The Table Talk Blog is a space designated for young women of color to expand on the Dinner Table's mission by sharing their truth in a safe space. Each post is written by a current high school or college student as well as first year post grad students enrolled in our fellowship program.
Recent Fellow Post:
The Miseducation of Brown Girls Summer Leadership Academy
Please enjoy written pieces by Samia Muhammed, Addison White, Zaria Salters, Sierra Wilkinson and Chayya Lewis. To Read More: Click Here
|
Please enjoy written pieces about Black girls and sports written by Taylor McCray, Brianna Alvarez and Madison Moore. To Read More: Click Here
|
Please enjoy the written pieces about Black Lives by Jhari Williams, Courtney Chrichlow, Shyenne Walston and Tovia Tisby. To Read More: Click Here
|
Recent Post:
“A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” playing in the background, family laughing and joking, the smell of mac & cheese, honey-glazed ham, oven roasted chicken, and cheesy lasagna filling your nose with its beautiful aromas and the atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. Now imagine experiencing this every night. ReadMore
|
As a young child growing up in a Jamaican-American household, the phrase “a child must be seen not heard” has been reiterated to me by my parents and adults in my family. Read More
|
Have you ever felt like your life is on repeat? Wake up, sign into zoom, do assignments, study, and go to bed.
Read More |
I came across a tweet posted the other day that said, “My daughter is 8. I’ll explain to her about George Floyd. When my son was 6, I was..Read More
|
If you would have told me on December 31st, 2019, that the year 2020 was going to be sporadic and eventful, I would have honestly told you that you...Read More
|
Written By Yaelle Pierre of Set The Table Summer Camp Cohort
To Read More: Click Here |
Picture this: it is your senior year of high-school and you have just committed to your dream university. You’re splurging on school gear, posting your exciting news all over social media, and joining TOO many group...Read More
|
When my cousin, Parys, texted me last fall with a flyer from The Dinner Table Doc, saying that they were looking for interns, I knew my aspirations and talents would soon blossom. Parys is a major influence.. .Read More
|
Who has left a tremendous impact on your life? While you are pondering over your thoughts, I would like for you to meet my Great-Grandmother, Ernestine McCafferty, who was born on November 28th, 1943......Read More
|
I cannot wait to have my own family one day. I am most looking forward to building a strong, healthy family unit.
I want my family to break the stigma and stereotypes that are placed upon black families. Read More |
Whenever I turn on my television now, I always tend to see drama and/or negativity that is created to degrade African Americans. At the age of 20, I am growing up in an era where social media and/or reality tv can....Read More
|
COVID-19 which is also known as the Coronavirus Disease 2019 has impacted the world in many ways. According to cdc.gov, As of April 8thth, 2020, there have been 400,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S...Read More
|
We all find ourselves in this unique moment in time, where we are required to self-quarantine at home. For some of us, this moment of isolation was necessary. This moment fosters an incredible opportunity...Read More
|
I don't think there's anyone that could have predicted what has transpired over the last few weeks. Not only has the news been hard to keep up with it's also been equally as hard for students to adjust to a brand new model of...Read More
|
Are [toxic] long-lived marriages, a goal to strive for or a generational curse to break? In minority culture, children often look upon the lasting marriages of their grandparents and parents as something they want for themselves. Read More
|
When you look at yourself in the mirror what do you think of yourself? Are you the same person that is reflected outward? Know that there are no bounds to which identity can be...Read More
|
This is my first presidential election that I will be able to exercise my right to vote in. I had always looked forward to being able to vote. This is because the movement for African American suffrage is very close to my heart. Read More
|
Throughout history, there have been exceptional examples of women who trail blazed alongside some of history's prominent black men. As we close out Womens Month, there is much to be said about women... Read More
