christinadbrown

[christinadbrown]

The [Black] Kids Aren’t Alright : Honoring Black Youth Trauma & Resilience

While recently discussing cultural incompetence in response to Black youth suicides in Cincinnati, a fellow activist sent me an unrelated yet chilling op ed. The piece, authored by a respected elder, tasked the Black community to address "interracial homicides" in the same manner that the Black Lives Matter movement has tackled state violence. This superficial yet passionate essay spoke specifically to the need for "us" to reinforce values and discipline upon our [Black] youth, to restore order in "our" communities. I was generally unamused by his appeal, however I audibly chuckled when I read the author's byline. He was the esteemed past chair of a teen mentoring group, which I assume has positively impacted Black youth. While some would insist that his credentials authenticate his tone deaf message, I found it to be proof of indifference to the daily struggles of being young and Black in America. Perhaps it was because his soliloquy read like yet another condemnation of children whose love seems to only come in doses of tough. Begging the question, why do we expect Black children to practice empathy in a society that prescribes them everything but?

Op ed aside, across this nation young Black people are tasked with the assignment of mitigating the affects of trauma, while enduring economic insecurity, substandard schooling, with little hopes of social and economic mobility. In the event these youth are "privileged" enough to escape the geographical realms of poverty, they are submerged into institutions woefully unprepared and downright hostile to their existence. These circumstances are not impossible to survive. However the preservation of ones dignity and wellness are at odds, resulting in the decay of their physical and mental health. The consequence of this decline varies. Unfortunately the culmination of these circumstances commonly manifests itself in the form of gun violence, substance abuse, and self harm. All too often are these complex issues met with lectures that pathologize Black people, inadvertantly absolving the history and systems responsible for fertilization of racialized violence. 

Many cannot comprehend Black youth stagnation fifty years after historic civil rights gains, and in an era of a Black president. The symbolism of these feats are undeniable, however it is equally indisputable that  today's Black youth are modern products of  an ecology of oppression which remains unaddressed. Our young people are offered lectures daily, affirmations rarely, and access to opportunity sporadically. This is not an antidote to their / our struggles. Our remedy must begin with an inquiry about their wellness, and validation their righteous anger, frustration, and disappointment.Black youth are not a problem to be solved, they are problem solvers. They are cultural gems (just ask these corporations)  and they are geniuses.  Our kids aren’t alright, but if we rally beside them instead of against them ... they will be. Word to Kendrick. 

- Christina D. Brown

 Gif credit: ColaChampagneDad.tumblr.com

#black youth #black children #black america #tw suicide #youth culture #youth empowerment #black lives matter #christina thinks

[christinadbrown]

Black Students Need You to Show Up When Racism Isn't Written Down

Today, University of Cincinnati’s President Santa Ono issued a statement condemning the “racially charged” comments directed at Black student activists, #theIRATE8. The racist comments were triggered by the group’s release of ten demands to the university.  These demands derive from a history of  anti Black racism on campus, further exposed by the off campus murder of Sam Dubose by former UCPD officer, Ray Tensing. The administration's swift condemnation to these online comments vastly differs in juxtaposition to its milquetoast reply to The Irate8’s demands for comprehensive racial justice.

The 21 pages of well examined demands command that the university provide the structural, cultural, and political resources necessary to begin alleviating the impact of racism. Accompanied by statistics, articles, and other reinforcing analytical tools, the few white Bearcats who bothered to read the demands at all, were dismissive at best, and downright hostile at worst. Select white allies attempted to garner the sympathies of their peers, however it wasn’t until a Yik Yak comment alluding to the lynching of Black activists appealed to the sensibilities of the UC administration and white moderates. Declarations of folks who claim to stand with The Irate 8 have increased. While this “support” bandwagon does indicate some level of racial progress, I insist that documented hate speech should not be a requirement to validate the urgency of addressing racism.

