Oh, where to begin. So longtime followers here no that like many Black users, I’ve been frequently shadow banned by Facebook. No rules broken, no “community standards” violated, nothing. Drinking water and minding my business has resulted in me frequently being shadow banned or flagged without me being notified. The latest ordeal happened on Feb. … More Reloaded
Dear Choice Hotels Leadership and Board of Directors, I am writing to you today to share my experience last night (Friday, 10/10/2025) with your Comfort Suites Hotel location at the 3431 Percy Priest Dr. Nashville TN 37214 address. I had a lovely dinner with an old friend, Jay. That Comfort Suites was clean, run by … More Herald’s Choice
Returning to Yopp, I’m doing a second installment of what my patronus Paul Mooney called the Complexion for the Protection. Whereas previously six iconic fictional characters were critiqued, this time we’re taking aim at a number of high profile celebrities and the harm done by the white privilege they wield. And now our feature presentation….
Over on OUTvoices I provide a retrospective on Marvel’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier. In addition to explaining why the Disney+ original series has been a success (and the only one that has been to date), I also explain why the show’s unapologetic critique of racism, antiblackness and other forms of systemic oppression exposes much … More It’s The Hypocrisy For Me
The month of February may have ended but the celebration of #BlackExcellence continues 24/7, 365. Making my return to Yopp and speaking with the cadence and conviction of Black Bolt, I discuss 8 truths of the Black Experience that are often neglected or purposely misrepresented: The driving force behind antiblackness and systemic white supremacy is … More We Hold These Truths of the Black Experience To Be Self Evident
Making my return to Out & About Nashville, I explain why Black people do not exist for your fetish or entertainment. The fact this even has to be explained speaks volumes in it self. And now, our feature presentation.
The late Toni Morrison eloquently stated, “I’m always annoyed about why Black people have to bear the brunt of everybody else’s contempt. If we are not totally understanding and smiling, suddenly we’re demons.” Ms. Morrison was an example of how a phenomenal Black woman can recalibrate your entire reality with a few sage words. My … More But I Paid Him A Compliment
Oh yes. I go there. Let’s get into it.
As an author, journalist and an activist, anytime I write something, be it a social media update or my next novel, I write with the intent to empower, enlighten and entertain. If I can do all three simultaneously, golden! I call it the E-Cubed Directive. These challenging times are a reminder why I do the … More Black Lives Matter Resource Packet
Making my return to Yopp Voice, today I discuss six iconic characters whose white privilege gives them a pass for their most reprehensible and downright villainous behavior. I also explain how these narratives have real life repercussions. Special thanks to the lovely and always awesome Kella Hanna-Wayne for helping me make this piece a reality. … More The Complexion For The Protection
The most disrespected person in America is the Black Trans Woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black Trans Woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black Trans Woman.
It’s the holiday season and yours truly is showing the Scrooge gents (Ebenezer and Mr. McDuck) how to put in that work. Making my debut over on Yopp, I discuss the white privilege of social activism. I also point out the glaring double standards that Blacks and other PoCs endure when we speak out against … More The White Privilege of Social Justice
Unless you’ve been under the sea or at sea, you’ve no doubt heard about bigots being outraged that a Black actress was cast in the title role for the upcoming live action The Little Mermaid film. So why the outrage, you ask? It’s just a movie, you say. The truth is, it was never about … More Part of the World I Know
Color Commentary is back and for this special edition, we’re taking aim at Nashville Pride. I suppose a little backstory is in order. Even though I’m an unapologetic MSM of color who lists Midnighter, Brian Kinney and Alan Turing as his Patronuses, as a general rule I usually shun Pride and most Gay Inc (read: … More Color Commentary: Operation Orpheus
Yesterday a very good friend of mine shared a horrific incident she had with an abusive and sociopathic Lyft driver on social media. Although she kicked his ass and handled her business like the boss she is, she admitted she was hesitant to come forward and share her story. Understandable given how traumatic and scary … More Wrong Turn
Say what you will about the 2000 teen comedy film, Bring It On, its commentary on cultural appropriation, racism, privilege, white supremacy, and the exploitation of Black culture seems to be more relevant now than when the film was released nearly two decades ago. Over on Black Girl Nerds, I give five more examples of Black … More More Moments In Whitewashed History
One reason you will never hear me complain about the Beyhive stanning for Beyonce. Aside from the fact that she’s awesome, it’s that even in the 21st century, celebrating phenomenal Black women is still a revolutionary act. Prelude: Setting: A dream (?) from a few years back where I wake up and find myself strapped … More Keep Beyonce’s Name Out Of Your Mouth
Over on #BlackGirlNerds I explain why Jussie Smollett’s actions are not only reprehensible but just made life harder for myself and other Black LGBTQs. I have some things to discuss.
A chap by the name of George Orwell said it best. “In a time of universal deceit — telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Midnighter Mode in 3…..2…..1……. The fight for equal rights continues to hit a fever pitch. Trans people are fighting for basic human decency, my Asian siblings continue to be #WhiteWashedOUT of … More Redux: Anti-Blackness Thy Name Is Facebook
So news broke yesterday that the creators of Rape of Thrones are creating a new series called Confederate. It essentially reimagines the South winning the Civil War and slavery continuing. Because in the age of a Trump presidency, Dylan Roof and #BlackLivesMatter, white power fantasies are exactly what we need.
DENNIS R. UPKINS 