|
If more women could hear about your story, then there will be more women open to following their dreams. Many girls/women see you as their role model and I know that if they hear words of encouragement...Read More
|
I was fortunate that as a child, I navigated without fear and was encouraged to see that my dreams are possible. I was taught to be a leader and always speak up for myself. Read More
|
Sometimes it is easy to feel confined in a one dimensional perspective of what a leader is supposed to be. Growing up you’ll realize that there is a space and opportunity ...Read More
|
I have never been comfortable with death. Never have I made peace with it. I can never get used to it; every encounter I have had reopens emotional wounds and sadness..Read More
|
Alvin Ailey Dance Theater ushers in a new perspective to a predominately white dance style, ballet. Seeing a show by the dance company forces many to think of ballet in a broader sense...Read More
|
By being a woman, many people believe that women cannot be successful and start and own their businesses. By being an African American woman, many people...Read More
|
One thing about black women: we do not pay about our hair! Because our hair is so versatile, we can, quite literally, achieve any style. Read More
|
The holiday season is upon us and with that comes numerous family dinners. Read More
|
According to the New Oxford American Dictionary empowerment is defined as, “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life...Read More
|
Every New Year’s Day, I am catapulted back to my childhood. I remember riding with my family to my grandparent’s house for the evening for dinner. Read More
|
Black women in television have made the ultimate come up. From having roles in the domestic household catering to other people, to being seen as lawyers, political figures, and leaders. Read More
|
One day when I was scrolling through Instagram, I came across a post that I couldn’t get out of my mind after viewing it. Read More
|
When I first started college, I had a vague sense of what to expect.
Yes, my family and my high school prepared me for the academic side of things, but no one prepared me Read More |
You woke up and you opened your eyes. First and foremost, be grateful for that! There will be days that you will wish that was not true. Read More
|
At the ripe age of 24 years old, there stands a woman who serves as the brains behind two very successful businesses – her name is Chaymeriyia Moncrief...Read More
|
Every year the Dinner Table recognizes 18 black Women under 18 years old who are doing amazing things in our community. The Dinner Table honestly wishes...Read More
|
Check out our exclusive interviews with Dinner Table friends and former "Community Shero" Honoree's Dr. Jessica B Harris and Dr. Hasna Muhammed.
Read Their Interviews, Here |
Thanksgiving aka the day where your healthy eating regiment goes out the window is almost here. For my mom and I that means finalizing our Thanksgiving menu...Read More
|
For this edition of Black Girl, using my favorite social medium, Twitter, I sent out a request for creatives of all kinds to send me examples of their work if they wanted to be...Read More
|
I’ve always thought of myself to be very self-assured almost to the point where I can’t be easily influenced. But that of course like any other trait my self-assurance...Read More
|
Black Girl CreativelyAs a young, black creative who is always in the process of finding new people to admire and celebrate, I generally start with the people around me. And an HBCU undergrad studying communications in the place formerly known as “Chocolate City,” I find myself admiring and celebrating people that look like me the most. Read More
|
White Awake?I am a student at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) and last month a flyer circulated on campus for an event called “White Awake”. The flyer was distributed by UMD’s Counseling Center and Division of Student Affairs to advertise “A group for white students to talk... Read More
|
Your Journey Does Not Have to be LinearAs a little girl, I was enthralled by the idea of living a perfect life. I had dreams of becoming a pediatrician and establishing my own children’s hospital all while getting married and raising a family. I had a timeline in which I wanted to achieve my goals and I expected all of this to occur by the time I was 35. Read More
|
Welcome HomeThe holiday season is finally upon us, which means I’ll soon be booking train tickets back home from school.