Decrying the usage of racial epithets and other visual cues of racism is  important, nonetheless repeated practice of ending advocacy there,  is morally politically, and collectively insufficient. Of course UC isn’t alone in this regard. Around the country predominately white institutions perpetually fail to address racism and it’s impact on Black students and other students of color . Perhaps that is because true condemnation of racist behavior requires a commitment to undoing racism in all of its iterations. This entails actively plotting against systems built solely for the benefits of whites. It concurrently requires a commitment of white people to educate fellow white folk on how their unchecked behaviors perpetuate inequity. It seems that the collegiate litmus test for showing up in mass opposition of campus racism, requires bigotry to be  written, recorded, or photographed to be taken seriously. If this standard remains, then students of color who suffer daily under racist tyranny will remain marginalized by the same institutions that purport to “empower” them. That is until students like The Irate 8 pressure institutions to show up.  Addressing disparities in recruitment, retention, and graduation rates, access to position of power etc.  is what looks what showing up for Black students looks like.  So  my question is, where is University of Cincinnati ?

- Christina D. Brown, UC A&S 2010 

Dedicated to Dr. Terry Kershaw, Rest In Power

Photo Credit: AACRC

#theirate8 #black students #University of Cincinnati #hottest college in america #student activism #scholar activism #go bearcats #black lives matter #sam dubose #united black student association #smu #concerned student 1950 #black bruins matter #disarm psu #the real u del #christina d. brown #christina thinks

[christinadbrown]

On Cincinnati and the Violence of "Riot Prevention"

    Wednesday July 29, 2015 will serve a historic day in the Black Lives Matter movement. Facing intense political and community pressure, Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters announced that white University of Cincinnati Police Officer Ray Tensing would be indicted for murder charges for killing unarmed Black motorist, Sam Dubose. As the world deconstructed the feasibility of a conviction, local activists and community members were grappling with the climate of unease. This tension, tangled by the web of continued racial disparities, historical violence against Black bodies, and the ghosts of civil unrest in 2001 invoked calls for "peace". These calls for peace were undermined by the behavior of institutions at the heart of community outcry, law enforcement and the University of Cincinnati itself.

    In advance of the announcement, my alma mater cancelled classes, and closed campus as a safety precaution. This was generally received as a suspicious act, but not particularly controversial.  However, the physical barricading of campus and advisement for surrounding businesses to follow suit, and high concentration of police presence was arguably more insidious. While the fires in #Ferguson and #Baltimore are still fresh in our collective cultural memory, there is still a general misunderstanding of how paternalistic, and violent most institutional responses to Black anger are.

    One of the standard response to Black anger usually involves abusing or misusing Dr. King quotes. Given that reality I'd like to familiarize the masses with his lesser known words, particularly his definition of violence. Dr. King insisted that “Violence is anything that denies human integrity, and leads to hopelessness and helplessness.” Recognizing this definition of violence disrupts the simplistic notion that violence is limited to physical destruction. Adopting this explanation of violence would designate these militarized reactions to perpetual injustice as violence incitement, not violence prevention. 

    The justification which usually accompanies these tactics are expressed in words like "riot prevention", "public safety", and "law and order". Beneath these terms are subliminal messages which often leave Black folks to reckon with the reality that their emotions, whether it be grief, anger, or joy, produce mass fear ... the same fear that fertilized the injustice(s) we are reacting to. For centuries,  Black pain has been indicted before white supremacy. Until our society, and specifically this city actively reckons with that, these calls for "peace",  are merely euphemisms for "hush".

   Silencing, and shaming is violence.  Assuming Black people are destructive is violence. Derailing is violence. Intimidating protestors is violence. Monitoring  vigils is violence ... and you know what most folks say violence usually produces.

