows of being a new parent or caregiver in a gig world
6. Is inventory-less shopping becoming the norm? ~ Nordstrom, where are all the clothes disappearing to?
5. When self-checkout feels more like racial profiling ~ Whether working or shopping, everyone black is not a thief
4. Millennials are buying second-hand makeup: Should we all do this more? ~ Finding high-end makeup for economical rates
3. The dreaded work birthday celebration — for a robot ~ Store robot getting a one-year celebration while being used as an alibi
2. My love-hate relationship with cashless stores ~ How retailers are working for and against making a profit
1. Americans and our indifference to rude customer service ~ When rude employees at the gym saved me money
23. Hardware stores are ‘essential’ for work-at-home employees ~ Why your local hardware store managed to stay above water during the quarantine
22. Jeans sales go down, money stays in pocket ~ Jeans apparel companies may be in trouble for socially isolating consumers
21. Make up your mind, stores: Use a plastic bag or don’t ~ Retailers brainstorm on new alternatives for plastic bags
20. Enough is enough: Save cashiers from mask-less, non-distancing customers ~ If customers are ‘always right,’ then make them do the right thing
19. Getting rid of male and female work uniforms in retail ~ If you’re wearing the work uniform, should it matter which one you choose?
18. The prom scene during COVID-19 ~ Dressmakers, retailers and duct tape are having a moment
17. Retailers, hire minorities in management and mid-level positions ~ Why entry-level positions simply aren’t enough
16. Store closings: Complex reaction to protesting versus looting ~ Protesters force retail America to speak up on social justice issues
15. Why Starbucks branding remains undefeated ~ Even during social isolation, people still act like they don’t know how to make coffee
14. Date night gets a little harder: Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works closing in large numbers ~ COVID-19 is still leading to more store closures
13. The hand-washing sensor more stores need ~ Can 2020 be the year we shame customers into washing their hands, too?
12. NRF releases blueprint for safety tips during store re-openings ~ Recommended statewide rules for retail stores after social isolation lockdown ends
11. Realtors call retailers ‘bad actors’ for not paying rent ~ Customers will relate more to the retail chain than the property managers
10. Apparel retailers, read the room ~ Why have I gotten more COVID-19 emails from Victoria’s Secret than my mortgage company?
9. Beauty industry fights to survive during during social isolation ~ Small businesses learn from grocery store setup
8. State election boards need to take notes from retail stores ~ Grocery stores are making better decisions on coronavirus prevention than state government
7. Benefits: When the retail industry outranks the gig economy ~ The highs and lows of being a new parent or caregiver in a gig world
6. Is inventory-less shopping becoming the norm? ~ Nordstrom, where are all the clothes disappearing to?
5. When self-checkout feels more like racial profiling ~ Whether working or shopping, everyone black is not a thief
4. Millennials are buying second-hand makeup: Should we all do this more? ~ Finding high-end makeup for economical rates
3. The dreaded work birthday celebration — for a robot ~ Store robot getting a one-year celebration while being used as an alibi
2. My love-hate relationship with cashless stores ~ How retailers are working for and against making a profit
1. Americans and our indifference to rude customer service ~ When rude employees at the gym saved me money
Additional posts (not in above publications)