Just the thought of getting to see my mom and my little sister is super exciting, but not as exciting as when we inevitably pack our bags and take a trip up north from.. Read More |
|
Am I Any Less Cool If I Don't Party, Smoke or Drink?So the weekend comes around and for college students that means getting drunk, getting high and partying the stress away, right? Well for some... Read More
|
My College Regrets: What I would change if I could redo my University ExperienceLately, I have been reminiscing. Blame it on the change of seasons, or plain, old-fashioned boredom... Read More
|
Young, Black & Trying To Peacefully Get An EducationSafety on college campuses is a widely contested issue at the moment and rightfully so. If you’re spending four years or more at an institution that’s basically a second home you should feel... Read More
|
Black Women, We Must Claim Our Political PowerThe presence of Black women in local and federal office is imperative. Black women need to be in positions of power to reframe the narrative that surrounds our existence...Read More
|
The Duality of My Black ExperienceMy name is Senam and it means “God’s gift”. I take great pride in my name because it is an emblem of my Ghanaian heritage.
My father was born in Ghana and immigrated to the United States in the late 80’s. Read More |
A Busy Girl's Guide to MindfulnessAs summer comes to an end, the incoming season is bound to bring many new and exciting changes (and not just with the leaves).
Whether you’re returning to school, starting a new job, or heading out to travel the world – Read More |
The company behind Essence magazine just announced their partnership with Queen Latifah to fund an initiative that supports creatives of color. Read More
|
Every summer before moving back on campus I make a list of things I want to accomplish that year, and every year “getting more involved on campus” is at ... Read More
|
Sometimes as black people our individual experiences tend to be similar to each other. Read More
|
It is no secret that colorism exists. It is very prominent within our society whether it be television or social media. Read More
|
Black Experience Across OceansThe Black Experience can be described as a common understanding shared amongst Black people of all nations and origins. Read More
|
The Power of DanceOn June 7th I was invited to attend my old dance schools’ end of the year showcase and let me just say that I left that space feeling so grateful to have been... Read More
|
Are We Able to Disconnect, and Remain Informed?In the years following a tragic world event, be it a natural disaster, or the unfortunately..
Read More |
My Favorite Aspect of Issa Rae's 'Insecure'For all of my ‘Insecure’ fans we have a lot to look forward to in the new season. Issa and Daniel living together...Read More
|
A Reflection of My Time As a College StudentI recently graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and will have a Bachelors degree in Forensic Psychology and English. Read More
|
What I've Learned One Year Post GradA little over a year ago, I crossed one of the most important milestones in my life thus far— moving on from student to graduate. Read More
|
Diary of a Black Private School Girl: My Experience with Racism in My AdolescenceThe movie adaptation of the novel, The Hate U Give, will be premiering in October of this year. It tells the story of a 16-year-old girl
Read More |
Dark Skinned Actresses Who Deserve To Be On The Big Screen as WellThe Hate U Give film is based on the best selling novel by Audrey Wells and describes it’s lead character, Starr as a dark skinned young black woman... Read More
|
Incorporating Self Care Into My Everyday LifeNavigating this world as a young black woman in 2018 can be a challenge sometimes.
I’m constantly making sure not to get swept into the social pressures that college can bring Read More |
"[I was] thrown to the floor for sitting at my desk" says Shakara reflectively, standing in front of blueish grey background in her navy blue vest and long-sleeve red shirt. Read More
|
“All skinfolk ain’t kinfolk”- Zora Neale Hurston. Black women have long been accustomed to disappointment. Read More
|
Black women make some amazing music–but we already knew that. Which albums are necessary to keep in your rotation? Read More
|
You’ve probably seen a shirt at Forever 21 that said something like “Tacos on Fleek” or “My Squad Always on Fleek”. Read More
|
On January 21, 2017, a supporter of Keke Palmer tweeted a snapshot of her being featured in singer Trey Songz new music video. The problem is Palmer didn’t authorize Songz to include her in a cameo... Read More
|
Comic Books and BlacknessIn a world where Black history and culture has become a looming figure in conversation, a renaissance has arrived to break the phantom of our stories out of the silence. Read More
|
What to Do When You Don't Have Any New Year's Resolutions2017 is going to be a year of healing. For a majority of us, 2016 was a year of trauma, devastation, and uncertainty. It was just emotionally exhausting. Read More
|
A Guide to Improving Our Quality of LifeWe as humans, have the tendency to strive for a state of fulfillment in our lives. All of our goals and aspirations are usually in the pursuit of happiness... Read More
|
Truly Giving for ThanksgivingThanksgiving is the season of of being thankful of all the things you’ve received. Unfortunately, there are many families who don’t even have the basic necessities. Read More
|
Walk In Your Ways..."Rise" has basically become an anthem (in my opinion) for Black women's empowerment and promotion of self-care.