 - Christina D. Brown

Screenshot,  Tweet Credit to @JasonLawNews

#sam dubose #black pain #black anger #Black lives matter #cincinnati #ferguson #baltimore #University of Cincinnati #hottest college in america #policing #violence #African american #ray tensing #race #racism #white supremacy #Christina d brown #Christina thinks #wcpo #Jason law

[christinadbrown]

Love Has Not Won ... Yet

 Today I was one of countless folks rejoicing upon learning of the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same sex marriage nationwide. The hashtag that often accompanied this joyous news was #LoveWins which for some reason I found bothersome. Scrolling through my timeline of celebratory statuses I was sobered by a reminder that Senator Clementa Pinckney, one of nine victims murdered in the terrorist hate crime in Charleston,  funeral was set to begin at any given moment. This gave me clarity about my frustration with the declaration that love has won . 

     Most of us have been socialized to define and prioritize love to those we are in proximity to and in close relationship with. Whether its familial (philia), romantic (eros), or even through friendships, this love is typically reserved for those we at the very least, know. While these forms of love are important, and highly logical, I am concerned that our fixation with these variations have abdicated many from collectively working towards a more complex form of love, a love of for all humanity and justice. This is brand of love demands more than  theoretical care for those who are socially, politically, and relationally distant from us. This love insists that we exhibit solidarity, and continual advocacy in spaces that render them invisible. This love has not won. 

      Today’s ruling is an indication that love can win, but we must continue to  work within and beyond institutions and across identities with intention, for love to truly prevail. #LoveWins when organizations who worked tirelessly for this day, recognize and rectify disenfranchising the voices of trans folks, and people of color (identities that aren’t mutually exclusive by the way). #LoveWins when  white folks name their complicity in racism, and commit to deconstructing the white supremacy which enabled the murders of  Senator Reverend Clementa Pinckney Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Tywanza Sanders. Cynthia Hurd. Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance,  Susie Jackson, The Reverend Daniel Simmons, and DePayne Middleton-Doctor. #LoveWins when the map of where same sex couples can now legally marry in the United States, mirrors maps where they have workplace protections,  where all people have access to livable wages, and affordable housing is abundant. In short, #LoveWins when justice for all wins. In the intermediate, I celebrate with those who are ecstatic about today, while impatiently awaiting the victories that seem far from the horizon.

#MarchOn

Christina D. Brown

Photo credit: PBS

#love wins #marriage equality #intersectionality #charleston massacre #charleston nine #affordable housing #livable wages #justice #racial justice #anti racism #march on #christina thinks #black lives matter #black trans lives matter #people of color #essay #liberation can't wait #equity

[christinadbrown]

Platinum Rule 101: Misgendering Isn’t “Keeping It Real”, It’s Dangerous.

    Somewhere in between toddlerdom and Kindergarten, adults introduced me to the concept of the golden rule. The golden rule which means “treating people the way you want to be treated”, is an unspoken cultural expectation to intended provoke thoughtfulness about how to properly treat others. As someone who expects fairness and respect from those  I encounter, it seemed like an appropriate mantra to adopt throughout my developmental years, so I did. 

   Fast forward to post high school and collegiate graduation, my assumptions about the appropriateness of the golden rule was challenged. While undergoing core training with Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program, our trainers disclosed that we were expected to adopt the platinum rule. The platinum rule, is an expectation to “treat people the way they want to be treated”. This was incredibly mind boggling to me because I couldn’t comprehend how this deviated from the golden rule. It was through the process of learning about, and disclosing preferred gender pronouns, or PGPs I became aware of the stark difference. 

    Given my cisgender privilege, I was relatively accustomed to assigning the pronouns “he” and “she” to all individuals without second thought. However once confronted with requests to employ gender neutral pronouns, or utilize pronouns that I believed was inconsistent with someones gender expression I found myself frustrated others refusal to conform to the rigidness of gender binaries. Having come to this realization of my biases after a series of microaggressions and microinsults I finally understood the necessity and difficulties of employing the platinum rule. The platinum rule necessitates that our treatment of others not to  inextricably be linked with our own personal comfort, but with thoughtful consideration of other peoples needs. In other words, the platinum rule requires that privileged people decenter their privilege. 