17. Wedding party pooper: Balloons are harming wildlife ~ Rice isn’t a threat to wildlife, but balloons sure are!
16. Cleaning green during COVID-19 ~ Finding eco-friendly ways to clean with kids or pets at home
15. Age of Awareness: The one thing teachers cannot teach — earning trust from their students ~ Why my Creative Writing teacher became my liaison in a sexual harassment incident
14. Take my checkbook from my cold, dead hands ~ My relentless fight against autopaying personal and business expenses
13. Stop releasing websites that don’t work ~ Four reasons why A/B testing and QA testing jobs should never end
12. The Startup: I’m on UberConference, so why do we have to download Zoom? ~ Make your virtual video call a win, not a bust
11. Memories and music: Bill Withers ~ A dedication to Black Music Month all year round
10. The Startup: Never work for an editor who has not been a professional writer first ~ There are some professions you must do from the ground up
9. The Startup: Coronavirus prevention tips for Election Judges on Election Day ~ Tips to maintain a safe, sanitized polling place during voting season
8. A Bernie Bro told me I was 50 years old ~ Unless you want Trump for another four years, give someone else a chance
7. Election Day: Here comes the judge … you don’t know ~ Don’t treat judge votes like the Scantron multiple choice test you didn’t study for
6. Pinterest is underrated for writer marketing ~ Ten tips to use this social media platform to organize your Medium posts
5. Live Your Life on Purpose: Write your photo memories down ~ When photos are lost but journal memories stick around
4. Six Upwork clients to avoid ~ Upwork clients who make you want to leave the freelancing site
3. Live Your Life on Purpose: I dance in the dressing room ~ The college life habit that never wore off
2. The train ride that made me decide tourists aren’t so bad after all ~ Dodging all tourists on my Amtrak trip to D.C.
1. Live Your Life on Purpose: The accidental jazz fan ~ The mental health benefits of music therapy
16. Cleaning green during COVID-19 ~ Finding eco-friendly ways to clean with kids or pets at home
15. Age of Awareness: The one thing teachers cannot teach — earning trust from their students ~ Why my Creative Writing teacher became my liaison in a sexual harassment incident
14. Take my checkbook from my cold, dead hands ~ My relentless fight against autopaying personal and business expenses
13. Stop releasing websites that don’t work ~ Four reasons why A/B testing and QA testing jobs should never end
12. The Startup: I’m on UberConference, so why do we have to download Zoom? ~ Make your virtual video call a win, not a bust
11. Memories and music: Bill Withers ~ A dedication to Black Music Month all year round
10. The Startup: Never work for an editor who has not been a professional writer first ~ There are some professions you must do from the ground up
9. The Startup: Coronavirus prevention tips for Election Judges on Election Day ~ Tips to maintain a safe, sanitized polling place during voting season
8. A Bernie Bro told me I was 50 years old ~ Unless you want Trump for another four years, give someone else a chance
7. Election Day: Here comes the judge … you don’t know ~ Don’t treat judge votes like the Scantron multiple choice test you didn’t study for
6. Pinterest is underrated for writer marketing ~ Ten tips to use this social media platform to organize your Medium posts
5. Live Your Life on Purpose: Write your photo memories down ~ When photos are lost but journal memories stick around
4. Six Upwork clients to avoid ~ Upwork clients who make you want to leave the freelancing site
3. Live Your Life on Purpose: I dance in the dressing room ~ The college life habit that never wore off
2. The train ride that made me decide tourists aren’t so bad after all ~ Dodging all tourists on my Amtrak trip to D.C.
1. Live Your Life on Purpose: The accidental jazz fan ~ The mental health benefits of music therapy
Medium Publications (with Shamontiel's posts)
- Age of Awareness (Contemplative letters commemorating special occasions)
- Black Voices in Marketing (Series on diversity tips, book marketing and minority advertising)
- I Do See Color (“Seeing” color is no more a problem than “seeing” height. Disrespect and discrimination is the issue.)
- Live Your Life on Purpose (Feel-good stories on health and fitness, life and learning, personal finance, success)
- Medium @Shamontiel
- The Mile High Club (Travel stories from the stratosphere)
- The Startup (Entrepreneurial advice, creativity tales, freelancing, startups, investing, innovation, web development)
- Tickled (Laughing burns calories. Let's focus on our funny bones.)
- We Need to Talk (Heart-to-heart conversations that challenge unpopular views on family, relationships and activism.)
- Zora (Unapologetic. Ours. A Medium publication for women of color.)
©2008 Shamontiel L. Vaughn | All rights reserved