Read More |
Black Face on Fashion?The use of blackface in America dates back to the Jim Crow era. White performers of the South blackened their faces and mocked Black people by... Read More
|
First Lady Michelle Obama Reflects on International Day of the Girl “For me, education was power.”
First Lady Michelle Obama didn’t grow up knowing many people who went to college, but she went on to attend Princeton and Harvard Universities. Read More |
How to Keep Up with Black Injustice While Maintaining Mental HealthKeith Lamont Scott, Terrence Crutcher, and Tyre King were all murdered within a week. It can be overwhelming seeing a new hashtag, breaking news story, or bloodied body laying out on the street. Read More
|
Why 'A Seat at the Table' Is Right On TimeCultural appropriation, systemic violence, microaggressions; these are all topics addressed in “A Seat at the Table.” Solange Knowles has just released her third studio album–an ethereal, melodic collection that has already received an immense amount of critical acclaim. Read More
|
An Ode to Black Girl Friendship"If anybody knows how to be friends, it’s black women. We have been enslaved and had to care for each other and each other’s babies and pick each other up in so many powerful ways..." -Cree Summer Read More
|
The Glass Ceiling: White Hollywood -An Exclusive Media IndustryThe entertainment industry is a forefront of today’s society, but unfortunately is far from inclusive. A fair amount of Hollywood stars are white. According to USC Annenberg’s MDCD Initiative in 2014, approximately 75% of actors in films were white. Read More
|
Missing Pieces in History: The Erasure of Black LeadershipBlack people make up the backbone of American history. Yet, all we have learned in history class is regarding Christopher Columbus’ white savior complex and the struggles the White colonizers endured. Read More
|
The Attack on Black GirlsThe world rests heavy and inconsiderate on the backs of black women and girls. And the world justifies this, it says "Black women are strong". " So strong it'd be a challenge to break them down”. And all the world’s people said: "Challenge accepted." Read More
|
The USA Gymnastics Team: How average girls became super starsOn July 10th of 2016, the final five women were chosen for the 2016 Olympics. Laurie Hernandez, Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman and Madison Kocian, will all be representing the USA at the 2016 Olympics. Read More
|
5 awesome black female characters featured in big franchise video gamesMale characters don’t only rule video games. Today, there is a slew of leading black women taking games by storm. These characters are also featuring in some of the biggest franchises the gaming world has to offer. Read More
|
A House That Knows You By NameHome is often a word meant to describe a brick and mortar embodiment of safety. So, it might be safe to assume that one who opens their home to others is inviting them into their safe space. Read More
|
What Tinder is like for
|
What do Catfish, Bad Girls Club and Bollywood have in common?Reality TV is second behind Bollywood films as my favourite form of entertainment and there’s a commonality between them. Read More
|
5 Tips to Self Care Every Black Women NeedsBeing a black women in this day and age can be tiring. After centuries of being the most unwanted people in America, a lot of us have come to internalized that hatred and deny the need for self care. Read More
|
18 year old Artist, Cliffane Forrester's Painting is on Display at the MetCliffanie Forrester is an 18 year old artist from Brooklyn, NY She is a recent high school graduate and has recently accomplished one of her life long dreams. Read More
|
Meet The New Iron Man...A 15 Year Old Black GirlIron “Man” won’t be a man for much longer. Come this fall, a young black girl with a fierce afro will assume The Golden Avenger mantle. Read More
|
I Don't Want Your Crown: A Response to TokenismThere are few positions as precarious and conditional as being the exception to some else's prejudice. A lifetime teetering on the tightrope of respectability is one I wouldn't even wish on my enemies. Read More
|