   I have observed the golden vs. platinum rule tension play out in  intersectional issues in recent months without rectification. Whether the demand is to call her Caitlyn, or to stop changing #BlackLivesMatter to “All Lives Matter” far too many privileged folks are committed to prioritizing their momentary individual comfort over marginalized peoples liberation. Our societal pursuit of justice and equity begins with our personal commitment to listen and honor the identities and language of the most disenfranchised. Downright refusal to meet these most basic requests isn’t keeping it real, it’s dangerous.  Intentional misgendering trans people and misrecognizing any oppressed groups is ultimately an elementary endorsement of bias which often precedes of violence against communities that are already incredibly vulnerable. 

- Christina D. Brown

Allport Scale of Prejudice and Discrimination Photo Credit : Not All Women Are the Same 

#misgendering #power and privilege #caitlyn jenner #cisgender privilege #black lives matter #transgender #christina d brown #platinum rule #social justice #heternormativity #recognizing violence #black trans lives matter #mirroring #stoptransmurders #intersectionality

[christinadbrown]

I just came across some photos for the 2015 BRIGHT Awards hosted by the Cincinnati Herald. I was incredibly honored to receive the Community Service Award and stand alongside amazing young people who are doing phenomenal things in the Cincinnati area. Photo credit belongs to the Cincinnati Herald!

#professional accomplishments #community service #christina d. brown #cincinnati herald #black professionals #young professionals

[christinadbrown]

Anti Black History Months: #DoBetterUC

On February 9, 1982, the University of Cincinnati suspended Sigma Alpha Epsilon for hosting a self proclaimed, “Martin Luther King Jr. trash Party”. To promote this shameful event, attendees were encouraged to bring a host of stereotypical items and or perform stereotypical behavior attributed to Black people. The flyer that boasted this event included a list of 45 painful, hurtful, items, which trigger images of anti blackness, especially for those who understand the depth in which it pervades this nation.

This list included but was not limited to: watermelon, a stolen hub cap, cancelled welfare check, corn row hair,  a cotton gin, a picture of James Earl Ray (Dr. King’s alleged assassin) and a basketball. Although my heartaches as I replicate the language emulated in the flyer which can be found below, it mostly hurts because of the second item listed, which lead me to write this reflection. That  item was a directive to, “paint your face Black” otherwise known as performing blackface.  Blackface has a painful history associated with Jim Crow, and for white folks who participated in this act, it  was utilized to further dehumanize and exploit Black bodies which had been subject to centuries of brutalization.

Fast forward to February 18, 2015,  I find myself similarly disheartened as photo of a presumed white student whose face is covered in Black, beard colored red, (arguably to celebrate school spirit), circulated through the redistribution of our University of Cincinnati President, Dr. Santa Ono.  I am not disheartened because this white kid, knowingly or unknowingly participated in an act that triggers historical trauma … I am however disheartened that the commentary surrounding the backlash has focused more on the intent on the perpetrator, and less on the impact of the injured marginalized group.  

Perhaps I’m sensitive because this comes literally weeks after the African American Cultural and Resource Center streamed, “Dear White People”, a film that explores the subtle and overt difficulties of being Black at a predominately white institution of higher education. Perhaps I’m sensitive because I still don’t have answers to why the university sloppily handled the public mistreatment of the first Black Dean of A&S. Dr.  Ronald Jackson. Perhaps I’m sensitive because we’re literally living in a time where we Black folks are taking to the streets yelling Black Lives Matter, just to authenticate our own humanity … or nah. I think, better yet I know, I’m sensitive because it’s relatively simple to dismiss the claims of the under resourced and underrepresented to protect the image and esteem of the privileged. As the self proclaimed #HottestCollegeInAmerica I’m sensitive because we continue to avoid opportunities to deconstruct racial inequity by failing to address our own issues as an institution.  Hopefully the course of action taken by the administration and campus leaders moving forward will ensure that the frustration myself and so many other Black students and alumni alike share, is not in vain.

