As we tuned in President Obama deliver his farewell address and we read Donald Trump’s never ending tweets and watched the confirmation hearings forTrump’s cabinet picks, many of us can’t help but feel a sense of panic and uncertainty. What is really going on with this country and what is going to happen now?
In times like these, art that reflects both our feelings and our humanity is necessary. So, it was only right that Ebony tapped artist Kadir Nelson for their February cover.
In times like these, art that reflects both our feelings and our humanity is necessary. So, it was only right that Ebony tapped artist Kadir Nelson for their February cover.
Ebony released a statement saying that the publication “has a renewed focus on survival, unity and ensuring that Black communities live up to the promises that our ancestors left behind.”
Ebony’s editor-in-chief and Senior Vice President of Digital Editorial said, “Now is an ideal time to strategize about how best to politically, economically and socially harness said power and influence for the betterment of the Black community. We have endured much worse, and we never gave up or lost ourselves. From bus boycotts to Black Lives Matter, we just need to know what to do and to whom to do it.”
The annual Black History/Black Future issue consults experts on ways in which the community can breathe and gain control of its destiny during the Trump era.
There’s a spotlight on activism in the NFL and one on Raoul Peck’s documentary on James Baldwin I Am Not Your Negro.”
There’s also an in-depth piece on the historical significance of collard greens in the Black community and its cultural appropriation. Bishop Jakes has a message for families and a new multimedia series called “In Our Cities” highlights all of the positive things going on in Black neighborhoods across the country, starting with Chicago.
The Black History/Black Future issue is on newsstands now.
Veronica Wells is the culture editor at MadameNoire.com. She is also the author of “Bettah Days.” You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter @VDubShrug.