Women across social media are sharing how they are an #OvercomeHERThe hashtag that’s spreading the stories of women across the globe, #OvercomeHER, is taking over people’s timeline & empowering women everywhere. Read More
|
Intersectional Anxiety in the Wake of OrlandoThroughout my life, I have struggled with anxiety. In my younger years, most of it was a result of social discomfort and a fear of other people. Read More
|
The Release of Season 4 of OITNBThe uproar around Orange Is The New Black was expected on Black Twitter. While some took to binge watching the entire season when it released on June 17th. Read More
|
Why Every Black Girl Needs ‘A Different World’If you’re a teen or 20-something-year-old young woman born in the 90’s, you should have heard of A Different Worldby now. If not, that’s why we’re here. A Different World premiered in 1987... Read More
|
Formation Tour: Black Girl PilgrimageFrom the very beginning it was clear that this tour was designed to provide a safe space for all who had trekked to attend, and in the spirit of all that Lemonade was, it quickly revealed itself to be an opportunity for fellowship unlike any concert... Read More
|
#GameChange on the Grammy Nomination RulesOn June 16th, the Recording Academy announced that streaming only releases will now be eligible for consideration for Grammy nominations. This is only one of five big changes that will be implemented immediately. Read More.
|
The Dinner Table Doc at the United #StateOfWomenDue to her work her with The Dinner Table Documentary, director Asha Boston was both nominated and selected to participate in the United State of Women Summit hosted by the White House Council on Women and Girls. Read More
|
Recap: The Dinner Table Comes to ATL!A few times in life we encounter some incredible, inspiring people who just attract all sorts of greatness in their lives. We are humbled by their grace and humility. We are encouraged by their resilience. Read More
|
The Controversial Nina Simone BiopicOn March 2, 2016 the movie trailer for the highly anticipated film Nina was released and caused great controversy and conversation across several social media platforms. Read More
|
|
Did He/She Just Say That?So, you’re in class preoccupied with whether or not you’ve studied enough for the day’s exam or maybe you’ve been running late all day and when you finally get to class and set your bag down is when it happens: Read More
|
The Benefits of Uplifting One AnotherWe have arrived at the Dinner Table with new understandings about life, lessons learned about love and new modeled appreciations of friendship. Read More
|
Recap: The Miseducation of Black Girls in NYC (Official Event Recap)As guests arrived at the Brooklyn, YWCA the sweet sounds of Lauryn Hill’s Miseducation album greeted them, providing a prelude to some of the conversations that would ensue. Read More
|
Embrace Your Many DimensionsMany women feel pressure in public spaces to respond in ways that are different from their natural personalities. Whether it is at school, work or doctor’s office we can be made aware of the kinds of stereotypes we are asked to reinforce on a day to day basis. Read More
|
The Journey to Loving my BlacknessIt’s done. It only took six hours, but it was worth it. My new long braids really do look beautiful. A lot better than I thought it would, to be honest. I never would’ve thought that I would do it... Read More
|
Beyonce releases new visual album "LEMONADE"Black girl magic, pure vulnerability, the path to forgiveness. This revolutionary movie has given a new meaning to black girl magic and the way the world will look at visual albums forever. Read More
|
The Best Interracial Relationship is set the Zombie Apocalypse?The mainstream hit The Walking Dead just made a very unconventional move. The show revolves around a group stuck in the zombie apocalypse in Georgia. Now in its 6th season The Walking Dead captures one of the largest audiences on TV right now. Read More
|
|
Piece of The Pie Interviews:
Piece of the Pie is (a now archived) section of the Dinner Table Doc blog that was dedicated to highlighting powerful women who were actively connected with The Dinner Table via social media [from 2014-2016] and expressed interest in supporting our mission by connecting with student interns. All interviews were conducted by student interns.