Happy Black History Month…

Christina D. Brown,

A&S, 2010

#DoBetterUC

Sigma Alpha Episilon, MLK Trash Party Invitation

#black history month #bbuc #university of cincinnati #reflection #microagression #black face #racism #trigger warning #pwi #christina d brown writes #sigma alpha epsilon #sae hates me #race #campus racism

[christinadbrown]

Yesterday we kicked off our #ValentinesDay by speaking with a group of amazing young scholars about community leadership! Thank you to @lipsticklitterati for having us. #CommunityLove #BlackGivesBack #CincyGram #CincyYBP #Latergram #BlackLove #Cincinnati

#reblog #christina d brown #cincinnati #black leadership #black millennials #we do this #impossibilitarians #community building

[christinadbrown]

Observations from participating in the listening sessions for the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing

On Friday Jan. 30, 2015 I had a very rare opportunity to testify before the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The experience was quite intimidating, but overall I survived, frizzy hair and all. While I received some great feedback from attendees and panelists, I had some general reflections that I wanted to capture that are listed below.

1. Refreshing to see institutional challengers (I.E Constance Rice, Jose Lopez, Tracey Meares etc)  serve within the task force. 

 2.  Subject matter "experts" are important, but communities who are disproportionately affected by these decisions and policies are not present, which is unacceptable. 

 3. Greater inclusion of youth voices and young adult voices are necessary and also noticeably absent. (At least per the first day of panels and testimonials).

 4. While policing best practices are important, there was an overrepresentation of police voices on the panels which presents bias. 

5. Policy recommendations are somewhat important but a cultural shift in policing will need to occur in order to transform communities role and relationship with law enforcement. 

Overall, I am grateful to have had an opportunity to testify on mass demonstrations but the systemic change must have a grassroots origin to truly be impactful.

Before recess ends.

*The DoJ spelled my name in a hybrid version of all of the other ways I've seen it.

Special Thanks to Herschel for my awkward photos.

#police task force #community police relations #cdb reflects #millennial activist

[christinadbrown]

More than 70 people sat in the chilly auditorium at Truth and Destiny Covenant Church in Mount Airy Jan. 24 listening raptly to two attorneys talk about traffic stops.

Not the most flattering picture but an amazing write up of the movement we're trying to foster here in Cincinnati. Check it out!

#Black Lives Cincy #black lives matter #teach in #learn up #activism #scholarship #education #social justice #cdb

[christinadbrown]

Cincinnati to Ferguson: An Ever-Present Lesson

    Photo credit : Nick Swartsell, City Beat Magazine

     24 hours following the announcement that Officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted for the shooting death of Michael Brown, cities across the nation peacefully took the streets to react. Cincinnati was no exception, but the memories of 2001's civil unrest literally lingered in the crowds of hundreds who gathered around the federal courthouse to express their anguish and anger. In what could be argued as a demonstration of solidarity with the community, Cincinnati Police Department Chief, Jeffrey Blackwell avoided the platform of speakers. Instead he stood with the crowd, neutrally observing the appreciation and critique the Cincinnati Police Department has undergone since those unnerving days.

     Cincinnati has proudly lent itself as a model for transformational community police relations yet, I can't help but to wonder, what still needs to be done? The policies and programs which arose from despair and anguish have slowly improved the confidence of some communities of color. Subtle affirmations such as the presence of neighborhood officers at community council meetings have aided in relationship building. This accompanied by the construction of the Citizens Complaint Authority, which promises of oversight when police misconduct is alleged are worth undoubtedly replication. However, we as a city must remain hypersensitive and hypercritical about the gaps in mistrust that have historically lingered.

     While touting the victories, we must disclose the shortcomings that continue to make this journey incredibly difficult. This looks like having continued uncomfortable conversations and training about unconscious bias and policing, ongoing Know Your  Rights campaigns, amongst various other actions. As we send our thoughts and hopes to Ferguson, perhaps the most courageous act Cincinnatians can take is commiting to deconstructing why Cincinnati was Ferguson in 2001 to begin with.

