Category: Black

Allyship is a verb

LeRon Barton
Allyship is a verb

Black folks are tired. I mean worn out, depleted, and exhausted. The marathon of life and the hate we experience has got us debilitated. Drained of power and desire to talk with white folks about what it means to be Black, our struggle, and attempting to justify why we should not be terrorized. We are out of ways to tell white America why we are deserving of respect and peace. Black people cannot describe our lives enough. We have said everything and done everything. It is over. This is the…

#Permitpatty and #BBQBecky: 911 is a joke

LeRon Barton
#Permitpatty and #BBQBecky: 911 is a joke

There are not too many Black people walking among us today that can tell you they have avoided contact with the police. It is an almost inevitable collision. You can be walking down the street, driving a car, entering your own home, or performing everyday life tasks, and eventually you will interact with the cops. This is something Black parents try and prepare their children when they give The Talk, a conversation our Mothers and Fathers have with us about how to act when confronted by the police and how…

#LivingWhileBlack

LeRon Barton
#LivingWhileBlack

For while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn’t any other tale to tell, it’s the only light we’ve got in all this darkness.” -James Baldwin, Sonny’s Blues If I were to ever be asked, “What is life as a Black person?” I would be totally aghast. Not because I couldn’t answer the question, but because of how vast it is. Where would I start? Would it be with our current…

The Long Fight: Parkland kids vs. America

LeRon Barton
The Long Fight: Parkland kids vs. America

I admire the Parkland kids: students who were a part of one of the worst mass school shootings, now turned activists. They have taken their pain and tragedy and turned it into a movement for gun control. While most people would still be reeling from the tragedy (and rightfully so), Emma Gonzales, David Hogg, Alex Wind, Jacyln Corin are among others who have decided to fight for more sensible gun laws. That is strength that most, including myself, do not possess. I love these kids and for the first time…

Talking to Learn and Not To Respond

LeRon Barton
Talking to Learn and Not To Respond

I love talking to people. It is one of my favorite pastimes. Having a great conversation where you learn about the person or people, sharing ideas, and gaining a new outlook is one of the things that makes me smile. It ranks right below reading and writing as something that I absolutely love. Dialogue fits my naturally inquisitive nature. If you have ever had a conversation with me, I would probably be the main one asking the questions. It’s not because I don’t like talking about myself or that I…

The Dr. Vibe Show – LeRon Barton And Alexander Williams “Hip Hop vs. White Supremacy”

LeRon Barton
The Dr. Vibe Show – LeRon Barton And Alexander Williams “Hip Hop vs. White Supremacy”

I was invited to be a guest on The Dr. Vibe show alongside musician Alexander Williams to talk about Hip-Hop and its role in fighting white supremacy. I had a great time discussing rap, racism, and how hip-hop can be a change for good. Check out the interview.

We Need To Practice Self Care (Erica Garner, RIP Alton Sterling, and Philando Castille)

LeRon Barton
We Need To Practice Self Care (Erica Garner, RIP Alton Sterling, and Philando Castille)

Dear Black, Brown, Asian, and Other People of Color: In the past 24 hours, we have witnessed two Black men murdered by the Baton Rouge and Falcon Heights Police Departments, respectively. Watching the videos of these Black men being lynched, many of us are in disbelief, saying, “This can’t be!” In 2016, Black men are given no judge, jury, or trial; only execution. I know that many of us are going through a myriad of emotions: anger, sadness, hurt, despair, and I am here to tell you that it is…

The Game changer: Why I Wear My Trayvon Martin Hoodie

LeRon Barton
The Game changer: Why I Wear My Trayvon Martin Hoodie

There are certain points in a person’s life that leave a permanent mark on who they are. These events change who we are and can move our lives in different directions. For myself, one of those moments was the death of Trayvon Martin. Racism was something that I knew about, but wasn’t discussed in depth within my family. Growing up I was told: “Be home before the street lights come on,” “When you are driving in these little towns, be careful because they may have their own laws,” “You have…

Interview for The Stream!

LeRon Barton
Interview for The Stream!

In May, I was given a chance to appear on The Stream, a news program on Al Jazeeraa that focuses on topics that are discussed on social media. I along side a panel of Black women talked about colorism in the global Black community. I had a wonderful time talking about this topic with the guests and hosts. I hope to be back. Check it out!