Black History | MMXLII

African-American Women Behind the Space Race

February 10, 2017·Diversity·by MMXLII·551 views

February is Black History Month, and was first officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976, only 41 years ago. The purpose of Black History Month is to recognize black achievements and celebrate trailblazer who overcame major obstacles. The United States still lives under a very dark history because of slavery and the slave trade. On paper, America stood for freedom. But that freedom was denied to black America. White America, lived in a privileged world that denied human rights to others who look different.

African-Americans in Paris: ‘It’s Always Been About Freedom for Us’ via CNN

February 27, 2013·Travel·by mmxlii·556 views

Paris, France is probably not the place you would think of as a place that celebrates African-American history but it’s something very evident. Hit the jump to read an article on how African-American culture has a found a place in Paris. Read More

Black History In The Making: Teen Makes History As 4th Black Driver in NASCAR via Clutch Magazine

February 20, 2013·Sports·by mmxlii·766 views

Speaking of minorities in sports, this headline definitely grabbed our attention as you commonly don’t think of Black NASCAR drivers. On top of that, the guy is only a teen meaning plenty of upside which could put him in position to make a name for himself if he’s serious about his craft/sport. Hit the jump for more info. Read More

Black History Month by Bonz Malone

February 1, 2013·Art·by MMXLII Correspondent·688 views

“Hip-Hop is the dream and the freedom that the children of the ghetto inherited after the Civil Rights Movement died.”

This February, for Black History Month, MMXLII will be receiving posts from a very special guest contributor — Bonz Malone. As a writer, journalist, actor, poet, philosopher, and hip hop anthropologist, Bonz Malone has been called the “Hunter S. Thompson of Hip Hop.” Born in the Bronx, Bonz co-wrote and starred in the film Slam, which won the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and the Grand Jury Prize for a Dramatic Film at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. Below he breaks down his approach to celebrating Black History Month.

“Ever since the 2nd grade, February’s been all about Rosa Parks, Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Harriet Tubman and Martin Luther King, Jr. But these aren’t the only names that deserve to be honored during “Black History Month” nor is the Civil Rights Movement the only one that has brought about change in the black community. For 28 days, I’m going to post the dopest hip hop records ever made, by the heroes who’s contributions are immortal in our culture. I’m tired of waiting for new names to be added to an ancient list. We have degrees, awards, been inducted into various Hall(s) of Fame – and through Graffiti, Breaking, Mcing & Djaying – have created the longest running renaissance in the history of the world. Whoever cannot recognize that, cannot celebrate the greatness that was once rap. #blackflyday”
– Bonz Malone