#CDB Writes #Cincinnati #Ferguson #police community relations #race #race relations #reflections

[christinadbrown]

    This photo was taken during Global Youth Service Day in 2011. Public Allies Cincinnati led by second year Fellows had the opportunity to provide a collegiate simulation experience for area youth at Xavier University. As the day began I  Dez decided to assign himself to peer mentoring me which was a hilarious, frustrating, exhausting, and transformational experience. For 8.5 hours we learned about sports management, construction, how to ask appropriate questions, and we discussed his backup plan in the event he doesn't get drafted by the NBA. This service day felt like the longest and shortest day ever, and the  experience in it's entirety parallels my entire AmeriCorps tenure  adventure.

    My two service years were thrilling, tedious, life shattering, and life altering. Despite the occasional unpleasantness of all of the above, it changed me for the good, and I wouldn't have it any other way. It is in this spirit I want to wish AmeriCorps a happy 20th birthday, and appreciate the staff, supporters, corps members, alums, and countless people that make/made experiences like mine possible. 

Salute!

The Villagekeeper

Public Allies Alum, CIN '10 & 11

#americorps #americorps 20 #public allies #ev1leads #leadership #gysd #global youth service day #service #christina brown #reflections

[christinadbrown]

I'm going back to high school tomorrow! I'm very excited to kick off this series in my hometown with such an important topic. Here's to the first of many!

#christina brown #villagekeeper #race #discussions #ferguson #police community relations #social justice #student leaders #columbus ohio #cincinnati #favorite panelist

[christinadbrown]

The national news cycle has provoked a range of feelings for everyday people. Those feelings span from sadness, frustration to pure unadulterated anger. Despite where folks stand on issues from Ferguson to the Gaza strip, behind the mainstream coverage there are untold stories of folks working to build empowered and inclusive communities globally. Locally, Starfire University demonstrated this commitment with their 3rd annual Starfire “Unconference”. #Starfire3Day provided a flexible community based opportunity for attendees to teach an audience or learn a new skill that could be used to fellowship and or improve a community. The combination of amazing people, unique session topics, and delicious community dinner made the event a memorable success worth praise. Hopefully their event and (which wraps tonight) many other local community centered practices serves reminder for us to put aside the politics of the world for a moment, and be intentional about getting to know one another.

CB Reflection on #Starfire3Day

#starfire3day #cincinnati #community building #graphic facilitation #community dinner #for good

[christinadbrown]

#IntentionMonday Be at Peace

#peace #christina brown #office politics #working in non profit #note to self #intention monday

[christinadbrown]

#IntentionMonday If You Build It ... They Could Come

  Word to Bryan.

#intention monday #mantra #christina brown #affirmation #innovation #the villagekeeper

[christinadbrown]

#IntentionMonday : Just Do It.

    My Monday began with a scratchy throat, forgotten breakfast, and overdue e mails ... which seems typical of a Monday. Atypical however, was the post I stumbled upon while browsing GOOD about mapping your intentions for the week and holding yourself accountable for the outcome. Enter NJosefBeck's #IntentionMonday: The How and Why of Setting Intentions for a More Fulfilling Life. 

    This prompt read gave concise methods to alter my week for the better, presumably on the most dreaded day of the week for most. Reviewing the post made me realize how frustrating my previous two weeks were for a multitude of reasons. The prominent reasons that immediately present themselves are uncertainty and lack of sense of purpose. Although I have my critique of the systemic reasons my irritation persists, this exercise of intention Monday has prompted me to be accountable for my contribution to my own frustration. I can inquire about definitive plans and their underlying relationship to bigger picture issues, but ultimately when they cannot be clarified, it is for me to define. 

    I can remain curious about impact, intent, and process ... but for now I will challenge my self to the Nike mantra and see where I land from there. It's not the most sophisticated intention, but for now ... that's the point.  Until next time, I'll leave you with this parting Jhene Aiko gif.

See ya,

CDB #TheVillageKeeper

#intention monday #reflection #cdb life #non profit #young professional #jhene for the soul #jhene #bedpeace #sail out