We’ve been thinking about where and how we’re needed in media and in Black liberation work - and how we can show up consistently and with integrity in those spaces to accomplish our mission and be in service to Beloved Community. That said…we think it’s time to make things official in 2023.

"[I]t is not lost on me how only Black women have been called out for the usage of ableist slurs in their songs while non-Black celebrities continue to use ableist language daily...while sp*z is indeed a slur, it has also very much been a part of AAVE – African American Vernacular English – for years and until recently was not seen as a slur by the able-bodied and neurotypical Black community. Even some disabled and neurodivergent Black people were not aware.

That said, it's important to understand that no matter who the term is being used by, it should still be considered a slur, but in order for the intersection of ableism and racism to be discussed in depth, the platform to speak on it needs to be given to a Black disabled person. This is the only way there can be true education."

Does the ideal of American democracy truly serve Black folks? Do calls to protect and defend democracy fall flat on the ears of Black Americans and youth? And what is Better to Speak’s role as a media platform for Black youth and young adults?

Kési Felton, writer and founder of Better to Speak, reflects in recognition of Democracy Day, in which newsrooms across the country are shining a light on threats to democracy and what action is needed to protect it. Learn more at usdemocracyday.org. 

Our main takeaways from the conference speak to the power of confidence, community and commitment for athletes envisioning a life of success beyond sports. Keep reading to hear more of what we learned.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, which federally protected the right to an abortion – as well as other health privacy and reproductive health care concerns – since 1974. Here’s how you can learn more + take action in support of abortion and reproductive rights.